IOM resident refused vehicle with Manx issued IDP

Europcar says each country has its own specific requirements 

An Isle of Man resident had to fork out double the amount to travel in Japan after his Manx-issued International Driving Licence was refused. 

Lee Watson travelled to the country in May, but despite having all required documentation to hire a car, the business - Europcar - did not recognise the Isle of Man. 

"It was quick to obtain but doesn't look the best. You can make it in your kitchen in an hour and that's the problem. It looks like you made it yourself" - Lee Watson

Mr Watson says he showed the authorities the Geneva Convention with International Driving Permits but with it being a holiday in the country at the time - no one could assist him:

Isle of Man Government has been contacted for a comment. 

In response to Mr Watson, Europcar UK says each country has its own specific requirements for International Driving Permits (IDP) and vehicle rentals. 

For Isle of Man residents traveling to Japan, I would recommend:

1. Contacting the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for definitive guidance on international driving permit requirements for Isle of Man residents
2. Reaching out directly to Japanese car rental companies before travel to confirm their specific documentation requirements
3. Consulting the Isle of Man Government's travel guidance for residents traveling abroad

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Manx Travel, Ed Pearson, says Mr Watson could have been dealing with a junior member of staff who didn't understand the Manx issued paperwork: