Hiring a car abroad usually goes wrong at the desk, not on the road. Before you book, check three things: whether your licence needs an International Driving Permit, whether you have a credit card for the deposit, and how much the excess is if the car is damaged.
1. Do you need an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your licence in a standard UN format. It isn't a licence on its own: you must carry it with your real licence. There are two versions:
- 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, valid for up to one year
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, valid for up to three years
Neither can be valid for longer than your own licence. South Africa and Zimbabwe are parties to both conventions.
Whether you need one depends on where you're driving:
| Country | What visitors need |
|---|---|
| Japan | Your licence plus a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. A 1968 IDP is not accepted. Valid for one year from arrival |
| United States | Depends on the state. Rental companies may ask for an IDP, so bring one |
| Great Britain | A full, valid licence lets visitors drive cars for 12 months from entry |
| Australia (NSW) | Your licence for up to 6 months. If it isn't in English, add an English translation or an IDP |
| Spain | The DGT advises non-EU drivers to carry an IDP with their passport and licence |
Getting an IDP in South Africa
The AA of South Africa issues IDPs. You need:
- a valid South African driving licence (learner's and foreign licences don't qualify)
- your ID or passport
- one passport-size photo per IDP type
You must be over 18. You can apply online and collect at an AA outlet, or apply in store, which takes 10 to 30 minutes. The IDP isn't refundable. The AA can't issue IDPs to holders of Botswana, Lesotho or Eswatini licences.
Getting an IDP in Zimbabwe
The AA of Zimbabwe issues IDPs from its branch offices only. Its published fees:
- 1 year: US$25 (7 working days)
- 2 years: US$50 (7 working days)
- 3 years: US$70 (same day)
Bring two passport-size photos, your metal licence and a copy of it.
Get your IDP before you travel. The US government notes that visitors can't get an IDP once they're in the country, and the same applies almost everywhere.
2. The deposit: why the desk wants a credit card
When you collect the car, the rental company blocks a deposit on your card. The UK Competition and Markets Authority explains you "won't be able to spend it" while it's held.
European Consumer Centre France says many companies require a credit card in the name of the main driver, and a debit card may not be accepted. Turning up with only a debit card can mean being refused the car, or being pushed into the desk's most expensive insurance to reduce the deposit.
Before you book:
- Check the rental terms for the card type and the deposit amount.
- Make sure the credit card is in the main driver's name and has enough available limit.
- Expect the hold to take a few days to drop off after you return the car.
3. The excess and excess insurance
The excess is the most you'll pay if the car is damaged or stolen. Without extra cover, European Consumer Centre France says it's typically €600 to €1,500 in Europe.
The desk will offer cover that cuts the excess to zero. The CMA's advice:
- This cover "can be very expensive" at the desk.
- You don't have to buy it from the rental company. Standalone excess insurance bought before your trip is an alternative.
- Some premium credit cards include excess cover. Check your card's terms before you pay twice.
4. Avoiding damage and fuel disputes
The CMA says damage charges are "the single largest cause of complaints" about car hire. To protect yourself:
- Photograph or film the whole car at pick-up, including wheels, windscreen and interior, with the date visible.
- Make sure every mark is on the inspection form, and that both you and the company sign it.
- Do the same at drop-off, ideally with a staff member present.
- Check the fuel policy. Some firms make you buy a full tank from them. Keep fuel receipts and photograph the fuel gauge when you return the car.
- If you're charged for damage, ask for evidence and a repair invoice. In the UK, credit card holders may be able to claim from their card provider under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
5. Crossing borders in southern Africa
Driving a South African hire car into a neighbouring country needs the rental company's permission. SARS's traveller processing policy, effective 1 July 2026, says you need the rental agreement and permission to take the car across the border. Not every rental company allows cross-border trips, and those that do often charge a fee, so arrange it when you book, not at the counter.
Compare before you get to the desk
Comparing quotes in advance lets you check the deposit, excess and fuel policy in writing, instead of under pressure at the counter.
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