According to the US Department of State Travel section, many countries do not recognize a United States driver's license but will accept an international driver permit (IDP). An IDP functions as an official translation of your US license into 10 foreign languages. An International License is not intended to replace a valid US State license and should be used as a supplement to a valid driver's license.

Thailand is one of the countries which honor International Driving Permits (Convention on Road Traffic, United Nations, Geneva 1949). From information we have read on Thailand tourism, an international driving permit (license) is recognized while your general foreign license is not. It was noted that if you stay over 3 months in Thailand that you will be required to obtain a Thai driver's license.

According to Budget rentals in Thailand, all self-drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of residence (with an English translation) and an international drivers permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving. From this information it seems that it would be best if you carry both an IDP and your valid Texas driver's license if you plan to drive while in Thailand.

Before departing for Thailand you can obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance, the only 2 authorized distributors of IDPS in the US. An IDP is not valid in an individual's county of residence, so you could not use it in place of a valid State license here in the US.

Tips on driving abroad mentioned by the US State Department of Travel include:

• Obtain a IDP
• Carry both your IDP and state driver's license with you at all times. Many countries have different driving rules. Try obtaining a copy of the foreign country's rules before driving in their country. You may be able to obtain information from the foreign embassy of the county (i.e. Thailand) or from the foreign government tourism office.
• Check the county's minimum and maximum driving ages.
• Certain countries require road permits, instead of tolls and will fine those driving without a permit.
• Make sure you have liability insurance or other necessary insurance on the vehicle you are driving (renting).

When you return from Thailand, give your auto policy a tune-up by getting Texas auto insurance quote here with us.