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Off Topic => Ten Forward => Topic started by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 08:00:20 am

Title: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 08:00:20 am
I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: ActiveX on April 07, 2004, 08:38:55 am
I believe we have things called Embassies, although in light of recent history, they might be bomb shelters...

IIRC you can drive on a foreign license as long as it is one we recognize, but I dunno for sure...
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 10:01:54 am
Yes Mr Sarcastic, I know you have an embassy. Have you seen how much they charge for you to ring them up? No email address either.

Reason I posted here was seeing that there are so many knowledgable people here from your side of the pond, I thought maybe someone would know and would be able to civilly answer my questions.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: TheShadow on April 07, 2004, 10:10:14 am
Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




 This should answer your questions Mog.

 Foreign Visitors Driving in the U.S.  
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: 762 on April 07, 2004, 11:19:27 am
You could try one of the car rental companies Moggy. (Hertz, National, Enterprise, etc.) They could probably tell you exactly what you need.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 07, 2004, 12:46:25 pm
Most states also differ on what they require in the way of insurance!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: JMM on April 07, 2004, 01:00:52 pm
Mog, I can tell you if you visit Texas, insurance on anybody is mandatory, believe me brother, ask Officer Mats, it is a 350 dollar ticket! Get a few of them and you can get locked away!  

BTW, may I ask why G.B. is imposing a stiff entry fee on all non-military or "official" visitors now? I thought Mexico was bad, but you guys are way above what they charge!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Confused?? on April 07, 2004, 01:59:04 pm
I know it's something of a forgotten art these days but I wrote a letter to the US embassy in London. And they replied within about 2 weeks with a LOAD of info. I have to say, very friendly and informative. A nice group of chaps and ladies.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: JMM on April 07, 2004, 02:09:13 pm
I'll second that Confused, I remember a yr ago when I mailed a digital cam to Mexico. Never heard a word for a month and a half. Mind you I sent it express, insured, tracking, the works! So I call the Mexican embassy in Austin, no help at all, needless to say I went off on them. I then called long distance to the embassy in El Paso, talked to a nice man but he told me Mexican mail does not fall under his authority and is crappy anyways.

Last resort, I call the American embassy in Mexico City, told the woman my problem, and explained it would not be a big deal but that I was a disabled vet and that cam was one tenth of my check, plus shipping, and when in custody of the U.S. mail is considered the property of the U.S. govt. in some ways IMHO. She agreed and asked for my e-mail and phone number. She called back that afternoon and told me it had sat at Mexico City's airport all this time and it would get sent ASAP to C.C. (Chihuahua City). The Mexicans must have had some fear of something in them, as it was on the next flight to C.C. and arrived at my friend's house the next day.

God bless the Americans that work at our embassies!    
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: TB613 on April 07, 2004, 03:43:12 pm
Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




Drive on the right side of the road.  
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Capt. Mike on April 07, 2004, 04:40:41 pm
And learn to shift with your right hand...at least the pedals are in the same place  

Took a bit to re-learn when I was stationed there, but the shift pattern's the same, it's just the coordination factor.

Mike
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: IndyShark on April 07, 2004, 08:34:37 pm
Hail Moggy!

Where are you going to visit? The great state of Indiana perhaps?  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Tremok on April 07, 2004, 09:13:00 pm
 If you drive slowly, say the speed limit, in the left lane, and get in my way, and slow me down, I will never forgive you.    
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 08, 2004, 10:19:32 am
Quote:

Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




Drive on the right side of the road.  
   




DON'T STEER TWORDS THE LIGHT, DON'T GO TO THE LIGHT!!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mocton on April 08, 2004, 11:44:37 am
oh yea don't forget we drive on the RIGHT side of the road,you english drive on the wrong side of the road,but in all seriousness call a car rental agency they will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to rent a car
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 09, 2004, 08:55:04 am
Quote:

oh yea don't forget we drive on the RIGHT side of the road,you english drive on the wrong side of the road,but in all seriousness call a car rental agency they will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to rent a car  




Never driven in Des Moines have ya?  
Title: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 08:00:20 am
I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: ActiveX on April 07, 2004, 08:38:55 am
I believe we have things called Embassies, although in light of recent history, they might be bomb shelters...

