5 Things to Know About Renting & Driving Abroad
From exploring new cultures to seeing famous landmarks, there are a lot of exciting reasons to travel overseas. But if you need to get around, you might need to rent a car. And when it comes to figuring out road signs in a different language and navigating on the opposite side of the road, there are a lot of things to consider when you rent and drive abroad. Here are a few:
#1 Learn the Rules of the Road
While you might see signage that looks similar to what you’re used to in the United States and Canada, you’ll likely still encounter signs in a different language. However, it’s not just different signs you’ll have to get used to; every country also has its own driving customs. For example, drivers on São Paulo’s congested streets are notoriously aggressive. In Rome, red lights are often looked at as discretionary. So, before you leave home, take some time to brush up on the rules of the road where you’re visiting.
#2 You Might Need an International Driving Permit
In many countries, if you show up at the rental car counter without an international driving permit, you won’t be able to rent a car. Since each country has different driving rules, it’s a good idea to check with your destination country’s embassy before you leave for your trip. Luckily, getting an international driving permit is pretty easy. National Automobile Club and AAA issue international driving permits and it takes between four and six weeks to get one.
#3 Request an Automatic
While we’re used to nearly all rental cars in the United States being automatic, this isn’t always the case in foreign countries. For example, many rental car lots in Europe are a sea of manual transmissions. When rentals are available in automatic, they also tend to cost more than manuals. However, if you’re not familiar with driving a manual, it is a better idea to go ahead and pay the extra money. Just make sure you contact the rental agency ahead of time to be sure you can get an automatic.
#4 Get a Good GPS App
In today’s world of GPS apps, it’s harder and harder to find paper maps to help you get around unfamiliar cities. If you’ll be using your phone abroad, it’s a good idea to make sure you get an app you can use offline so you don’t rack up an expensive phone bill using precious data. If you won’t be using your phone, you can buy a decent GPS unit to help you find your way.
#5 Check What Your Insurance Covers
While your personal car insurance might cover a rental in your home country, it probably won’t cover a rental car in a foreign country. Your car rental company will typically offer mandated liability coverage, but you can also ask about loss and damage waiver (LDW) for theft protection. However, also check with your travel credit card, since some also offer insurance coverage.
While it may take some extra work to rent and drive abroad, it’s a fun way to explore the country you’re visiting. Just make sure you are prepared for the driving conditions in your vacation location.
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