Driving

I would say no. Never been asked for it or required to present one when renting a car in France. One interesting quirk they have is if your license pic shows you wearing glasses, you have to have (and produce if stopped) another pair!

Absolutely -- it is the translation of your license into multi=languages. Your driver's license must accompany the permit. Many will post that they have not needed it but if you do and don't have it then you have a serious problem. Get it.

No, it's not required in France.

Here's a link that tells where an international driver's permit is required. France is not on the list that requires an IDP. I hope it's up to date.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/idp-requirements-by-country.html

If you might travel to other countries while you are there, you should check whether it is required in those countries. The IDP is cheap and painless, so if you are even considering visiting a country that requires one, I'd pick one up before you leave at an AAA office.

From Brad's link (my bolding):

This information refers to UK driving licence holders only. We are unable to advise holders of overseas licences for travel outside the UK.

AFAIK American licence holders don't need an IDP in France but I'd be wary of using this page a definitive evidence. (Same for that link to the New Zealand AA that does the rounds on this site.)

For the small amount of money involved, and the potential problems it can prevent, I would get one any time I traveled in a non-English-speaking area. It may not be required but it's still a good idea.

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Hi Colette,

I'm one who gets an IDP from AAA every time we travel to Europe. Never needed it, I don't even know if it's a" must have" everytime we travel, but I'd rather pay $15 or so for the IDP and have peace of mind.

Paul