You definitely need this in Southeast Asia, for example Thailand, Vietnam, Laos. Without it, you will get some minor fines, but more importantly, if you get in an accident, you were driving without a license, and your insurance may refuse to pay out.

The IDP is moreless a translation of your national license. You only need it in Europe if you do not have a driving license which is issued in the English or French language.

Yes, you will need this, at least for visiting Japan and UK. IDP application is just about $10 in my home country, but I found out it is $20 in the US loool One good thing is now I know what to fill in the permit's effective date in the US with AAA. It was a little confusing because it is not definable in my home country, the date you walk into the office for application is the effective date, thanks for showing us that part

Believe it or not the US DL follows the international standard (shocker) where the information on the DL is organized by numbered entries. So 1 is your last name, 2 is first, 3 DOB and so on. That's important because that is all that matters to the police if you get stopped in non-English speaking countries. The thing we don't follow is the classification codes, which I suppose could be an issue if for example you wanted to drive a big-ass heavy RV or a motorcycle. I guess it's still a good idea to get an IDP since it costs peanuts and is easy to obtain, though I would inquire whether the country/ies you visit just accept US license w/o an issue. Just have your passport with you.

Thx

An important thing to note is that AAA is the only official authorized place to get a real IDP in the US. If you try and google search, you will likely find quite a few companies that offer an international drivers license, but AAA is the only approved vendor in the US. All the others are not valid. You might get lucky and when you go to pick up a rental car, the desk agent might not recognize it's a fake. Same thing if you are pulled over by police. Maybe they don't realize it's not valid. But in either case, if they do, you don't get the car you were probably counting on, or you face potentially serious legal issues for not having valid documents. Either way, why take the risk.

and learn , this : Stay in your lane is only in the US. in the EU, after passing a car you Must go to the rightside lane. you can get a fine for staying in the left lane.. When you see blue flashing light's Make Room !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In most circumstances, you don't need an IDP!