Rental Car Information & Tips Rental requirements In most countries you must be at least 21 years of age, with a valid license issued in your country of residence. Many companies require a major credit card for deposit on vehicles. Where cash is sometimes accepted, it may be only for certain models. Driving into neighboring countries, or completing your rental in a different town/airport may be permitted for depending on the company, country and location of return. Check in advance before you make plans. International Driving Permits Your driving licence will be honored in most countries, however there are countries where non-local Driving Licences (in different languages or particularly in languages using different alphabet structures). It is recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit. An IDP is written in 10 languages and serves as an officially recognized translation of your local driving licence in over 150 participating members of the United Nations. Your IDP should always be accompanied by your valid local driving licence. The UN itself does not issue driving permits, but uses authorised travel associations to administer the service. A passport-size booklet is printed in 10 languages. It explains that the motorist has a driving license from his permanent place of residence. The Permit has been widely used for more than fifty years and is recognized almost everywhere in the world. For more information and for applications please contact your local country motor club organizations. Insurance Many auto insurance companies do not provide coverage for car rentals outside your home country, so find out before you go. Some credit cards may entitle their holders to a degree of cover for damage to, or loss of, the rental vehicle. Again, know the coverage in advance. Your Journey Check before you leave the rental car lot to make sure you have all items of your luggage, maps you may require, and that you do not feel overly tired. During your travels, pay careful attention to your purse/wallet and where you keep your car keys. Please do not leave your baggage unattended or valuables/keys on a desk or table. If you are travelling in a group assign someone to stay with your luggage while all/any other drivers of the vehicle familiarize themselves with the vehicle. Your rental vehicle Please check that the vehicle conditions written on the vehicle statement are correct and if an apparent defect not listed is noticed when examining the vehicle; please notify the rental agency right away. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with your vehicle before departure. Learn where all the controls are and how they operate. If you are driving in a country where vehicles are on the opposite side of the road that which you are used to, take additional time to get comfortable.     Some of the more common International Road Signs         © 2005 Caribbean Travelweb