Traveling while studying abroad: student transportation card and buying a car

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Traveling while studying abroad is a daily problem: from home to school, to part-time work, to the market, and going out on weekends. Choosing the right type of ticket, taking advantage of student incentives and thinking carefully before buying a car can help you save significantly each month. This article summarizes what you need to know about student transportation cards, bicycles, cars and driver's licenses for international students.

Which means of transport should you choose when studying abroad?

Before deciding, consider housing location (see article Find housing while studying abroad), class schedule, part-time work schedule and climate where you live. In big cities with good train networks, public transport is almost always the most economical option. In small towns or suburbs, a bicycle or car may become necessary.

Transportation cards and incentives for students

Most cities use smart card deposits (e.g. Myki in Melbourne, Opal in Sydney, Oyster in London, Presto in Toronto, Suica/PASMO in Tokyo, T-money in Seoul). Discounts for international students vary greatly from place to place.

How to save money when using public transportation

• Compare individual tickets and monthly/recurring tickets based on the actual number of trips per week.
• Avoid hours when prices vary by time peak frame.
• Register your card by name to have your balance protected if you lose your card.
• Always tap the card (tap on/off) correctly. In many cities, riding the train without a valid ticket can result in a hefty fine, and it's not worth taking your chances.

On the first day of landing, you may not have a student card yet. Please find out in advance the route from the airport to your accommodation as instructed in the article Airport pick up and accommodation for the first days.

Bicycles and small personal vehicles

In European cities such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen or many university towns, bicycles are the most popular means of transport for students. The benefits are obvious: cheap, flexible, healthy.

• Buy used cars through the school's used market or student group; Avoid buying unusually cheap cars because they may be stolen.
• Invest in a good lock, in many places the rate of bike loss is quite high.
• Comply with the law: many countries require helmets (eg Australia), have front/rear lights when riding at night, do not ride on sidewalks.
• Electric scooters, electric bicycles: regulations vary by city, some places prohibit the use of personal vehicles on public roads. Check carefully before buying.

Traffic law violations, no matter how small, can still result in heavy fines abroad. See more Things international students cannot do according to host country laws.

Should I buy a car while studying abroad?

Cars are convenient, especially in the US, Canada, Australian suburbs or when you work night shifts. However, in addition to the car price, there are many hidden costs.

Costs need to be calculated in advance

• Car insurance (usually high for young people who just got a license in that country).
• Vehicle registration, registration fee, annual vehicle tax.
• Gasoline, parking at school and city center, maintenance and repair.
• Risk of reselling when returning home or moving cities.

Driver's license: don't be subjective

Vietnam issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) according to the form of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic; This IDP can only be used in countries participating in that convention and must be accompanied by a valid national driver's license. Some popular study abroad destinations do not recognize this type of IDP or only allow the use of a foreign diploma for a limited time, then require a change to a local diploma. So:

1. Check the regulations on the website of the traffic authority of the state/province where you study.
2. Determine whether you can drive with a Vietnamese license (with translation) or IDP or must take a local license test.
3. Do not drive without making sure your license is valid: insurance may refuse compensation in the event of an accident.

Buy a safe used car

• Look up vehicle history, mortgage status, whether the vehicle has been recorded as stolen or not (eg PPSR lookup service in Australia).
• Have a mechanic or experienced person check the vehicle; test drive.
• Do not transfer deposits to vehicles that have not been viewed in person.

A good travel plan also helps you take advantage of your vacation to explore, see suggestions in the article Travel economically while studying abroad. When you need to fly back to Vietnam or domestically, VeDuHoc's team of more than 30 Bookers will hunt for multi-carrier tickets, continue to monitor prices even when prices are high and refund the difference if a better price is found after you have paid. You can submit a request on the page Book tickets.

Frequently asked questions

Do international students receive a discount on traffic tickets?

Depends on city and state. Some places have separate preferential cards for international students, some places only apply to domestic students. Ask your school's international student office.

Should I get an international driver's license before going?

You should only do this if your destination country recognizes the IDP issued by Vietnam. Please check the official regulations first to avoid wasting money without being able to use it.

Does buying a car affect your financial records or visa?

Usually not directly affected, but car costs can strain the budget. Please balance according to the plan in the lesson Personal financial management for international students.

What are the effects of driving without a ticket?

You must pay a fine; If not paid, the debt could go to collections and cause legal trouble. Always use a valid ticket.

Choosing the right way to travel helps you save time, money and stay safe. Need air ticket support, please contact hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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