Using Chinese licence abroad

[bikerdoc]

If the Country is ok with a IDP and you have a translation of it stamped by an Interpreter ...all should be good.. ..

Great in theory, but Ch!na can't and doesn't issue IDP's after all it's not a signatory as stated above. Since it can't issue a IDP then it follows that a PRC issued DL should not be valid, but, they are... this is simply a reflection of various countries softening their respective attitude and approaches to almost anything Ch!na. Go back 10-15 years this could not be any more different. Blame global trade, globalisation and politicians willing to turn 'the other cheek' just to placate and accommodate to the ascending power of the CNY.

It used to be in some parts of PRC DL's were issued to expats complete with foreign names, which would make the use of the PRC DL in English speaking countries that much more worthwhile, but as of a couple of years ago, it would seem that even this option has relented and DL's issued to foreigners are provided with Chinese names only. As I was told when I was renewing my DL at that time, the system had been 'upgraded' resulting in my PRC DL with my foreign name, being renewed with only my Chinese name... yeah an 'upgrade' and a step forward.

If I was a politician it would be a case of, "oh you don't accept foreign DL and IDP's ok", we don't accept yours... in the same way that Ch!na makes it incredibly difficult to allow importation of personal MC, and adds on duties and taxes that inflate the cost to a further 100% above MSRP, now worries, all like products that Chinese companies export from China to said country are also levied an equivalent figure.

Tit for tat... you betcha!

As for PRC DL and IDP's. Different countries, authorities and jurisdictions allow different DL's issued elsewhere to be used depending on personal and individual circumstances, relevant to local regulations and laws e.g. tourist, temporary resident, work permit, new immigrant. Consequently one's resident status plays a significant role.

IDP's can only be issued from the competent and authorised authority from the same country that one's DL is issued. Meaning that buying a IDP over the internet is pretty much a waste of money as they are not a legal document in many jurisdictions. Many IDP are issued for 12 months validity.