IIRC you can drive on a foreign license as long as it is one we recognize, but I dunno for sure...
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 10:01:54 am
Yes Mr Sarcastic, I know you have an embassy. Have you seen how much they charge for you to ring them up? No email address either.

Reason I posted here was seeing that there are so many knowledgable people here from your side of the pond, I thought maybe someone would know and would be able to civilly answer my questions.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: TheShadow on April 07, 2004, 10:10:14 am
Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




 This should answer your questions Mog.

 Foreign Visitors Driving in the U.S.  
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: 762 on April 07, 2004, 11:19:27 am
You could try one of the car rental companies Moggy. (Hertz, National, Enterprise, etc.) They could probably tell you exactly what you need.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 07, 2004, 12:46:25 pm
Most states also differ on what they require in the way of insurance!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: JMM on April 07, 2004, 01:00:52 pm
Mog, I can tell you if you visit Texas, insurance on anybody is mandatory, believe me brother, ask Officer Mats, it is a 350 dollar ticket! Get a few of them and you can get locked away!  

BTW, may I ask why G.B. is imposing a stiff entry fee on all non-military or "official" visitors now? I thought Mexico was bad, but you guys are way above what they charge!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Confused?? on April 07, 2004, 01:59:04 pm
I know it's something of a forgotten art these days but I wrote a letter to the US embassy in London. And they replied within about 2 weeks with a LOAD of info. I have to say, very friendly and informative. A nice group of chaps and ladies.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: JMM on April 07, 2004, 02:09:13 pm
I'll second that Confused, I remember a yr ago when I mailed a digital cam to Mexico. Never heard a word for a month and a half. Mind you I sent it express, insured, tracking, the works! So I call the Mexican embassy in Austin, no help at all, needless to say I went off on them. I then called long distance to the embassy in El Paso, talked to a nice man but he told me Mexican mail does not fall under his authority and is crappy anyways.

Last resort, I call the American embassy in Mexico City, told the woman my problem, and explained it would not be a big deal but that I was a disabled vet and that cam was one tenth of my check, plus shipping, and when in custody of the U.S. mail is considered the property of the U.S. govt. in some ways IMHO. She agreed and asked for my e-mail and phone number. She called back that afternoon and told me it had sat at Mexico City's airport all this time and it would get sent ASAP to C.C. (Chihuahua City). The Mexicans must have had some fear of something in them, as it was on the next flight to C.C. and arrived at my friend's house the next day.

God bless the Americans that work at our embassies!    
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: TB613 on April 07, 2004, 03:43:12 pm
Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




Drive on the right side of the road.  
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Capt. Mike on April 07, 2004, 04:40:41 pm
And learn to shift with your right hand...at least the pedals are in the same place  

Took a bit to re-learn when I was stationed there, but the shift pattern's the same, it's just the coordination factor.

Mike
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: IndyShark on April 07, 2004, 08:34:37 pm
Hail Moggy!

Where are you going to visit? The great state of Indiana perhaps?  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Tremok on April 07, 2004, 09:13:00 pm
 If you drive slowly, say the speed limit, in the left lane, and get in my way, and slow me down, I will never forgive you.    
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 08, 2004, 10:19:32 am
Quote:

Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




Drive on the right side of the road.  
   




DON'T STEER TWORDS THE LIGHT, DON'T GO TO THE LIGHT!!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mocton on April 08, 2004, 11:44:37 am
oh yea don't forget we drive on the RIGHT side of the road,you english drive on the wrong side of the road,but in all seriousness call a car rental agency they will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to rent a car
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 09, 2004, 08:55:04 am
Quote:

oh yea don't forget we drive on the RIGHT side of the road,you english drive on the wrong side of the road,but in all seriousness call a car rental agency they will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to rent a car  




Never driven in Des Moines have ya?  
Title: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 08:00:20 am
I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: ActiveX on April 07, 2004, 08:38:55 am
I believe we have things called Embassies, although in light of recent history, they might be bomb shelters...

