Driving In Another Country

It isn’t too difficult to locate a decent car rental company when you’re traveling in another country. Most rental companies can be found in popular tourist spots around the world. But consider this question: As a tourist in the area, will YOU be able to drive legally there?

If you’re thinking about driving in another country for either business or pleasure, then you’ll want to take the time to learn the driving do’s and don’ts of those particular countries. Those rules are readily available by glancing at any one of the numerous travel books available today. Don’t sidestep this important advice. One key piece of information to verify is whether the country your visiting will let you drive using just your own government issued driver’s license.

Typically most visitors are permitted one to three months of penalty free driving after the initial day of arrival into the country. Obviously this would based on physical possession of a valid drivers license of your country of origin. There are a few countries where you’ll need to you get what is called an International Driving Permit first, before you can get behind the wheel. You can pick up this permit either at home before you travel, or upon arriving at your destination.

You’ll next want to familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws as well as the roadway conditions and similar items about your destination. You’ll likely want to avoid maneuvering through and around any streets littered by massive potholes, and you’ll likewise want to avoid ruining your vacation by being penalized for any traffic law violations. In countries where you’ll be driving on the opposite lane (from the one you’re used to), try driving a bit slower until you feel comfortable driving in this different manner.

Before arriving at your destination, be certain that you’ve spent enough time researching all the car rental companies available to you. You’ll want to know ahead of time what it’ll cost you, what cars will be available for rental, and any regulations or laws required by these service companies. Doing this will allow you to find the kind of car you need without costing you a great deal. If you haven’t planned ahead, simply stop at one of the various car rental stops when you step off the plane, but do so knowing that the price will be higher.

You can typically get insurance on a rental car at most places, for no extra cost, but you will need to review the policy closely before driving off. If the coverage detailed in the policy isn’t to your liking, then feel free to decline what the service offers you and elect to carry your own.

You’ll want to also have a way to reach the car rental service, should you need to reach out to them at any time. If you find yourself in trouble on the road, either by becoming involved in a crash or having trouble with the car’s engine, don’t wait before calling the car rental company.

You’ll also need to have with you at all times either a traditional folding map of the area you are driving through, or at best a working GPS unit. Either of these will make going along unfamiliar roads easier, as well as being able to direct you to all of the places of interest that tourists long to see.

If your habit of good driving served you well at home, then be sure to make it serve you triply as well in other countries. Just because you are driving in another country doesn’t mean the rules that kept you safe at home won’t be applicable in your tourist destination. Everything from keeping your doors locked as you drive to ignoring hitchhikers’ requests to be picked up must be followed just as if you were home.