Renting a car is an excellent way to explore new places with freedom and comfort. However, before you grab the keys and hit the road, it's crucial to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. Here's what you need to know:
1- Pay Attention to the Minimum Age
The minimum age to rent a car abroad is 25 years old. However, some rental companies accept drivers under 25 with the payment of an additional fee. In these cases, there may be restrictions on vehicle categories.
2 - Carry the Necessary Documents
You will need the following documents:
A valid physical passport of the same nationality as the driver’s license;
A valid physical driver's license, issued more than 2 years ago, which must be from the same nationality as your passport or identification document (for rentals in your country of origin);
An International Driving Permit, mandatory in some countries. Specifically in countries like Italy, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Switzerland, and Austria, where non-Roman alphabets are used. In destinations like Portugal and Spain, some rental agencies or authorities may require this additional document.
Your reservation confirmation voucher;
You can find more information about the PID in this article.
3 - Credit Card
It is necessary to have a credit card enabled for use abroad, with the following conditions:
In your own name, with the card details visible and legible;
Enabled for use abroad;
Within the validity period;
Issued by a physical banking institution;
With a sufficient limit available for the security deposit block;
International rental companies do not accept prepaid, virtual, digital bank, or contactless cards. In some specific countries, like Spain, the customer may be required to present two cards to make the security deposit block; this is the case with rental companies Alamo, National, and Enterprise.
Be aware! Although they may seem the same, a financial institution and a banking institution are not the same thing. A bank is a type of financial institution that offers checking accounts and can accept deposits. On the other hand, a financial institution is a broader term that includes credit unions, brokerage firms, lending fintechs, and other companies that are not banks.
Important: Familiarize yourself with the rental companies' policies.
Some rental companies have their own criteria and may request additional information. Be sure to pay attention to the specific requirements of the rental company you intend to use, as policies can vary between companies.
Extra Tip: Provide Your Flight Details
Providing your flight details (airline name and flight number) allows the rental agency to:
Organize the meet & greet service at the airport.
Prepare for the shuttle boarding (transfer to the store, when applicable).
Monitor for any delays, ensuring that the service proceeds smoothly and on time.
Where can I enter my flight details when making my reservation?
To enter your flight details, just check the images below, depending on the channel used to make your reservation. See how easy it is!
Via the website:
Via the App:
Additional considerations for international travel
Delay tolerance: The time limit to pick up a vehicle is 29 minutes, based on the branch's service hours. After this time, the reservation may be canceled and fines may be applied. For example: If your reservation is for 10 a.m. and you arrive at 10:20 a.m., most rental companies accept it. After 29 minutes, it can be canceled.
Proximity to flight time: It is recommended to schedule the vehicle pickup at least 2 hours after the flight lands, considering possible delays or immigration lines.
International borders: For border crossings, contact the rental company directly. There may be additional fees and specific required documentation.
Country-specific rules: Be sure to check the specific requirements of the country you are traveling to, as some locations may have additional requirements, such as the mandatory need for an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Data Consistency: It is important that the information on all documents presented is consistent, including your full name and nationality. Discrepancies may prevent the rental from being finalized.
Physical documents: All documents presented upon vehicle pickup must be original and physical, including the driver's license and credit card. Digital documents are not accepted.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I use an additional card in my name just for the security deposit? No, only cards held by the main cardholder are accepted.
What if the flight is delayed or cancelled? You will need to contact our customer service center directly to check the possibility of making a new reservation or adjusting the pickup time. Please remember that late changes may incur a rate update.
Do cancellations generate costs? Yes, but requests made up to 48 hours before the pickup time can avoid retention fees.