Question:
I'm going to NZ in a month with
a US passport and a Massachusetts
driver's license. Is it still the
rule that you are OK if your passport
is valid 3 months beyond the planned
departure date? Do I need a visa?
Can I rent a car & drive with my
Masschusetts license?
Answer:
I lived in NZ for three years with
a US passport and US drivers license,
I rented cars without problem (most
places assumed I was a tourist),
I was stopped by the police more
than once (no comment) and never
had any problems (regarding the
US license, anyway). In fact, I
didn't get a NZ drivers license
until about 1 week before I left
the country, largely because it
is good "for life". Now I'm back
in the US with no US license, using
my Kiwi license, AND I have rented
a car (?!). So I wouldn't worry
too much about. Kiwis tend to be
pretty easygoing about these sorts
of matter.
Just to set
the record straight, according to
regulations, you are supposed to
acquire a (for life) New Zealand
driver's license within one year
of moving to New Zealand. And you
have to go thru' the "theory", oral,
and practical tests to get one unless
you have a British or Australian
license, I also am going to N.Z.
in a month. As far as Canadian passports
are concerned I know that 3 months
is the correct amount of time (not
sure about U.S.). Canadians do not
need a visa. I suggest you call
the nearest N.Z. consulate for this
information. I plan on using public
transit mostly but am also interested
in whether my Nova Scotia driver's
license will permit me to drive
a car in N.Z..
I did read
in a brochure though that an advance
payment in the form of a bond may
be required due to the high cost
of car repairs in case you are involved
in a vehicle accident. I am quite
sure you will need a visa, and an
international drivers license will
be a good thing to have, less hassle
in renting and stuff. A *visa*?!
For a U.S. passport? I don't think
so, but if I'm wrong, I'm screwed,
cause I leave in two weeks. As far
as an International Driver's license...
I didn't need one to rent and drive
a campervan the last time I was
there. I apologise, it must have
changed over the last few years!
Perhaps a call to the embassy in
DC could confirm this. As for the
drivers license, I think they prefer
International ones.
