Driving in a foreign country can be nerve-wracking. Before you sign the contract on renting a car abroad it is best to know how the traffic laws are different, and whether you need to drive on the opposite side of the road. These elements can be intimidating, so let’s break down everything you need to do and know before you get behind the wheel.
Documents You Will Need
According to Skyscanner, all those who drive in the E.U. who are not citizens in the country they are visiting must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Some countries require an International Driving License, so check with the car rental company when planning your trip. In Asia, if choosing to rent a vehicle, your driver’s license from your home country may suffice if you’re pulled over by local authorities. However, policies for what documents you’ll be required to present often vary from country to country. In South America, you’ll need your regular driver’s license from your country of residence along with an international driver’s license.
The NYT reports that those with a U.S. driver’s license are officially required to have an international driving permit if driving in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Thailand, and Australia. These permits typically cost $20 and are valid for one year after being issued by a local AAA office.
Rules Of The Road
Traffic laws, rules, and courtesies vary from country to country. Driving in London will be vastly different than in Bangkok or Mumbai. And for those who aren’t so sure of themselves behind the wheel, it’s best to understand what the roads are like in your destinations before you decide to rent a car or vehicle. Familiarize yourself with the traffic laws in your destination ahead of renting as you may be surprised by how rules of the road vary. For example, some places have strict rules about honking your horn, so lay off it if you’re somewhere in some place like Vienna where beeping is strictly prohibited around hospitals.
While some locations may have more rules than the standard U.S. traffic requirements, other destinations have far less laws surrounding driving behavior. In many major Asian cities, roads can be unmarked, and local drivers can navigate them with an ease that even the most skilled foreign drivers might find intimidating.
Historical cities in Europe only allow permitted vehicles to drive in the historic city center. This is true of many cities in Italy which have ‘Limited Traffic Zones’ (ZTLs). And some cities plan to be car and motorized vehicle free as part of green initiatives. Some cities that plan to be car free in the next decade include: Hamburg, Copenhagen, Milan, and Madrid.
Renting The Car
Car rental services vary around the world, but some of the most popular rental car companies include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and more. Once you know the rules of the road in your destination, and have parking and traffic laws covered, renting a car abroad is pretty much the same as renting in the U.S. Find a car rental office in your desired location, pick a vehicle that fits you and your party (and all your luggage), get on the road, and drive carefully!
