Are you planning on travelling to another country? One of the most important details you must consider is how you will get around once you arrive. Renting a car can be a great option because this is a convenient way to explore a new city, although you must do your homework beforehand to prepare. Renting a car abroad can be more complicated than renting a car locally, and the right information will allow you to enjoy your travels.
Car Rental Tips for International Travelers
1. Get an International Driving Permit if Necessary
You must confirm whether the country you are visiting requires an International Driving Permit. If they do and you arrive without one, you cannot rent a car. Every country has their own driving laws, and you must research this information before you travel to prevent headaches and disappointment.
If an International Drivers Permit is required, you can start the process of obtaining one, and this permit will be valid for a full year, although it must be issued within six months of your trip. Research these details to ensure you take the proper steps and have all the necessary paperwork when arriving at the rental car counter.
Travellers must remember that a permit does not replace your government-issued driver’s license. You must bring this with you because it will be required in addition to your International Drivers Permit.
2. Learn the Rules of the Road
The rules of the road differ from country to country, and it is your responsibility to learn them beforehand. You may be an experienced driver in your hometown but still a good driver in another country because they may have different rules.
Doing some basic homework before you travel abroad is wise because this information will help you feel more confident and comfortable when you get behind the wheel in a completely new country. Depending on where you are travelling, you may need to know how to drive a manual transmission, and, in some places, you will need to learn how to drive on the left side of the road.
Make sure you learn about traffic rules and road conditions and take the time to locate gas stations in the area to prevent getting stranded on the side of the road in a foreign country.
3. Get Insured
You need to protect yourself and the rental car through insurance and ensure you have the right coverage before you approach a rental car counter abroad. Contact your credit card company to confirm if they cover car insurance abroad, and you should also contact your insurance company to determine if your insurance extends to rental cars abroad. Ensure you understand the details surrounding your coverage and what is covered when you rent a car internationally to prevent unpleasant fees and surprises.
In most cases, you can also get insurance from the rental car company, although this can be pricey, so you should always check with your current car insurance company and your credit card company first. You may already have coverage that applies abroad.
Determine if your existing car insurance coverage meets the minimum requirements of your destination country because, in some cases, your current policy may need to be more reliable when you use it abroad. If you think you are under insured, shop around to explore different options because you must have adequate coverage, and your policy must include liability coverage.
Finally, if you travel to several countries, ensure the insurance you purchase covers you in every country you plan to visit.
4. Shop Around
The costs of travelling abroad can add up fast, and you need to be savvy. Booking a rental car in advance is highly recommended, especially if you travel in high season, as inventory and options may be limited. Booking and paying before your trip will also make the rental process easier.
You may access cheaper rates if you do not book your rental car from the airport, and make sure you ask about hidden fees. If there is a language barrier, ensure you understand the information clearly and only book something if you feel comfortable with the process.
Manual transmission is the standard issue in many countries. If you can’t drive a stick shift, rent a car with an automatic transmission. But you must pay extra and confirm all of this information in advance. The last thing you want is to arrive in a foreign country only to realize stick shift is the only option.
5. Prioritize Safety
Always inspect the rental car before you drive out of the lot. Check the fuel level and tire pressure and look under the hood to ensure all fluids are at the proper level. Do not let the rental car company take advantage of you just because you are a tourist. Ensure you inspect the car’s interior and exterior and take pictures of any dents, scratches, or stains. This will serve as proof of a problem or miscommunication when you return the rental car.
Make sure you know how to call for help. Emergencies can happen to anyone, especially when driving in a foreign country, and you need emergency numbers on hand. Whether you experience a flat tire, a breakdown, or an accident, you must know who to call for help.
Travelling is a fantastic experience; you can rely on old-fashioned paper maps in some countries. While modern navigation apps are available, you never know if cell phone coverage or data is reliable in another country and dog-eared maps can prevent you from getting lost. Technology can fail, but paper maps can come in handy. Some rental car companies offer the option to rent a GPS device, which may be more convenient and cheaper than using your device to download international maps. Confirm the price of this service in advance to determine if it makes sense.
6. Research Every Little Detail
The more information you have before you travel, the better you will feel once you arrive. When you are armed with the right information, you will feel confident and know exactly what to expect when arriving at the rental car counter. Rules and eligibility vary from country to country and depend on factors like age, the kind of license you have and the company you rent the car from.
Ensure you know all eligibility requirements for driving legally during your international travels.
About the Writer
Leander Kevin is currently a Content Writer at BreezeMaxWeb, where he focuses on optimizing content for their clients using artificial intelligence. In this role, he generates high-quality blog posts and web pages that enhance the online presence and marketing strategies of BreezeMaxWeb’s customers.
Leander leverages his research abilities and technical skills to craft engaging content across various topics. He manages projects efficiently to meet deadlines while incorporating important SEO elements. By thinking like a marketer, Leander aims to produce articles that attract new leads and drive results.
With experience writing for multiple publications and companies in fields ranging from technology to eCommerce, Leander specializes in well-researched, engaging content. He also has a passion for academic writing and has presented papers at several international conferences. With a background in fields spanning writing, technology and business, Leander is a valuable asset in delivering top-tier content solutions.