The paperwork
An International Driving Permit is a booklet that translates your license into several languages. It is valid for one year and only alongside the license itself. In the United States it is issued by AAA for about twenty dollars plus two passport photos. Italy, Spain, Austria and Japan are among the countries that require one by law. The rental desk may not ask for it, but a police officer after an accident will. You also need a credit card in the main driver's name, because the company places a hold of several hundred dollars or more and debit cards are often refused.
The insurance decision
Liability cover is normally included in the rate abroad. What is sold at the counter is a collision damage waiver, which limits what you owe for damage to the car but commonly leaves a deductible, called the excess, of one to three thousand dollars. Your American auto policy almost certainly stops at the border. Many credit cards provide collision cover if you decline the company's waiver and pay with that card, but they exclude certain countries and vehicle types. Call the issuer, ask for a letter of coverage naming the country, and decide before you reach the counter.
The car itself
Manual transmission is the default in much of the world, and automatics cost more and sell out. Book the smallest car that fits, because old-town streets were not built for anything bigger. Film every panel, the wheels, the windshield, the roof and the interior, then the fuel gauge and odometer, and have existing damage marked on the agreement before you sign. Open the fuel flap and read the label. Diesel is common abroad, the wrong fuel wrecks the engine at your expense, and nozzle colors differ from those at home. Choose a full-to-full fuel policy and keep the last receipt.
Rules of the road
Historic centers, notably in Italy, have limited traffic zones enforced by camera, and the fine arrives months later with an administrative fee from the rental company. Ask your hotel where the boundary runs. Austria, Switzerland and several neighbors require a prepaid motorway sticker, sold at border gas stations. Britain, Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa drive on the left, where roundabouts run clockwise and you look right first. Tell the company if you plan to cross a border, since some contracts forbid it.
Tip Return the car during staffed hours and get a signed slip showing a full tank and no new damage. Film the car again before you hand over the keys.
