NZ licence 
MyanmarCan you drive in Myanmar with an NZ license?
Short answer: you cannot drive in Myanmar on an NZ license or an International Driving Permit alone — Myanmar requires a local or temporary licence.
An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in Myanmar. Myanmar does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.
New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. 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 Myanmar is like
The road from Mandalay up to the colonial hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, climbing through forested switchbacks, is a memorable drive. 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 100 km/h on the Yangon–Naypyidaw expressway. Getting behind the wheel is the easy part: your International Driving Permit is a certified translation of your NZ licence, carried alongside it, so rental staff and officials in Myanmar can read your credentials at a glance.
What applies to NZ licence holders in Myanmar
| NZ licence in Myanmar | |
|---|---|
| Do you need an IDP? | An IDP is not sufficient here |
| IDP format required | Local licensing rules apply |
| Your NZ licence script | Roman (Latin) alphabet |
| New Zealand is party to | 1949 Geneva |
| Drives on the | Right-hand side |
| Minimum driving age | 18 |
| Emergency number | 199 (police), 192 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h on the Yangon–Naypyidaw expressway |
| Currency | MMK |
Driving rules in Myanmar you should know
- Drive on the right (despite right-hand-drive cars).
- Horns used frequently.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
Local driving facts in Myanmar
Emergency number: 199 (police), 192 (ambulance) (112 also connects from most mobiles). Typical maximum for cars on the fastest road class: 100 km/h on the Yangon–Naypyidaw expressway. Posted limits always take precedence.
Tolls & road charges in Myanmar
Major expressways such as the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and several trunk roads have manual cash toll gates charging kyat by vehicle class; there is no electronic toll tag system. Your hired driver pays these tolls.
Parking in Myanmar
In central Yangon paid street parking uses attendants and coupon/ticket systems, with strict no-parking zones and a downtown ban on motorcycles; parking is congested and enforced by towing and clamping. Visitors with a driver rarely deal with this directly.
Penalties & enforcement in Myanmar
Police enforce speeding, seatbelt and phone-use rules with on-the-spot cash fines; documentation requirements are unpredictable and IDPs may be questioned. Because a driver is hired, fines and camera penalties are typically the operator's responsibility.
If you have an accident in Myanmar
Dial 199 for police and 192 for ambulance. Report any accident to the police and do not move the vehicles after an injury collision; with a hired driver, let them and the rental company manage the report and insurance.
City driving in Myanmar
Yangon bans motorcycles across much of the city and suffers heavy congestion with right-hand-drive cars on right-hand-side roads (a legacy of the 1970 switch), making overtaking and junctions hazardous for the unfamiliar.
Winter driving in Myanmar
No winter-tyre rules - tropical climate. The bigger hazard is the May-October monsoon, which floods roads and washes out rural and mountain routes.
Fuel in Myanmar
Petrol (Octane 92 and 95) and diesel are sold; supply and prices have been volatile, with periodic shortages and queues. Stations are attended; carry kyat cash as card acceptance is rare and fuel rationing can occur.
Sources: idaservice.org, internationaltravelpermits.com, oricacars.com, travelauthenticasia.com