To Rent a car you must have a valid driver's license. If you do not have an American Driver's License, you can typically use one from your home country. The car rental agencies require that their customers be licensed drivers who are 25 years of age or older in some other states 21 years.
The license must be valid for the entire time you wish to rent the vehicle. Rental insurance is strongly advised, because if you rent a car without insurance, you are responsible for any damages to the vehicle. Rental car locations are conveniently located at most airports and throughout major cities and tourist destinations.
Major U.S. car rental companies:
Remember the following tips when renting a vehicle in the U.S.:
Check with an individual company for its regulations for international drivers. Some require you to have had a driver’s license for at least a year before being permitted to drive in the U.S.
Book early online and pay in advance to save money. Be careful with the costs of car rentals vary for each location and often include different rates for the time of the week. Weekends can be cheaper. Holidays can be expensive.
Check that your rental company offers unlimited mileage on vehicles to avoid fees.
Try to plan for a round trip. Picking up a car at one location and returning at another can significantly increase your rates.
Be sure you have auto insurance coverage, which is legally required to operate a vehicle in the USA.
Ask the company if you need to pay for the Toll. If they can provide you with the sticker. Many cities use tolls on the highway.
Once you have rented a vehicle, here are a few tips to remember:
Right side: Remember, when driving in the U.S. stay on the right side of the road.
Speed: check your speed according to the road signs.
GPS: Use a portable Car GPS Navigation System or your phone.
Fuel: In the U.S., gas is sold by the gallon and is offered in three levels of octane: regular, plus, and premium. Most car rental companies only require the use of regular gas.
International debit or credit cards don’t work at the payment machines at the gas pump because they require a U.S. ZIP code for security verification. In most cases, you will need to pay inside the station if you want to pay cash.
Disabled parking: Every state in the U.S. has its regulations governing parking permits for people with disabilities. In some cases, international disabled parking permits will suffice, while others require a temporary permit. Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles of each state you will be visiting to get more information.
Hitchhikers: It is illegal to travel by standing on the side of the road and soliciting rides from passing vehicles in the interstate highway system.
Wildlife: Watch out for wildlife, particularly deer, in rural areas.
School buses: It is illegal to pass a school bus when its lights are flashing red.
Eventually, of course, you will need to buy a car. For more information on that, check out this article.