Slow travel: tips for driving abroad

Explore like a tourist and drive like a local with our detailed guide on road trip holidays.

With our extensive driving abroad tips for destinations all around the world, you'll soon be ready to feel the freedom of a self-drive getaway.

Everything you need to know about driving abroad

It's important to plan ahead before hitting the road abroad. In this guide, you'll find the need-to-knows for navigating roads around the world.

Ensure your license code is accessible

If you're hiring a car abroad, before handing you the keys rental companies might ask for a licence 'check code'. It's easy to get hold of these online through the Gov.uk website and they're valid for 21 days.

Check if you need an International Drivers Permit

If you need an International Drivers Permit for your chosen destination, these cost £5.50 and can be bought from a shop that has PayPoint.

Ensure you have the right documentation if you are driving your own car

Travellers who plan on taking their vehicle abroad always need to bring the V5C and if you're heading outside of the EU a Green Card, too. You also might need car stickers and plan ahead with purchasing emissions stickers for cities in Europe like Paris, Antwerp and Berlin.

Some cities in Europe and possibly emission stickers for some cities in Europe. To bring a trailer or caravan you might be required to have category BE on your driving license – all you need to do is complete a free D1 application form.

Rules of the road: Europe and beyond

Driving abroad can feel a little intimidating, especially if you have never driven a car outside of the UK. We always recommend checking the official UK government website for the latest advice on travelling and driving abroad, but you can read on to learn the need-to-know rules and advice for stress-free driving around the world.

Canada

While you're in Canada drive on the right-hand side of the road and make sure you're prepared for snowy conditions if you're visiting in winter. You'll also need to be at least 21 years old to hire a car with most rental companies.

Car hire in CanadaFlights to Canada

Things to remember

A flashing green light can mean different things across Canada. In British Columbia and Yukon, it signals a pedestrian intersection but in Quebec, it indicates that drivers have the right of way to turn left.
Speed limits are usually 50km/h in urban areas and 100km/h on the highway.
In the colder months, it's mandatory to have winter tyres and snow chains for many mountainous areas and specific provinces, like British Columbia.
While cruising through forested areas or remote parts of Canada keep an eye out for wildlife wildlife warnings for frequently crossing animals.

USA

Heading to the United States? Always drive on the right. Most rental companies accept English licences otherwise, you'll need an International Driving Permit – usually, drivers must be at least 21 years old and additional fees may be charged for those under 25.

Car hire in USA Flights to USA

Things to remember

Watch out for school buses with a flashing stop sign – this means you must wait behind it until the light turns off or it's moved away.
It's breaking the law to have open alcohol containers inside a vehicle.
In 50 states the Red on Right rule allows drivers to turn right after stopping at a red light – unless there's a sign that says 'no turn on red'.
Speed limits can vary depending on the state but usually, it's around 30mph in urban areas and upwards of 45mph to 70mph on highways.
If you see a '4-WAY' sign, you'll be at an intersection where traffic from four directions must stop and priority is given in order of the vehicles' arrival.

Central America and the Caribbean

While driving laws are fairly slack, the roads can get a little hectic so take it slow and stay alert. In most countries driving you'll drive on the right and for some you'll need an International Driving Permit.

Car hire in AmericasFlights to Americas

Things to remember

The alcohol limits can be anywhere from zero tolerance to 0.05% BAC so check the laws specific to your location.
Urban areas usually have speed limits of between 40 and 50km/h, on rural roads it's 60 to 80km/h and for highways 80 to 100km/h.
It is wise to avoid driving at night if possible as roads can be poorly maintained with limited lighting and signage.
Keep up to date with local floods, especially in the Caribbean, and avoid these areas.
Always carry your passport, visa, driving licence, and travel insurance while you're on the road. Some countries like El Salvador and Nicaragua might also ask for proof of a Yellow Fever Vaccine if you're stopped in your vehicle.

South America

Landscapes and driving conditions change dramatically across South America but if you're heading into remote areas make sure you've packed some emergency supplies in case you break down. It's also wise to plan petrol stops if you're heading away from towns and cities as opportunities to refuel can be sparse. Stick to the right-hand side of the road and bring an International Drivers Permit with you.

Car hire in ArgentinaFlights to South America

Things to remember

Be cautious of zero tolerance and extra low alcohol limits in certain regions of South America.
Police roadblocks are quite common so always have a copy of your insurance, IDP, passport, visa and driving licence with you.
Keep some cash on you for the tolls around Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
Some countries require reflective vests and a warning triangle in the car.
Take it slow on mountain roads in the Andes as safety rails are lacking on some steep, winding roads.

Europe

Across most of Europe, the minimum driving age is 18 but rental companies often request drivers are 25 and older. If you're from the EU or UK bring your national driving licence. For non-EU licence holders, you'll likely need an International Driving Permit.

