Driving on the wrong side of the road requires a lot of attention from those who are used to driving on the right-hand side of the road. If you don't remember this, the situation will, at best, look like a scene from a cliché comedy. However, to avoid accidents, fines and international problems, it is necessary to know which countries have a different traffic direction to Brazil.
In most countries in the world, vehicles must keep to the right of the road. Consequently, motorists stay on the left-hand side of the road, closer to the centre of the road. However, those travelling abroad need to confirm which is the traffic flow direction of the nation they are visiting.
Therefore, Happy Tours has prepared a list of the main countries where cars drive on the left. Furthermore, in this post you will see what this traffic direction is and how it came about. Stay with this post until the end and avoid international problems!
What is an English hand?
It is a traffic flow direction in which cars stay to the left. In other words, cars in the opposite direction pass on the right. This means that overtaking must also be done on the right. Besides the direction of the vehicles, several other traffic dynamics end up being different.
For example, roundabouts are made clockwise, when crossing a two-way street, one should look to the right first. Public transport also changes when the direction of circulation is different: bus stops are on the left. Vertical signage, too, is on the left side of the street.
You may be wondering what it's like to drive in these situations. After all, a driver sitting on the left would have impaired visibility, wouldn't you? However, in countries with English traffic, the driver sits on the right-hand side and gears are changed with the left hand.
Regardless of the direction of the road and the country, it may be necessary to rent a car outside of Brazil. For this reason, many people end up resorting to international prepaid cards.
How the English hand came about
The most plausible explanation is that this position was inherited from Medieval Europe or Ancient Rome. In this period, riders rode on the left, in order to leave the right hand free for any fights. As the UK developed, horses and chariots continued to be ridden on the same side.
At the end of the 19th century, the document regulating traffic in the United Kingdom made this convention become law. In addition, the countries colonised by the British eventually adopted this sense of traffic.
Japan was not a colony of the United Kingdom, but its railways were built by English engineers. In this way, the running direction of trains became the standard for other modes of transport.
And do you know the main countries that adopt the English hand? Find out in the following post!
Which countries have an English hand?
Currently, there are around 70 countries and territories that run on the left-hand side. The vast majority of them are British colonies or part of the Commonwealth of Nations. For example, in Europe, seven places drive on the English hand and none of them have a land border with other countries.
Check out the main tourist destinations where cars circulate on the left. Check them out!
United Kingdom
Of course, the territory made famous by left-side driving would be on this list. After all, England is a country that belongs to the United Kingdom. When you think of a region that adopts this traffic system, it's the first that comes to many people's minds. Or can you say that you've never noticed the cars "on the wrong side of the road" on the cover of the Beatles' Abbey Road album?
Another reason for the Queen's land being famous is that it is one of the main countries that do not require a visa from Brazilians!
Ireland
The land of Guinness, Oscar Wilde and the leprechauns is part of the United Kingdom and therefore also adopts the English hand. This country is a famous destination for Brazilians in Europe. Mainly those who are looking for an exchange programme to improve their language skills.
In addition, this nation boasts some of the best pubs in the world. During your visit, be sure to visit some of Europe's top museums, too.
Thailand
Thailand is famous for its beaches and cuisine. However, when visiting this country, you will notice that cars drive on the opposite side of the road. Therefore, in addition to the chaotic traffic in some areas, you need to pay attention to the direction of the traffic and avoid an accident.
Indonesia
Anyone looking for breathtaking beaches, rainforests, mountains and waterfalls needs to travel to Indonesia. However, this roadtrip has to be done on the left side of the road. In the archipelago, made up of over 17 thousand islands, you will be able to enjoy the local cuisine and hospitality, as well as have the experience of driving on the English hand.
Nepal
Nepal is known worldwide for being - along with Tibet - the home of Mount Everest, the highest point in the world. For this reason, this country is a great destination for those seeking adventure and adrenaline. You can't climb to the top of Everest by car, of course, but your trip in Nepal should be on the left of the streets.
Singapore
Ever thought of visiting a totally cosmopolitan region with great nightlife in an extremely modern city-state? Then you must visit the Republic of Singapore. There, besides the English hand, you will find hotels, beaches and buildings that will make you fall in love. Enjoy your trip and see how the city is lit up and completely different at night.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city-state. Today, the island is a quasi-independent region of China. Its principle is "one country, two systems", that is, despite its own government and territory, the region is still officially part of Chinese territory.
As one of the main economic centres in Asia, Hong Kong is one of the main destinations for Brazilian businessmen. So, check out our tips for business travel and make the most of your stay on the island.
Japan
Japan is another country that traffic is known to obey the British hand. However, the archipelago was not a colony of Great Britain. The traffic system is adopted in the country because of the commercial relations that the two nations had and British engineers were in charge of designing the Japanese road network. This influenced the choice of the direction of the other means of transport.
New Zealand
The country is known for being the land of rugby and extreme sports. New Zealand was an English colony and because of this many customs ended up being absorbed by the population. One of them was the English hand. So, if you want to get to know the sets of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit franchise better, you will need to drive on the left side of the street.
Australia
Australia is New Zealand's neighbour and was also a British colony. Therefore, in the land of kangaroos, you will also drive on the left-hand side of the streets. Anyone visiting the land of AC/DC and Men at Work will be able to enjoy various natural beauties, gastronomy and unique customs.
Travelling to Australia? Check out our post about what to pack in your suitcase and learn how to leave room to bring lots of boomerangs and vegemite!
India
India is known for its chaotic traffic. It is easy to find videos of rush hour in New Delhi and get shocked with so much happening at the same time. In addition to the various information seen in the traffic, Brazilians will need to pay attention to the direction of the traffic. In the land of the Taj Mahal, the English hand is adopted.
South Africa
South Africa gained more prominence among tourists after the 2010 World Cup. This country was a British colony and due to that, it had a painful chapter in its history - Apartheid. Due to the British influences in the nation, the traffic circulation system is on the left.
Namibia
Namibia is also on the African continent and was under European rule for many years. Until 1990, this region was a territory of South Africa and is currently independent. If you are looking for desert tourism, you must get to know this country and its natural attractions.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is made up of more than 700 islands and is a real paradise for tourists. Anyone looking to visit Caribbean beaches with a lot of style needs to get to know this region. It is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and, for this reason, they adopt English as the transit system. As the official language is English, communication is no longer an obstacle.
Barbados
Barbados is another country in the Caribbean region. Moreover, this country is known for being the homeland of singer Rihanna. It is a very small nation, only 34 km long and 23 km wide. The left-hand traffic system is adopted there due to the influence of the British Empire.
Jamaica
Jamaica is the fifth largest country in the Caribbean. This country is the land of reggae and Bob Marley. This region is also part of the Commonwealth. For this reason, Elizabeth II is the monarch and head of state of this nation. For these reasons, the island uses the English hand for traffic.
Besides the countries mentioned here, there are many others that adopt the English hand. Some of them are not so famous because they are tourist destinations. However, in general, these territories are located in Asia, Central Africa and the Caribbean region.
Travelling is all good, isn't it? Especially when you can celebrate a special date abroad. One of the main periods that people seek to tourist is at the end of the year. So, to know where to go, see our best destinations for New Year's Eve abroad.
