What benefits do expats receive arriving from the UK?

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by synthia

Do they still issue international drivers licenses? They were originally put in place to allow a picture to be associated with drivers licenses, back in the days when a drivers license was basically a piece of cardboard. Most countries only required them if your license did not have a picture. Now that almost everyone has a license with a photo, is an international drivers license even available?

Last I knew, an international drivers license was something issued by the national auto association (AAA in the US) that just provided a standarized translation of your license into several languages. Haven't seen one recently, but when I had my int'l license, it was only good if presented with your home country driving license.

Given the current laws about having to get a local license within a month or so of "taking up residence" in most countries, an international license really doesn't seem to get you much these days.
Cheers,
Bev

[philgib]

I have been driving with international driving license for 5 years now, but it is time for me to get a Mexican one.

There is no theorical exam, only a practical exam. Than it is easier to go around with a driving license as an ID than a passport. No big dammage if it is lost...

[bournemouth]

The conditions for driving licenses vary from state to state. Phil may have been able to get a license without taking the written test but in other states, that may not be the case.

[jappa78]

Thanks to you all for your advice.
The idea is that to begin with I am living in the Guadalajara/Chapala/Ajijic/Jocotepec area. I have been trying to look for house/flats
to rent in these areas on the internet. I have especially had trouble finding anything the the Lake Chapala area. Does anyone know of any useful websites?

Also do you know roughly how much I should pay for a part-furnished flat or house with 2-3 rooms?

[RVGRINGO]

If you mean 2-3 bedrooms, you will find them in the Lake Chapala area, listed by rental agencies, anywhere from $500-$1500 per month. Use Google for "Ajijic, Chapala Rentals" or "Ajijic, Chapala Real Estate".

[Markosjal]

"Than it is easier to go around with a driving license as an ID than a passport"

The only valid ID in Mexico is a Passport, or your IFE if you are Mexican. A drivers license is not worth didly for ID

[Micah34]

Thanks for you reply and your sound words. Never buy a car in Mexico with a foreign plate. That is illegal.
my photography:- portrait painters

[RVGRINGO]

In Mexico, you will need a valid driver's license from somewhere; almost anywhere. They are reciprocal. An 'international driver's license' is simply an affirmation and translation of the validity of your home license. They are seldom used here and are not necessary; nor are they a valid license without your current original license.

[oesgwynedd]

Originally Posted by synthia

Do they still issue international drivers licenses? Now that almost everyone has a license with a photo, is an international drivers license even available?

Yes, Triple A (AAA) offices around the world will issue them. You have to take in 3 i believe passport photo's........

[synthia]

The international drivers license was originally developed when drivers licenses were pieces of cardboard and didn't have pictures. They are sort of redundant now.