Car hire in FranceFlights to Europe

Things to remember

Drive on the right-hand side of the road unless you're in the UK, Ireland, Malta or Cyprus.
It's mandatory to keep your headlights on 24/7 in some Eastern European and Nordic countries.
In the cooler months, it's a legal requirement to have winter tyres fitted or snow chains if you're heading into the mountains of countries like Germany or Austria.
Be wary of alcohol limits – usually, it's 0.05%BAC but it's lower in Sweden and some parts of Eastern Europe.
Get to grips with Germany's Autobhan; there are some unrestricted speed limits but stay safe by limiting yourself to 130 km/h.
It's mandatory in most EU countries to carry reflective vests and warning triangles in your vehicle.
The general rule of thumb is 50km/h or 30km/h in city centres. For rural roads, it's 80 to 90km/h and motorways 110 to 130km/h.
Top tip

Take a look at our in-depth guide to driving in Europe.

Africa

The laws and diving conditions change from country to country in Africa but remote roads are particularly challenging. For most countries on this continent you'll need to drive on the right but in South Africa, Kenya and a handful of other former British colonies stick to the left.

Car hire in South AfricaFlights to Africa

Things to remember

Some rental companies will allow 18-year-olds to hire cars but many have higher age limits.
If you're travelling long distances it's a good idea to carry a reflective vest, first aid kit and warning triangle in the car.
Speed limits are usually 50km/h in urban areas with 80 to 100km/h on rural roads and between 100 and 120km/h for highways.
Botswana, South Africa and Namibia are renowned for wildlife on the roads.
Police often perform random checks in countries including Kenya and Nigeria so keep your passport, insurance documents and driving licence with you.
While cities and main roads are generally well-maintained, rural roads can be tough to drive on.

Middle East

Stick to the right while on the roads in the Middle East and bring an International Driving Permit with you. You must be at least 21 to hire a car and there's zero tolerance for alcohol behind the wheel in the UAE.

Car hire in UAEFlights to UAE

Things to remember

Always keep proof of insurance on you while driving.
Because of the extreme heat in this part of the world, it's important to keep first aid supplies and emergency water supplies in your vehicle.
Keep an eye out for sandstorms as they can disrupt travel
Maximum speeds in urban areas are usually between 40 and 60km/h and for highways 100 to 120km/h.

Asia

Japan and South Korea have highly developed and well-connected roads but less so in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Rentals usually require drivers to be over 21 years old and in many countries, tourists need an International Drivers Permit.

Car hire in SingaporeFlights to Asia

Things to remember

Make sure you have the means to pay tolls on your journey as these are common in countries like China and Japan. You'll need a toll card in some places.
Drive on the right in China, Vietnam, Cambodia and South Korea. In India, Thailand, Japan, Mylasia and Indonesia stay on the left-hand side.
You might find some drivers don't stick to the rules of the roundabouts so take it slow and be vigilant.
It's mandatory in some places, like South Korea, to keep reflective vests and an emergency triangle in your car.
Many countries in Asia have a zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
Driving speeds are generally capped at 40 to 60 in urban areas, 80 to 100 on rural roads and 100 to 120 on highways.

Australia and New Zealand

Stick to the left-hand side of the road while driving in these two countries. You must be over 21 to rent a car in Australia and third-party liability insurance is mandatory.

Car hire in New ZealandFlights to New Zealand

Things to remember

Take wildlife warnings seriously, kangaroos, koalas and possums often cross the roads.
If you're under the age of 20 in New Zealand there is a zero tolerance for alcohol while driving. Anyone older is limited to 0.05% BAC in most areas of both countries.
The speed limits in both countries are most often 50km/h in built-up areas and 100km/h on highways.

Smaller islands of Oceania

Driving rules change depending on where you are in the Pacific islands because of the differing road conditions. In Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands drive on the left or for French Polynesia and a few other smaller islands keep to the right. Unless you have a local licence, you'll most likely need an International Driving Permit.

Flights to Oceania

Things to remember

Be careful on remote roads as they can be narrow and bumpy.
Stay safe by keeping an emergency kit in the car when heading into lesser-ventured areas.
Keep an eye on the weather to avoid the dangers of cyclones, particularly on coastal roads and between the months of November and April.
Towns usually have speed restrictions of 30 to 50km/h and 60 to 80km/h on main roads.
In most places, the drinking limit is 0.05% BAC.

Road trip inspiration

Thinking of planning a self-drive holiday but don't know where to start? Here are some of our road trip destination guides with the most amazing routes you could try.

Italy

World-class wines, renowned sites and ancient history. Get to know the real Italy with a blissful Italian road trip.

Read our guide

Mexico

Embrace authentic Latin American experiences and unforgettable natural beauty on an epic Mexican road trip.

Read our guide

Germany

Discover wild forests, fairytale castles, and gothic towns on a magical road trip in Germany.

Read our guide

Morocco

Wellness, adventure or culture, you can have it all on a Morocco road trip.

Read our guide

Now you know what to expect when driving abroad, it's time to start planning your next getaway. Before you go, it's always best to check the official government advice on where you're heading.

Planning a self-drive holiday? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.

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