Hiring a car abroad: What do I need to know?

“Driving a hire car abroad can be very, very different to driving your own car at home. From different road signs and driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, to observing different rules and remembering speed limits are in kilometres and not miles, hiring a car abroad can be a bamboozling process from the moment you reach the rental desk at the airport.

If you’re using car hire abroad, we’ve compiled some important tips to help you get things right, save money, and stay out of trouble.

Before you dive in, please remember that every country – and sometimes every state – has its own laws of the road. A representative at your Expedia car hire collection point will be able to advise you of any specific rules to be aware of, but make sure you do your homework on driving in your destination before you depart to make sure hiring a car abroad is as safe and problem-free as possible.

Deposits in a different currency could leave you out of pocket
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If your overseas car hire company requires a deposit that they deduct from your account rather than ‘ringfence’ or ‘hold’, you may be unpleasantly surprised when it’s time for reimbursement. If you pay in pounds sterling but your rental provider works in a different currency, fluctuations in currency value could mean that the deposit you get back could be less than the amount you initially paid. Make sure you’re aware of this, especially if the value of your currency is likely to rise.

Minimum age varies around the world
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The minimum age for drivers is different in different countries, which may affect your ability to find a hire car abroad. In many EU countries (including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Turkey) drivers must be 18 years old. In Greece, Portugal, Denmark and Ireland, that age drops to 17. As a broad rule of thumb, you’ll need to be 21 to access car hire abroad. A young driver surcharge may be applied if you are under 25.

You’ll probably need a DVLA code
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If you’re a UK driver hiring a car abroad, changes to car hire rules in 2015 likely mean you’ll need a DVLA code in order to access a vehicle outside of the EU. Currently 140 countries require this information in order for you to use car hire. You can check where you’ll need to use one on the AA website. This code allows car hire companies anywhere in the world to check your license. You can apply for your code as part of your international driving permit (IDP) online, which costs £5.50 to arrange.

The equipment you carry is very important
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Different countries have different regulations regarding the type of equipment you must carry in your vehicle when you’re hiring a car abroad. In France, for example, drivers must carry a breathalyser. In most EU countries, a warning triangle is essential, while in a number of nations fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are compulsory.

The AA has some useful information for 40 EU states, but specifically looks up regulations in your destination country to make sure you have up-to-date information. Always check for the essential kit before driving away in your hire car.

Understanding speed limits can be complicated
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Speed limits are approached differently in different parts of the world. In some nations they are guidelines, elsewhere they are very rigorously enforced. In Sweden there are no national minimum speed limits but every road has its own advised speed, which means paying very careful attention to road signs. Some countries also have different speed limits for younger drivers, so watch out for this. Also keep in mind whether limits are shown as mph or kph to avoid any trouble.”