China licence 
MicronesiaCan you drive in Micronesia with a China license?
Short answer: you cannot drive in Micronesia on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — Micronesia requires a local or temporary licence.
An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in Micronesia. Micronesia does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.
Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the Local rules format and carried alongside your national licence.
What driving in Micronesia is like
The circumferential coast road circling Pohnpei, passing the ancient stone city of Nan Madol, is the standout drive in the country. For most visitors the real draw is the freedom to reach places trains and tours don't, on your own schedule, with the open road generally capped around 25 mph island roads. Getting behind the wheel is the easy part: your International Driving Permit is a certified translation of your China licence, carried alongside it, so rental staff and officials in Micronesia can read your credentials at a glance.
What applies to China licence holders in Micronesia
| China licence in Micronesia | |
|---|---|
| Do you need an IDP? | An IDP is not sufficient here |
| IDP format required | Local licensing rules apply |
| Your China licence script | Not in the Roman alphabet — an IDP translation is expected |
| China is party to | Neither IDP convention |
| Drives on the | Right-hand side |
| Minimum driving age | 18 |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 25 mph island roads |
| Currency | USD |
Driving rules in Micronesia you should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits on island roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Roads vary widely between states.
Local driving facts in Micronesia
Emergency number: 911 (112 also connects from most mobiles). Typical maximum for cars on the fastest road class: 25 mph island roads. Posted limits always take precedence.
Tolls & road charges in Micronesia
There are no toll roads or electronic toll systems in any of the four FSM states.
Parking in Micronesia
Parking is free and unregulated, with no meters or paid lots in Kolonia or other towns; vehicles park on roadsides and gravel verges with no towing regime to worry about.
Penalties & enforcement in Micronesia
Seatbelt and drink-driving laws are enforced with fines, but enforcement and speed cameras are minimal; the bigger hazard is poor road conditions and unlit roads rather than ticketing.
If you have an accident in Micronesia
Dial 911 for police and ambulance and report the crash to the relevant state public-safety department (e.g. Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety in Kolonia); accidents frequently cause serious injury, so do not move injured people and wait for responders.
City driving in Micronesia
Traffic keeps right but many vehicles are right-hand-drive imports, making overtaking awkward; in and around Kolonia on Pohnpei watch for an absence of traffic signals, poor street lighting, and pedestrians and animals on the circumferential road.
Winter driving in Micronesia
No winter-tyre rules - tropical climate.
Fuel in Micronesia
Fuel is imported petrol and diesel sold at attended stations clustered around Kolonia and the main towns; prices are high, outer-area stations are sparse, and cash is the safest payment method.
Sources: travel.state.gov, en.wikipedia.org, driverabroad.com