Tourists often travel using public transport. But if you have the funds and an international driver’s permit, you can rent a car locally and drive yourself. This gives you quite a bit of freedom when it comes to traveling. You don’t need to wait for buses or line up for the train. But it brings up another set of problems for you.
Driving in another country can be much different from your home. Asian countries can be a massive culture shock to many drivers from other countries. This is thanks to the massive congestion that they often experience and local driving cultures that can be more lenient to guests and guests.
One big problem that you will often encounter is where will you park your car. Thanks to the urban density and larger amount of cars in the city, parking in Asian cities can be sparse. Your hotel might have a garage, but when you’re out in the city, parking can seem like an adventure. To help you out, here’s an overview of a few Asian countries and their parking regulations, along with tips on how to make it easy for you.
Philippines
Parking in the Philippines is rather fluid. You’ll see people parking all over the place. Streets filled with parked cars are a common sight so you might need to drive carefully. But the problem is that you’re a tourist and you’ll want to keep your nose clean during your trip. Paying fines during your vacation is not the best use of funds.
When it comes to parking, there are several prohibited areas. National roads are considered no parking areas, as well as the primary roads and secondary roads in Metro Manila. Parking in front of driveways is also strictly prohibited. This is the same for entrances to hospitals and fire stations.
If possible, you should avoid parking on the street. If you want your jar of Barrio Fiesta Bagoong Sweet and Spicy to stay safe with your other belongings, it is better to spend the money on commercial car parks. There are enough of them in most commercial areas that you can walk a bit from your shopping and be sure that your items are secure.
Malaysia
Malaysia is very strict when it comes to parking, especially in urban areas. If you are not careful, you’ll find your car clamped and needing to pay a fine. To avoid this, you need to familiarize yourself with the signs that designate a no-parking area. The Malaysian “No Parking” sign is a circle with a red border and a blue background. A single red slash inside the circle means no parking. An X inside the circle means no parking or stopping. You should also take note of any tow-away zone signs if you don’t want your car taken away.
Malaysian street parking has meters that you have to put coins in or risk a ticket. Fortunately, modern technology has caught up with these meters. Now, you can download apps that will allow you to pay these parking fees electronically.
South Korea
When it comes to parking, South Korea can be a major headache. In cities like Seoul, the streets are full of cars, and they are all your competition when it comes to parking. If you are not a local, it can also be confusing since many Koreans follow unwritten rules when it comes to parking on the street.
If possible, you should look for a car park. This is your easiest option when it comes to parking. On-street parking is more difficult. For example, Seoul has five different parking categories. Their differences depend on location and use. It is a good idea to look for a parking attendant. When you find one, they can guide you to the parking area and even clear up your parking fees immediately.
Parking on your own is different. But a good rule would be to find an area marked out with white lines. This is the usual designation for public parking. Just park and leave. When you come back, you will likely have a receipt for parking on your windshield. This is when you go look for a parking attendant to pay off your parking fee.
Parking your rented car in another country can be an interesting experience. The three examples above are just a sample of what you may face as a tourist driver. Whatever Asian country you plan to travel to, you should acquaint yourself with the local driving regulations so that you can have a smoother time in your journeys.
