Document checks at Japanese rental car counters are extremely strict. You must present the following 3 items \"all in original physical form\"<\/strong>, and if even one is missing, you will not be able to rent a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the digitization of driving licenses via Singpass is advancing in Singapore, Japanese rental car companies do not accept digital licenses on smartphone screens.<\/strong> You must bring your original physical plastic card to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a mandatory item for driving on public roads in Japan. Japan only recognizes IDPs based on the \"1949 Geneva Convention,\" which you must obtain in advance from an authorized organization in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The original passports of all drivers are required. The rental car company will strictly check the \"Landing Permission Stamp\" (entry stamp) in your passport to ensure you are legally within the permitted driving period in Japan (within one year from entry).<\/p>\n\n\n\n At major Japanese airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Naha, etc.), if you pass through an automated gate or facial recognition gate during immigration, an entry stamp (Landing Permission seal) will not be stamped in your passport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Japanese rental car companies require this \"passport entry stamp\"<\/strong> to prove when you entered Japan. Without it, they cannot verify the validity of your International Driving Permit, and there have been frequent cases where travelers are refused a rental car.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Immediately after passing through the automated gate, please be sure to approach an immigration inspector or staff member at a nearby booth, tell them \"I need a stamp to rent a car,\" and have your passport stamped on the spot.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The only authorized organization in Singapore that can issue an official International Driving Permit (IDP) is AAS (Automobile Association of Singapore)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose from two application routes at AAS depending on your schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you search for terms like \"International Driving Permit Singapore\" on search engines, there are frequent cases where \"fake sites (scam sites) run by private companies\"<\/strong> with designs closely resembling the real AAS appear at the top as advertisements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of these sites charge exorbitant fees for what they call a \"Digital IDP\" or \"Online Translation Certificate\" and only send you a PDF file. These cannot be used in Japan under any circumstances.<\/strong> If you bring a document issued by an unauthorized site, you will be refused a car at the Japanese counter, and your money will be stolen. Please be sure to apply through the official AAS website (aas.com.sg). Japanese rental car companies only accept the \"booklet-type International Driving Permit (original)\"<\/strong> physically issued by AAS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must complete the acquisition of your International Driving Permit (IDP) before departing for Japan (while still in Singapore)<\/strong>. If you think, \"I'll just get one issued at a local police station or the Singapore Embassy once I arrive in Japan,\" your entire road trip plan will be ruined because they do not issue IDPs locally. Please be sure to schedule your application in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most nerve-wracking part of driving overseas is when the steering wheel position and traffic lanes are reversed. However, rest assured. Japan and Singapore have the exact same \"right-hand drive and left-lane traffic\" system.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since how to turn at intersections, the feel of changing lanes, and the position of wipers and turn signals (for Japanese cars) are the same as your daily life in Singapore, you don't need to fear accidentally driving on the wrong side of the road in an unfamiliar place. Japanese drivers generally have good manners, and pedestrians are strictly given priority, so if you drive calmly, you can enjoy a very comfortable road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing an overseas booking site or a budget plan simply because \"it's cheap\" can lead to unexpected troubles locally. Let's look at the three main pitfalls travelers face, and how Jcation solves them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You booked a cheap plan online, but at the local counter, the staff explains, \"This rate does not include accident insurance (Collision Damage Waiver). If you don't add it, you'll be liable for tens or hundreds of thousands of yen.\" As a result, you are forced to pay a hefty additional fee on the spot.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All plans listed on Jcation are displayed as a total inclusive price that includes \"consumption tax\" and the \"Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) fee\"<\/strong> upfront. Since the price is finalized the moment your web booking is complete, there are absolutely no bad surprises for your wallet where staff suddenly push expensive insurance options on you upon arrival at the local Japanese counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\u2460 Singapore Domestic Driving License (*Physical Card Required)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2461<\/strong><\/strong> International Driving Permit (IDP) Issued by AAS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2462 Passport for ID and Entry Date Verification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Singapore<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In a Hurry? Walk-in (Same Day). Have Time? Online<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\u26a0\ufe0f Must Check Before Applying! 2 Precautions to Avoid Pitfalls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udea8 Beware of \"Fake Sites (Scam Sites)\" Online!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded1 You Cannot Obtain an IDP After Arriving in Japan!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A Familiar Traffic Environment - \"Right-Hand Drive & Left-Lane Traffic\"<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Fun Trip Turned Nightmare...? 3 Common Pitfalls<\/strong> to Look Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2460 Hidden Costs with Expensive Insurance Added Locally<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0How Jcation Solves This!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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