Regulatory restrictions make self-driving tours by mainland tourists in Taiwan truly troublesome

Since the opening of independent travel for mainland tourists, more and more have rented cars to explore Taiwan. Many believe this is the best way to see the island’s beauty. However, as mainlanders cannot obtain an international driver’s license, they are essentially driving without a valid license in Taiwan. Cross-strait discussions on driver’s license reciprocity are needed.

A couple from Shenzhen, surnamed Chen, traveled to Taiwan by renting a car for a self-guided tour. The husband first obtained a Hong Kong driver’s license in Hong Kong, then applied for an International Driving License (IDL) translation document. With this IDL, he successfully rented a car and toured Taiwan for 10 days.

The Chen couple shared their travel experiences on a blog, receiving enthusiastic responses from many netizens who asked about car rentals in Taiwan. He mentioned that renting an 1800CC sedan for 7 days cost around 5,000 yuan (Renminbi, the same below), and that one could return the car to a different location from where it was picked up. Toll fees are half of those in mainland China, fuel is cheaper, and Taiwan’s road signs are very clear. Aside from heavier traffic in urban areas, driving in Taiwan is comfortable—especially between cities and rural areas where there are fewer vehicles. However, one should be mindful of Taiwan’s large number of motorcyclists. Avoid honking unnecessarily while driving, as traffic police often monitor speeding at urban-rural junctions.

IDLs are available on Taobao starting from 300 yuan

However, relying on an IDL translation document to rent a car and travel across Taiwan is essentially driving without a valid license. In case of an accident, it could lead to a series of complications. A genuine International Driving Permit (IDP) has a different cover, while an IDL is merely a translated document but looks very similar to a real international driver’s license. Mainland tourists use the translation document to rent cars without issue. IDLs can also be purchased on Taobao, with prices ranging from 300 to 1,000 yuan.

However, larger and more established car rental companies generally do not accept IDLs, while smaller ones may rent cars more easily.

Resolution depends on ECFA negotiations

According to the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, international driver’s licenses are authorized for issuance by member countries. Taiwan has this right, but mainland China does not. However, the new version of the mainland driver’s license includes an English translation, allowing direct car rentals in many European and American countries. This does not apply to Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan.

The Kaohsiung City Motor Vehicle Office stated that the fastest way for mainland tourists to obtain a driver’s license in Taiwan is to take the test directly. However, this involves residency issues, making it nearly impossible for independent travelers. The only solution lies in the follow-up measures of the ECFA agreement to provide more convenient services, which would also create business opportunities for Taiwan.