Taking a road trip in a foreign country is one of the most rewarding ways to explore hidden landscapes, small rural villages, and scenic coastal routes at your own pace. However, picking up a rental car in Europe, North America, or Asia introduces a unique set of challenges for South African drivers accustomed to local road habits.
From adjusting to foreign traffic rules to avoiding overpriced insurance add-ons at the rental counter, here is everything you need to know before putting key to ignition abroad.
1. Adjusting to the Opposite Side of the Road
South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road with the steering wheel on the right. Traveling to destinations like the United States, mainland Europe, or China means flipping your muscle memory to drive on the right.
- The Adjustment Period:Take the first hour slowly. Driving on the right means shifting gears with your right hand (if driving a manual) and checking your rear-view mirror to your top-right rather than top-left.
- Traffic Circles and Turns:At roundabouts in right-hand driving countries, traffic moves counter-clockwise, and you must yield to vehicles approaching from your left. Additionally, in places like the USA, drivers are often permitted to turn right at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop unless signposted otherwise.
2. Navigating Foreign Toll Systems
Toll roads overseas are rarely as straightforward as pulling up to a booth and tapping a credit card.
- Vignette Stickers:Countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia require drivers to purchase a physical or digital windscreen toll sticker (“vignette”) before driving on highways. Failing to display one results in heavy fines.
- Electronic Transponders:In many parts of Southern Europe and North America, tolls are fully automated. Ask your rental agency if the vehicle comes equipped with an electronic transponder (like E-ZPass or Telepass) to avoid incurring steep administrative processing fees for unpaid toll gantries.
3. Securing Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
While your plastic South African driver’s licence is printed in English and accepted in many countries, many car rental agencies and foreign traffic police legally require an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can easily obtain an IDP over the counter at any Automobile Association (AA) accredited outlet in South Africa before departing. Always carry your original SA licence alongside your IDP.
4. Beating the Rental Car Excess Trap with Travel Insurance
When you collect your vehicle, rental desk agents will almost certainly urge you to purchase their expensive daily “Super Collision Damage Waiver” (Super CDW) to reduce your excess to zero. Without this add-on, your basic rental agreement carries a high “excess”; the out-of-pocket amount you must pay if the car is damaged or stolen, which can easily reach R30,000 to R50,000 ($1,500 to $3,000).
Rather than paying exorbitant daily rates directly to the car rental company, a comprehensive travel insurance policy with Rental Car Excess Cover provides a far more affordable solution.
If your rental car suffers scratch marks, a chipped windscreen, or collision damage while abroad, the rental company will deduct the excess from your credit card deposit. With rental excess cover built into your travel insurance, you simply submit the repair invoice and police or rental report to your insurer for a full reimbursement.
Renting a vehicle overseas gives you the freedom to create an unforgettable holiday on your own terms. By familiarizing yourself with local traffic laws, securing your International Driving Permit before flying, and backing your journey with reliable rental excess insurance, you can navigate foreign highways with total peace of mind.
