“The car has a manual transmission. Are you ok with that?” He asked. What he didn’t know was my first car was a manual transmission and I bought that before I knew how to drive one. I smiled confidently and enthusiastically said yes. “And we drive on the left here in South Africa” he added. A thousand warnings went through my head. I’ve seen it done a few times and I am pretty sure I can figure it out. A quick yes and we were off and ready to explore. There is absolutely no better way to explore a destination than a self drive. Renting a car abroad can unlock freedom and give you access to hidden gems you would otherwise never find, But driving abroad isn’t for the faint of heart.
Have you ever considered renting a car abroad? It’s not as intimidating as it sounds with the right preparation. Understanding the rules of the road and getting the right equipment are important steps to ensuring you can explore confidently.
In this post, I’ll break down what you should consider before renting a car to drive abroad.
Should You Rent a Car Abroad?
We all want the freedom and flexibility of exploring on our own terms when traveling. Getting outside of the overcrowded tourist scene and hitting the off-the-beaten-path destination can be the stuff that travel dreams are made of. But renting a car comes with other factors that can add stress to your trip. Finding parking, dealing with unfamiliar traffic signs, tolls all are a part of the experience. Here’s what you should consider before renting that car dan driving abroad.
What You Need Before Renting a Car in a Foreign Country
Legal Requirements
Just because you have a driver’s license in your home country does not mean you have the legal right to drive in another. Some countries require you to have an international driver’s license or permit (IDP).
Countries like France and Italy among others make it mandatory to have an international driver’s permit before driving. While some rental companies may not ask for it, the authorities will if you are stopped.
You can obtain an IDP from your national automobile association such as AAA in the US by providing a valid driver’s license, a passport-sized photo, and paying a fee.
Driving Rules and Road Signs
Road signs are not standardized from country to country. That said, many similarities exist that make it easier to understand. In 1968, the Vienna convention established agreed-upon colors, shapes and sizes to increase safety and make foreign traffic laws more transparent.
But not all countries signed on to this so you will still find differences across the world. While the language may be different, the red octagon shape will almost always mean stop.
It’s important to have a good understanding of the rules of the road for the country you are visiting before you get behind the wheel in any capacity. Driving in the left lane of the autobahn can get you killed in Germany and turning right on red will get you ticketed in France. Wearing flip flops while driving is illegal in Spain. These are just a few of the rules you will want to know before driving abroad.
Tips for Booking a Rental Car Overseas
Renting a car to drive abroad can be tricky. The good news is many companies that you find in the US (i.e Hertz, National, etc) will have a partner company in other countries making renting slightly less confusing. In my opinion it is best to use a global brand for your rental for a number of reasons. Quality standards and support system being among the top reasons.
Rental Car Scams and How to Avoid Them
Scams are everywhere. When you are on foreign soil and don’t understand the rules, it’s easy to become a target. Be on the lookout for exceptionally low upfront prices that mask hidden fees (e.g., taxes, insurance, airport fees), pressure selling of overpriced insurance, forced fuel costs for not filling the tank (even if you did), or large, non-transparent deposits. Make sure the total rental price includes all mandatory fees and taxes before you sign.
Look out for fees for extras like daily charges for accessing toll roads, GPS, child seats or charges for extra drivers. Make sure you understand how they handle traffic infractions like camera enforced speeding tickets. Use a credit card that you trust to support you if there are bogus charges added after you have returned the car.
Document every inch of the car before you drive off. It’s a smart idea to take a video of the entire car before taking possession so that it is dated and time stamped if there are issues. Point out anything you see to staff and get a signed checklist if possible. When you return the vehicle, skip the drop and go option. Make sure someone signs off on the condition of the rental so there are no surprises later.
Which type of car to choose
We’ve been spoiled in the US. So much so that it is quite uncommon to find a rental car that does not have an automatic transmission. Most drivers under the age of 40 don’t even know how to drive a car with a manual transmission. Well, in many foreign countries the default car is a manual transmission. If you aren’t ready to test your shifting skills on the steep inclines of Portugal, prepare to pay an upcharge.
Next consideration is the size of the car. I like a roomy vehicle. But in Europe, parking spaces can be super narrow. While the larger car might be great for the road, parking it on the street or in some of the underground parking lots will test everything you know about driving.
Car Rental Insurance: Yes or No?
