Posted: 8/12/2023 | August 12, 2023
Road trips are one of my favorite ways to explore a country. They give you the freedom to go where you want, travel away from the tourist crowds, and usually even save money compared to taking trains, buses or flights.
I’ve taken countless road trips over the last fifteen years – both as a driver and a passenger – and can’t recommend them enough. While it can be intimidating to drive in a new country, it has never been easier to find a cheap rental car and get off the beaten path.
But I get a lot of questions from road trippers about driver’s licenses.
Can you legally drive abroad? Do you need a special permit or international driver’s license to rent a car abroad?
While American drivers can drive legally in the US and Canada, foreign drivers in most other countries are only allowed to rent a car and drive a vehicle if they have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
In this post, I’ll explain what an IDP is, why it’s useful, and how to get one so you can plan your next epic road trip with confidence.
What is a displaced person?
An International Driving Permit is a UN-regulated travel document that is accepted worldwide when presented together with a valid driver’s license. This allows international drivers to drive abroad.
An IDP is essentially a translation of your driver’s license into the language of your destination country (so you still need a valid driver’s license to get one).
Once you apply for an IDP, you will receive a paper booklet that you can use to rent or drive a vehicle in your destination country (more than 150 countries around the world require travelers to have an IDP). You can also purchase a digital IDP for countries that accept it, even without the booklet.
Why should you get an IDP?
The main reason to get an IDP is that it is actually mandatory in many countries. If you plan to rent a vehicle and drive abroad, chances are you will need an IDP.
If you are specifically planning a road trip abroad, an IDP is a must. And if you’re a long-term traveler planning a trip of several months (or several years), it’s a good idea to get an IDP before you go. This will give you access in case you decide to rent or drive a car during your trip. Because the IDP is recognized in 165 countries, chances are you’ll be visiting a destination where you need one. And if you’re a flexible traveler like me and change your plans often, it’s better to have one than not.
How do you get an IDP?
The best way to get an IDP is from the International Drivers Association. They offer fast, easy and affordable International Driving Permits (IDPs). Recognized in more than 150 countries, IDPs translate your driver’s license into 12 languages, allowing them to drive legally abroad. With instant approval, worldwide express shipping and a validity of 1-3 years, it is an essential travel document for any world traveler planning to drive abroad.
There is also no test required; you simply have to be over 18 years old and have a legal driver’s license.
Best of all, the International Drivers Association also has loads of resources on their website, including driving guides to help you find out more about renting a car abroad and any road rules you may not be familiar with.
Road trips are a fun, flexible and budget-friendly way to travel. By obtaining an IDP before your next trip, you can rent a car and drive abroad. It is an indispensable document for travelers who want to drive.
Book your trip: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Find a cheap flight with Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know there’s nothing going on.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel at Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Do you want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that you can redeem for free flights and accommodation, all without any additional expenses. Check out my guide to choosing the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Ready to book your trip?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the devices I use when I travel. They are the best in their class and you can’t go wrong with them on your trip.