Renting a Car Abroad: A Practical Guide From Booking to Drop-Off

Renting a car abroad gives you freedom that trains and taxis cannot match, but the rules at a foreign rental desk are often stricter than at home. Most problems happen at the counter, not on the road: a missing permit, a card in the wrong name, or a deposit larger than your available credit.

The good news is that almost all of these problems can be avoided with a little preparation. This guide covers what to check before you book, what to bring to the desk, and how to return the car without disputes.

Rules vary by country and by rental company, so treat this as a checklist and always read the terms of your own booking.

1. Check Your Driving Licence

Your home licence is the starting point. Rental companies usually want a full, valid licence that you have held for a minimum period, often at least one year and sometimes longer for premium cars.

• Make sure the licence will not expire during your trip.
• Bring the physical card. A photo or digital licence is often not accepted abroad.
• If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, expect to need a translation or permit.
• Check whether your licence has any restrictions, such as automatic-only, that limit the cars you can rent.

2. Find Out Whether You Need an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your licence that you carry alongside it. Some countries require one by law, and some rental companies ask for it even where the law does not.

If you live in the US, IDPs are issued only by AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Apply before you leave, because you usually cannot get one once you are abroad. Our international driving permit guide explains how it works in detail.

3. Understand Age Limits and Young-Driver Surcharges

Minimum and maximum ages differ by country, company and car category.

• Many companies set a minimum age of 21, and some require 25 for larger or premium cars.
• Drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver surcharge per day.
• Some companies set a maximum age or ask older drivers for extra documents.
• Every additional driver usually has to be named on the contract, present at pick-up and show their own licence.

Enter the correct driver age when you search. Prices and availability can change when the age is updated, and a wrong age can lead to a refusal at the desk.

4. Use a Card in the Main Driver's Name

This is the most common reason travellers are turned away. Rental desks generally require a credit card in the main driver's own name, and they use it to place a security deposit hold.

• The name on the card must match the name on the driving licence and the booking.
• A partner's or parent's card is usually refused, even if they are travelling with you.
• Debit and prepaid cards are often refused or come with extra checks.

See what card you need to rent a car for the full picture.

5. Plan for the Deposit Hold

The deposit is not a charge, but it blocks part of your available credit until the car is returned and checked. The amount depends on the car, the country and the insurance you choose. It is often lower if you buy the company's excess reduction cover.

• Check the deposit amount in your rental terms before you travel.
• Make sure your card limit covers the deposit plus your other trip spending.
• Expect the hold to take several days to disappear after you return the car, depending on your bank.

6. Choose Insurance You Actually Understand

Rental prices usually include some basic cover, but with an excess (deductible) that you pay if the car is damaged. At the desk you may be offered extra products to reduce it.

• Read what is included: collision damage waiver, theft protection and third-party liability.
• Note the excess amount, because that is what you could owe.
• If you rely on credit card cover, confirm with your card issuer what it includes in that country.

Our guide to car rental insurance explained breaks down every term.

7. Know the Fuel Policy

Fuel policies are a frequent source of extra charges.

• Full to full: you collect the car full and return it full. This is usually the simplest.
• Prepaid fuel: you pay for a tank in advance and can return it empty, but unused fuel is often not refunded.
• Keep the receipt from a fuel station near the drop-off point in case the level is questioned.
• Check whether the car takes petrol, diesel or is electric before you fill it.

8. Inspect the Car and Take Photos

Before you drive away, inspect the car with the agent if possible.

• Walk around the car and photograph every panel, the wheels, the windscreen and the interior.
• Record the fuel level and mileage on the dashboard.
• Make sure all existing damage is marked on the contract before you sign.
• Take a short video with a visible time stamp. It is often more convincing than single photos.

9. Learn the Local Road Rules and Tolls

Driving on unfamiliar roads is where planning pays off.

• Check which side of the road traffic uses and how roundabouts work locally.
• Learn the speed limits and whether speed cameras are common.
• Ask how tolls are paid: cash, card, or an electronic tag fitted to the car.
• Check whether city centres have low-emission zones or restricted traffic areas that need a permit.
• Ask whether you are allowed to take the car across borders or on ferries.

Fines from cameras and tolls are often sent to the rental company, which passes them on to you with an administration fee.

10. Return the Car Properly

The return is your last chance to avoid disputes.

• Return on time. Late returns can be charged as an extra day.
• Refuel according to the policy and keep the receipt.
• Photograph the car again in the return bay, including the fuel gauge and mileage.
• Ask for a check-in receipt confirming no new damage, or keep your photos if the desk is closed.
• Watch your card statement over the following weeks for any later charges.

Common Mistakes When Renting a Car Abroad

• Bringing a card in someone else's name.
• Forgetting the IDP in a country that requires one.
• Not checking the deposit amount and running out of credit.
• Accepting expensive extras at the desk without knowing what you already have.
• Skipping the inspection photos because you are tired after a flight.
• Choosing a prepaid fuel option for a short trip.
• Driving into restricted city zones without checking the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car abroad with my US driving licence?

In many countries, yes, especially for short stays. Some countries also require an International Driving Permit alongside it, and some rental companies ask for one regardless. Check the official rules for your destination and the rental terms.

How old do you have to be to rent a car abroad?

It depends on the country and company. A minimum of 21 is common, with young-driver surcharges often applied under 25. Some car categories require older drivers.

Can someone else pay for my rental car?

Usually the payment card must be in the main driver's name, and the deposit card at the desk almost always must be. Plan for the driver to hold the card.

Do I need to buy the insurance offered at the desk?

Not always. Check what is already included in your rental price and what your own card or policy covers in that country. Then decide whether extra excess cover is worth it for you.

What happens if I get a parking or speeding fine abroad?

The authority usually contacts the rental company, which identifies you as the driver and often charges an administration fee. The fine itself may follow later by post.

Book Your Car and Flight with FlyZafy

On FlyZafy you can rent a car by searching your pick-up place and dates, then compare options before you book. At checkout you enter a card, and the name on it must be the main driver's, so bring that same card to the desk. Your confirmation is emailed to you as a PDF.

If you are still planning the trip, you can also search flights and see the full itinerary, layovers, baggage and fare conditions before you book.

Official Resources

• US Department of State, travel information
• American Automobile Association (AAA), International Driving Permits
• American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), International Driving Permits
• The transport or road safety authority of your destination country

Disclaimer

This article is general information, not legal advice. Driving, licence and rental rules vary by country and rental company and can change at any time. Always confirm the current requirements with the official authorities of your destination and with your rental company before you travel.