Are you thinking about driving in another country? Roads, signs, laws, and driving norms are often different abroad. Consider your safety. Make sure you have a valid license to drive as well as insurance. And remember to buckle up, no matter where you are.
Read our Country Information pages. You can find road safety info in the Travel and Transportation section. You may find more useful information from the foreign embassy or consulate website. Government tourism offices or car rental companies may also be helpful.
Keep these things in mind when planning your trip:
- Potential hazards and dangerous road conditions
- Local roads or areas to avoid
- Need for spare tires, fuel, and a map
- Local laws and driving culture
- Local emergency numbers
- Vehicle safety considerations, including seat belts
- Documents to carry, including any special road permits
- Insurance and driver’s license (see below)
International Driving Permits Scams
- It is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most countries. Check our Country Information page for your destination.
- Not all countries accept a U.S. driver's license. Most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP):
- An IDP is sometimes known as an international driver’s license.
- The U.S. Department of State authorized the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue IDPs. These are the only active organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State that meets the standards under the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949).
- You may apply in person at an AAA Travel office, online, or by mail. You may also apply online with AATA.
- Do not believe a website that says you can apply online through a different company.
- Scammers often create websites to sell fake IDPs. They try to sell them to you in person or online for an expensive fee. If you buy a fake IDP, you’ll be paying for an invalid document. You could face legal charges or travel delays if you use it to drive abroad.
Auto Insurance Policies
- In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go.
- Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums. Make sure your policy reaches these minimums.
- While rental companies overseas may offer car insurance, it can be for a very small amount. Consider buying insurance coverage equal to what you have at home.
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