IIRC you can drive on a foreign license as long as it is one we recognize, but I dunno for sure...
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mog on April 07, 2004, 10:01:54 am
Yes Mr Sarcastic, I know you have an embassy. Have you seen how much they charge for you to ring them up? No email address either.

Reason I posted here was seeing that there are so many knowledgable people here from your side of the pond, I thought maybe someone would know and would be able to civilly answer my questions.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: TheShadow on April 07, 2004, 10:10:14 am
Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




 This should answer your questions Mog.

 Foreign Visitors Driving in the U.S.  
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: 762 on April 07, 2004, 11:19:27 am
You could try one of the car rental companies Moggy. (Hertz, National, Enterprise, etc.) They could probably tell you exactly what you need.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 07, 2004, 12:46:25 pm
Most states also differ on what they require in the way of insurance!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: JMM on April 07, 2004, 01:00:52 pm
Mog, I can tell you if you visit Texas, insurance on anybody is mandatory, believe me brother, ask Officer Mats, it is a 350 dollar ticket! Get a few of them and you can get locked away!  

BTW, may I ask why G.B. is imposing a stiff entry fee on all non-military or "official" visitors now? I thought Mexico was bad, but you guys are way above what they charge!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Confused?? on April 07, 2004, 01:59:04 pm
I know it's something of a forgotten art these days but I wrote a letter to the US embassy in London. And they replied within about 2 weeks with a LOAD of info. I have to say, very friendly and informative. A nice group of chaps and ladies.
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: JMM on April 07, 2004, 02:09:13 pm
I'll second that Confused, I remember a yr ago when I mailed a digital cam to Mexico. Never heard a word for a month and a half. Mind you I sent it express, insured, tracking, the works! So I call the Mexican embassy in Austin, no help at all, needless to say I went off on them. I then called long distance to the embassy in El Paso, talked to a nice man but he told me Mexican mail does not fall under his authority and is crappy anyways.

Last resort, I call the American embassy in Mexico City, told the woman my problem, and explained it would not be a big deal but that I was a disabled vet and that cam was one tenth of my check, plus shipping, and when in custody of the U.S. mail is considered the property of the U.S. govt. in some ways IMHO. She agreed and asked for my e-mail and phone number. She called back that afternoon and told me it had sat at Mexico City's airport all this time and it would get sent ASAP to C.C. (Chihuahua City). The Mexicans must have had some fear of something in them, as it was on the next flight to C.C. and arrived at my friend's house the next day.

God bless the Americans that work at our embassies!    
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: TB613 on April 07, 2004, 03:43:12 pm
Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




Drive on the right side of the road.  
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Capt. Mike on April 07, 2004, 04:40:41 pm
And learn to shift with your right hand...at least the pedals are in the same place  

Took a bit to re-learn when I was stationed there, but the shift pattern's the same, it's just the coordination factor.

Mike
 
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: IndyShark on April 07, 2004, 08:34:37 pm
Hail Moggy!

Where are you going to visit? The great state of Indiana perhaps?  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Tremok on April 07, 2004, 09:13:00 pm
 If you drive slowly, say the speed limit, in the left lane, and get in my way, and slow me down, I will never forgive you.    
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 08, 2004, 10:19:32 am
Quote:

Quote:

I'm planning on visiting the USA next month. I'd like to travel around by car, but I'm struggling to find information on what I need (insurance, licence etc). Can anybody here either help answer these questions or point me to some site that can please?  




Drive on the right side of the road.  
   




DON'T STEER TWORDS THE LIGHT, DON'T GO TO THE LIGHT!!  
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Mocton on April 08, 2004, 11:44:37 am
oh yea don't forget we drive on the RIGHT side of the road,you english drive on the wrong side of the road,but in all seriousness call a car rental agency they will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to rent a car
Title: Re: Question about foreign visitors driving in the USA
Post by: Interloper on April 09, 2004, 08:55:04 am
Quote:

oh yea don't forget we drive on the RIGHT side of the road,you english drive on the wrong side of the road,but in all seriousness call a car rental agency they will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to rent a car  




Never driven in Des Moines have ya?