What Should I Know Before Renting a Car Abroad? (Real Tips for a Stress-Free Trip)

1. 🚘 Book in Advance (and Use a Trusted Site!)

Rental cars in popular destinations sell out fast—especially during holidays or summer travel. Booking ahead means lower prices, more choices, and less stress at the airport.

👉 Pro tip: I always book through EconomyBookings.com because they compare prices from top rental companies in 150+ countries. It's fast, easy, and often cheaper than booking direct. (Affiliate link, but I genuinely use them.)

2. 💳 Credit Card or Debit Card? Know Before You Go

Some rental companies abroad only accept credit cards for security deposits. Others may allow debit cards, but with extra rules like proof of return flights or local addresses.

What to check:

• Does the rental company accept your payment type?

• Will they hold a large deposit?

• Does your credit card include rental insurance?

When in doubt, contact the rental company ahead of time—or filter results on EconomyBookings to find what works for you.

3. 🪪 Do I Need an International Driver’s License?

Maybe! It depends on where you're traveling.

In general:

• Europe (France, Italy, Spain, etc.): You’ll often need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license.

• UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: Your U.S. license is usually fine.

• Japan, Thailand, South Africa, etc.: An IDP is usually required.

Tip: Get your IDP through AAA for around $20—it’s valid for a year.

4. 🛡️ Don’t Skip Insurance (Seriously)

Even the best road trip can take a turn if something goes wrong. Here are your options:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Usually offered by rental companies. It can reduce or eliminate what you pay if the car is damaged.

• Credit Card Coverage: Many cards include rental insurance, but read the fine print—it often excludes certain countries.

• Travel Insurance Add-Ons: Some policies include rental coverage. It’s worth checking.

👉 When booking with EconomyBookings, you can add full coverage with a click—it’s usually way cheaper than buying it at the rental desk.

5. 🛑 Watch Out for These Common Gotchas

There are a few things that surprise first-time international renters:

• Manual transmissions: Many rental cars outside the U.S. are stick shift. If you can’t drive manual, make sure you filter for automatic cars when you book.

• Mileage limits: Some rentals cap the number of miles (or kilometers) you can drive. Always check this if you’re planning a long trip.

• Fuel policies: Some places use “full to full” (you return it with a full tank), others use “full to empty” (you pay for a tank up front). Avoid surprise fees by reading the policy.

• Toll roads: Some countries have automated toll systems. Ask if your rental car includes a toll pass, or plan how to pay manually.

6. 🧭 Navigation, Wi-Fi & Local Driving Tips

Don’t rely on your phone’s signal alone—especially in the mountains or countryside.

Helpful add-ons:

• Portable Wi-Fi devices or SIM cards for Google Maps

• Offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)

• A phone holder for safe, hands-free navigation

Also, be aware of local driving rules:

• Drive on the left in countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan.

• Speed limits may be posted in km/h, not miles.

• Roundabouts are everywhere in Europe—watch a quick YouTube guide if you're not used to them.

7. 📍 Where to Pick Up & Drop Off Your Rental

You can usually choose:

• Airport pickup (convenient but sometimes more expensive)

• City center pickup (cheaper but might have limited hours)

• One-way rentals (extra fees apply but great for road trips)

👉 Use filters on EconomyBookings to compare options and find the best deal for your route.

🚗 Final Thoughts: Renting a Car Abroad Can Be Totally Worth It

Once you get the hang of it, renting a car internationally is one of the best ways to explore new places. You get the freedom to go where buses don’t, stop for hidden beaches, and eat in local towns you’d otherwise never see.

Just remember:
✅ Book early
✅ Double-check insurance and license requirements
✅ Read the fine print
✅ Use a site like EconomyBookings.com to compare and save

Safe travels, and happy road-tripping! 🚘💨