Renting a Car Abroad: Tips and Requirements

Most rental companies set a minimum age, often 21 or higher, and many add a young-driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Some premium or larger vehicle categories require you to be older still, and a few countries or firms also apply an upper age limit. Check the specific rental terms, because these rules vary by company, country and vehicle class.

You must hold a valid driving licence, and it usually needs to have been held for a minimum period, such as one or two years. Where your licence is not in the local language or uses a non-Latin script, an IDP is commonly required so staff can verify your driving categories.

Rental firms almost always place a deposit hold on a credit card in the main driver's name. Debit cards and cash are frequently refused for the deposit, so confirm the accepted payment methods in advance. The hold can be substantial and is released after the car is returned undamaged.

Watch for extra fees that are not in the headline price: airport surcharges, one-way drop-off fees, additional-driver charges, fuel policy differences and cross-border permissions. Read the rental agreement carefully and photograph the car's existing damage at pickup and return to protect yourself from disputed charges.

Rentals typically include a collision damage waiver and theft protection, but these often carry an excess (deductible) you must pay if something goes wrong. You can usually reduce or remove that excess by buying additional cover, either from the rental company or through a separate standalone excess policy.

Check whether liability cover, tyres, windscreen and undercarriage are included, as these are common exclusions. If your travel insurance or credit card already provides car hire excess cover, bring proof so you can decline duplicate cover at the desk.

Bring your national driving licence, your passport, the credit card used to book, and your IDP if required. An IDP is an official translation of your licence recognised under the 1949 and 1968 conventions; it does not replace your licence, so carry both together whenever you drive.

If you still need an IDP, International Drivers provides an instant online application with a digital copy issued quickly and a physical copy by post. Sorting this before you fly means you are not turned away at the rental desk for missing paperwork.