Renting a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City: licence, shops, what not to leave as a deposit

What licence do I need to rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnam's 2024 road traffic law (No. 36/2024/QH15, Art. 57) recognises an International Driving Permit from a 1968 Vienna Convention country, and only together with your national licence for the right category. A bike up to 125 cc is category A1; anything bigger is A. The law doesn't mention the 1949 Geneva Convention, so don't count on that kind of permit. The UK Foreign Office adds that it has to be the 1968 version.

An IDP adds no category by itself: if your home licence has no motorcycle category, the permit won't have one either.

What happens if I ride without a licence?

The fine is 2–4 million dong for a bike up to 125 cc and 6–8 million for a bigger one (Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, Art. 18). A rental shop may hand you a bike without asking, but the fine still applies. There's a second problem: VnExpress (3 Dec 2024) warns that some insurers don't pay out if the rider has no valid licence.

Which documents must come with the bike?

The law (Art. 56) requires the bike's registration certificate and a compulsory third-party liability policy (Vietnamese: bảo hiểm TNDS). The UK Foreign Office adds that riding without this insurance is illegal. Ask the shop for both documents or certified copies and keep them under the seat.

Do I need a helmet?

Yes, both rider and passenger. Article 33 of the law requires a helmet meeting Vietnamese standards with the strap fastened — an unfastened helmet is also an offence. If the shop hands you a thin cap with no strap, ask for another.

What should I never leave as a deposit for a bike?

Your original passport. VnExpress (3 Dec 2024) advises carrying it or keeping it in the hotel safe; if a document is demanded, a notarised copy will do. The UK Foreign Office also advises against leaving your passport as a deposit for transport. Without it you can't check into a hotel or buy a SIM. Offer a cash deposit or a copy; if the shop insists on the original, go to another. Don't leave your driving licence either: any traffic patrol can stop you without it.

Which rental shops are there in Ho Chi Minh City?

Two shops in the Pham Ngu Lao area and one on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street. These are the addresses on our listings, checked on 25–26 October 2026.

Agree on licence, deposit and insurance before you sign: these terms change faster than any directory.

What should I check before taking the bike?

Look at the bike before you hand over money.

• Both brakes. The front one on rental bikes is often weak.
• Tyres: tread and sidewalls. Bald tyres on wet roads are a common cause of falls.
• Headlight, indicators, brake light, horn.
• The lock and the helmet storage.
• The plate on the bike matches the registration certificate.

Film the bike from every side together with the shop's staff member. The contract, even half a page, should state the term, the deposit and the bike's condition; read separately who pays for repairs after a breakdown or crash.

Is it worth riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City yourself?

If you have no experience riding in dense traffic, probably not. The UK Foreign Office says motorbike travel in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK and advises against renting if you are not an experienced rider. It also notes that compliance with road laws is poor: keep your speed down and stay alert.

For the centre there is an easier option: a motorbike taxi or car through Grab, Be or Green SM (formerly Xanh SM). The price shows in the app before the ride, and licence and helmet are not your problem. The apps are in the taxis and apps section. Rent a bike if you are heading out of town and ride confidently.

What should I do after a motorbike accident?

The UK Foreign Office lists these numbers: ambulance 115, police 113, fire 114. Call the ambulance if anyone is hurt, and cooperate with the police. The same source warns that after an accident you could face criminal charges and a travel ban during the investigation. Tell your embassy or consulate and your insurer, and phone the rental shop right away: its contract decides who pays for repairs.

FAQ

What licence do I need to rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City? Your home licence with a motorcycle category and a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. Carry both.

Can I rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City without a licence? They may hand you the keys, but you can't ride: the fine is 2–4 million dong for a bike up to 125 cc and 6–8 million for a bigger one.

Is a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP accepted? Don't count on it. The law names only the 1968 Vienna Convention permit.

Should I leave my passport as a deposit for a motorbike? No. Offer a cash deposit or a copy.

Which documents should I ask the rental shop for? The bike's registration certificate and the compulsory liability policy (bảo hiểm TNDS).

Does a passenger need a helmet? Yes, a helmet with the strap fastened is required for rider and passenger (Art. 33 of the law).

Will my travel insurance cover a motorbike accident? It depends on the policy. Many travel policies exclude motorcycling or cover it only if you hold the right licence category. Read yours before the trip.

What do I do after an accident in Ho Chi Minh City? Call 115 for an ambulance if anyone is hurt, stay at the scene and cooperate with the police (113). Then tell the shop, your insurer and your consulate.

Sources and checks

Licences, bike documents and helmets — the text of Law No. 36/2024/QH15, consolidated 2026 version (Art. 33, 56, 57), read on 26 Oct 2026. Fines — Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (Art. 18, cl. 5 and 7). Passport deposit, bike inspection, contract and insurance — VnExpress, 3 Dec 2024. The 1968 version, liability insurance, motorbike risks, accident advice and the numbers 113, 114, 115 — UK Foreign Office travel advice for Vietnam (Safety and security, Getting help; read 26 Oct 2026). Shop addresses and hours — VietGid listings from 25–26 Oct 2026. Text updated 26 October 2026.