So you’ve found a really great deal for a rental car and then bam you are hit with the question we all dread: Do you want to add insurance? Your answer can be the difference between paying an extra $20 per day or a few thousand dollars for a minor incident that was definitely not your fault. I once scraped the rim on the tire in Cape Town and the charge was insulting.
The good news is some credit cards and travel insurances already cover car rentals even in foreign countries. Check with your provider to see if this is the case and learn exactly what they cover. You may only need to add a service that isn’t covered. Most important you should have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Liability Coverage.
Destinations Where Renting a Car is Especially Worth It
Renting a car can be an amazing way to experience a country. While I love the idea of having my freedom when traveling, having a car can be terrifying if you are not prepared. Not all countries are safe to rent a car. Places in Africa and Asia have unstated rules that are hard to understand. But there are few places where the drive is totally worth it.
South of France
Weaving your way through the lavender fields in the South of France is something you’ve likely seen in movies. This is where you want to take the top down and smell all that the countryside has to offer.
I’ve made this drive a few times and loved every minute of it. Read more about my time here in The Best Drive through the South of France .
South Africa
I wouldn’t typically advise a person to drive in Africa, but South Africa is the exception. Especially if you are doing a wine drive through Stellenbosch or taking the Garden Route along the coast. It is incredibly beautiful.
If you are up for driving on the left side of the road, this can be a really cool adventure. Check out my blog on Visiting the Wine Country of South Africa.
Tuscany and Amalfi Coast
In most places in Italy you might find yourself surrounded by aggressive drivers buzzing around on motor scooters. But in Tuscany, you are surrounded by vineyards and a natural landscape that will take your breath away. You’ll find it hard not to stop every few miles for another photo.
Then there is the Amalfi Coast. It’s like a postcard from every angle. Perhaps the reason why driving here is good and bad. It’s so beautiful that you want to be the passenger to take it all in. Just know that some of the streets are really narrow which might be a problem. Read more about my experience there in Exploring Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Germany
Perhaps I am biased because I lived here but I found the roads in Germany to be some of the safest and well maintained roads I’ve ever seen. On the autobahn, drivers go fast but follow the rules so it’s easy to manage.
If you buy the ultimate BMW or Porsche experience you can test drive the car on the world famous Nürburgring Nordschleife. This one is for real car fanatics.
For the rest of us a drive south to the Black Forest (Baden-Baden) will leave you thoroughly impressed. Just watch for speed cameras because no matter what you’ve heard there is a speed limit in some places on the autobahn.
My Perspective
I’ve come to love a self drive experience abroad. There is nothing more freeing than having a map in hand, destinations planned out and getting distracted by some amazing castle in the distance that you just can’t pass up. You’ll find the most incredible experiences. The ones that have not yet been overly explored by the TikTok crowds.
Not every city is worth the headache of driving in a foreign country. I would never drive in Paris, Barcelona or Lisbon ever again (yes…I’ve done it). These places are very walkable but also have safe and reliable public transportation. So do yourself a favor and leverage it. Read my guide on Getting Around International Cities for details on your best options.
If you are driving, pack a paper map as a back up and download an offline version of Google or Apple Maps. Don’t forget to ask about extra charges and do a thorough check of the vehicle before you leave the facility. Make sure you are clear on operating hours to ensure an easy return. Follow these tips and you will be off and exploring like a local.
FAQs: Renting a Car and Driving Abroad
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car abroad?
Yes, in many countries you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car abroad, especially in Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is usually valid for one year. However, some countries, like the UK and Canada, allow U.S. drivers to rent a car with just a valid state driver’s license. Always check local rules before your trip.
Is it safe to drive in Europe as a tourist?
Yes, it is generally safe to drive in Europe as a tourist, but you need to be aware of local road rules, parking restrictions, and toll systems. The best strategy is to plan your routes ahead, avoid peak traffic, and use navigation apps with real-time updates.
What insurance do I need for renting a car overseas?
When renting a car overseas, the most important insurance is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and liability coverage. Many credit cards and travel insurance policies already cover rental cars, so check before you pay extra at the counter. If not covered, it’s smart to purchase CDW to avoid high out-of-pocket costs in case of damage.
Can I rent a car abroad with a debit card?
In most cases, you cannot rent a car abroad with just a debit card, because rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Some companies accept debit cards, but they may place a large hold on your account or require proof of return travel.
What side of the road do people drive on in other countries?
When driving abroad, about two-thirds of countries drive on the right side of the road, while countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa drive on the left.
Discover more from TwoBlackTravelers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
