We'll let him off then but, realistically, a little research before/after arriving would have helped a lot. So it's not your guilt to carry.
We'll let him off then but, realistically, a little research before/after arriving would have helped a lot. So it's not your guilt to carry.
In summary:
To drive in HK, you either need to be a tourist (and use your home country license) or a HK resident (and use your HK license). You may be able to get away with doing it differently, but it is a risk.
An International Driving Permit is not a license. It is a translation of your home country license, and it is only valid for one year. You could get one now if you wanted one. AAA in the 'States issues them. But why bother? They're usually not required. Some people say they just make writing you a ticket easier...
Of my last 3 car hires (all in the last 6 months) ALL of them have required an international driving license. MrMin was not able to drive the car on the last trip because he forgot his (Korea); I forgot mine in Australia but had my (almost expired an with the wrong address on it) NZ licence with me that they accepted. The rules appear to be random - never been asked in Australia before and had hired a car with the HK license!
An international driving permit is cheap, easy to get and a good backstop if you come across some of these places which are really iffy about licences! But as noted, it's NOT a replacement for a HK license if you live here,
I agree that for most urban parts of HK, the OP can get by with public transport (which is far superior to that of the US-byproduct of the denser living environment of HK). However, there are a few spots in HK where it is actually more convenient to to get to with a car. In certain areas of the county parks for instance. So let's not turn advantages of public transportation into yet another anti-car rant. Some people just enjoy cars because they enjoy the act of driving, not simply to get from A to B, maybe Op is one of them, whether in HK or US.
Last edited by Watercooler; 28-12-2012 at 09:57 AM.