Going on holiday to another country can be an exciting and enriching experience. It offers the chance to explore new cultures, taste new cuisines, and discover new places. It also provides an opportunity to escape from the routine of everyday life and recharge your batteries.
Holidays to another country can be tailored to suit a wide range of interests, from adventure sports to cultural sightseeing to simply relaxing on a beach. With careful planning and preparation, a holiday to another country can be a memorable and rewarding experience that will stay with you for years to come.
Renting a car abroad can be a great way to explore a new country, giving you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with local driving laws and customs. To help make the process smoother, here are 10 things to know before renting a car abroad.
Get an international driver’s license
Before you rent a car abroad, make sure you have an international driver’s license. This document translates your driver’s license into other languages and serves as an additional form of identification. It’s important to note that an international driver’s license does not replace your regular driver’s license, so make sure you bring both documents with you.
Familiarize yourself with local driving laws
Different countries have different driving laws, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before you hit the road. This includes things like speed limits, road signs, and local customs such as driving on the opposite side of the road. Doing your research beforehand can help you avoid getting into trouble with local authorities.
Consider renting an automatic car
If you’re not used to driving a manual car, consider renting an automatic car instead. This can make driving in a new country a lot easier, especially if you’re driving on the opposite side of the road. However, automatic cars tend to be more expensive than manual cars, so factor this into your budget.
Check your insurance coverage
Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage before you rent a car abroad. Your regular car insurance policy may not cover you outside of your home country, so you may need to purchase additional insurance. Some rental car companies offer their own insurance policies, but these can be expensive, so shop around to find the best deal.
Consider renting a GPS
If you’re driving in a new country, it can be easy to get lost, so consider renting a GPS to help you navigate. This can be especially helpful if you’re driving in a country where you don’t speak the language. Some rental car companies offer GPS rentals, but you can also bring your own if you have one.
Be aware of tolls and parking fees
Tolls and parking fees can add up quickly, so make sure you’re aware of these costs before you rent a car abroad. In some countries, tolls can be paid in advance or with a special pass, so do your research to find out how the toll system works in your destination. As for parking, make sure you know where you’re allowed to park and how much it will cost.
Be sure to fill up the tank prior to returning the car
When you rent a car abroad, you’ll be expected to return it with a full tank of gas. Make sure you fill up the tank before returning the car, as rental car companies often charge a premium for gas if you don’t. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of the gas gauge before and after you fill up the tank, just in case there’s any dispute about how much gas you used.
Be prepared for different road conditions
Road conditions can vary greatly from country to country, so be prepared for the unexpected. This could include things like narrow roads, unpaved roads, and unexpected obstacles like livestock or pedestrians. Make sure you drive cautiously and follow local driving customs to stay safe.
Keep important documents with you
Make sure you keep important documents with you while you’re driving, including your passport, driver’s license, and rental car agreement. You may be required to show these documents at police checkpoints or if you get into an accident.
Know who to call in case of an emergency
In case of an emergency, make sure you know who to call. This includes the local police, insurance companies and relatives.
