Renting a Car and Driving Abroad

Start with your license

Whether you can drive abroad is decided by the rules of the country you visit, not by your own license. Some countries require an international driving permit, some do not recognize certain permits because they follow a different convention or ask for an official translation instead, and some accept a foreign license as it is. Rules can also vary by region or by how long you stay. So the first step is to check the required documents in official guidance from the destination's embassy or the issuing authority. Keep in mind that rental companies may ask for more than the law requires.

Getting an international driving permit

An international driving permit is a supporting document issued on the basis of your home license. It is not a license by itself, so it is generally valid only when carried together with your original license and passport. Follow the issuing authority's guidance on where to apply, what to bring, fees and validity, and get it as soon as your plans are set rather than rushing at the last minute.

• Confirm which license formats the destination accepts
• Check your home license's expiry and that it is not suspended
• Make sure the name on the permit matches your passport
• Carry your home license, permit and passport together

What to look at when booking

In peak season, book early to get the type of car you want. Compare the conditions, not just the price, so you are not surprised by extra charges at the counter. Many companies require a credit card in the driver's name and place a deposit hold, and some set a minimum age or driving experience or add a young-driver fee. Manual transmissions are common in some regions, so if you need an automatic, choose it clearly when booking.

• Credit card in the driver's name and deposit terms
• Age and experience rules, and registering extra drivers
• Fuel policy: return full or prepaid
• One-way drop-off or border crossing, and their fees

Insurance and how much you owe

Rental insurance comes with confusing names, but the key question is how much you are liable for if something happens. Even with a damage waiver, you often still owe an excess up to a set amount, and items such as tires, glass or the underside of the car may be excluded. How much liability cover for other people and property is included in the base rate also varies by country. If a credit card benefit or your travel insurance already covers part of it, check the overlap in advance to avoid paying twice. Reading the exclusions and excess in the terms before you sign is the surest approach.

Inspecting the car at pickup

Pickup is the best moment to prevent disputes at return. Walk around the car with the staff, check that existing scratches are marked on the contract, and take photos or video of the exterior and dashboard. Learning the controls before you set off means fewer surprises on unfamiliar roads.

• Photograph scratches, dents, chipped glass and tires
• Check that mileage and fuel match the contract
• Learn the headlights, wipers and gear controls
• Confirm the fuel type so you do not mix up petrol and diesel
• Get the emergency number and breakdown procedure

Driving on unfamiliar roads

The biggest difference is which side of the road you drive on. In countries that drive on the left, such as Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia, the driver's seat and lane sense are reversed, so mistakes are most likely when turning at intersections and leaving parking lots. Speed limits in the United States and the United Kingdom are posted in miles per hour, and in countries with many roundabouts, cars already inside usually have priority. Rules on turning at traffic lights vary by country and region, so habits from home can get you a ticket. Avoid long drives on the first day, and download offline maps in case you lose signal. Drink-driving limits differ and are stricter in many places, so do not drive if you have had even one drink.

If you have an accident or breakdown

After an accident, move to a safe place, check whether anyone is hurt and call the local emergency number. Record photos of the scene, the other vehicle's details and the police report number, and notify the rental company right away. Settling privately or arranging repairs without the company's instructions can complicate insurance claims. Speeding tickets, parking fines and tolls may be charged through the rental company after you return home, often with a handling fee, so keep your receipts. Traffic laws and procedures vary by country, so treat this as general guidance and follow the official requirements of the destination and the rental company.