Renting a car, motorcycle or scooter outside Europe: best tips

The pitfalls of renting a vehicle in a faraway country

Renting a car to travel across the United States, a 4x4 in Costa Rica, a scooter in Thailand or a motorcycle in Vietnam can add a whole new dimension to your trip. It gives you greater freedom, allows you to leave the tourist routes behind and discover your destination at your own pace.

But renting and driving a vehicle outside Europe requires preparation. Driving licences, traffic rules, road conditions, driving habits and insurance may differ considerably from those in Belgium.

Before signing the contract and leaving with the keys or helmet under your arm, here are the main precautions to take.

1. Check whether your Belgian driving licence is valid in the country you are visiting

This is the very first thing to check. Outside the European Economic Area, do not assume that your Belgian driving licence is sufficient. Check whether the destination country recognises it and whether an International Driving Permit is required.

An International Driving Permit is a translation of your national driving licence and must be presented together with your Belgian licence. If you live in Belgium, you can apply for it through your municipality. It may be valid for up to three years, but never for longer than your national driving licence.

Also check the vehicle category. Being permitted to drive a car does not necessarily mean that you may drive any motorcycle or scooter abroad.

Rules governing International Driving Permits may vary by destination. The FIA provides an overview that allows you to check the rules by country.

Tip: check this before booking the vehicle, rather than waiting until you are at the rental desk.

2. Find out about local traffic rules

Driving in Bangkok, Tokyo, Marrakesh or Los Angeles can be very different from driving in Brussels.

Before departure, find out about:

• which side of the road to drive on;
• speed limits;
• right-of-way rules;
• rules at roundabouts;
• the permitted blood alcohol level (in any event, avoid drinking alcohol if you intend to drive);
• helmet requirements for motorcycles or scooters;
• seat-belt requirements;
• mobile phone use while driving;
• transporting children;
• parking rules;
• toll roads and other access rules for certain roads;
• any special requirements for foreign drivers.

Never assume that Belgian rules also apply elsewhere.

It is also useful to download maps of your destination to your smartphone in advance so that you can navigate offline. This is particularly practical in areas with limited mobile coverage.

Be aware of local penalties

Compliance with local traffic rules is especially important because penalties can vary considerably from one country to another. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, speeding, dangerous driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may lead to a fine, a driving ban and, for the most serious offences, criminal prosecution and possible imprisonment. Alcohol limits and the way offences are penalised differ widely between countries. Always check the applicable rules and penalties at your destination before getting behind the wheel.

3. Chaotic traffic: observe before joining it

In some major cities in Asia, Africa or Latin America, traffic may surprise a European driver. Cars, buses, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, pedestrians and sometimes animals share the same space.

You may also encounter driving habits that are less familiar, including speed, manoeuvres, horn use and sudden braking. This can greatly increase your stress.

The best approach? Do not try to imitate local driving behaviour.

During your first few kilometres:

• reduce your speed;
• increase your safety distance;
• avoid sudden manoeuvres;
• focus on your surroundings rather than your GPS;
• if possible, avoid driving in very heavy traffic for the first time at night or immediately after a long flight.

If driving in local traffic conditions is genuinely outside your comfort zone, choose another way to get around.

4. Take road conditions into account

A distance that looks short on the map does not necessarily mean that the journey will be quick or easy.

Outside the main tourist routes, you may encounter damaged roads, unpaved tracks, potholes, flooded areas, sand or mud. In mountainous areas, roads may be narrow and winding, have no roadside barriers or run alongside ravines.

Weather conditions can make the journey even more difficult. Bear in mind that the weather may change very quickly, for example from sunshine to heavy rain. Roads are also particularly dangerous after dark.

Before heading into a remote area, ask yourself one simple question: Is the road passable with my vehicle?

A small rental car is not a 4x4. Even if you have rented an SUV, this does not automatically mean that your contract allows you to use tracks or unpaved roads.

Also think about fuel or charging. In some sparsely populated areas, petrol stations or charging points are far apart. Plan ahead. Also take sunset time into account so that you are not caught out by darkness.

5. Renting a scooter or motorcycle: practical, but not without risk

At many tourist destinations, a scooter appears to be the ideal solution: inexpensive, easy to park and available almost everywhere.

The fact that a vehicle is easy to rent does not mean that you are legally allowed to drive it!

A rental company may hand you the keys even though your driving licence does not necessarily cover the vehicle category. Check the applicable rules before setting off.

Before renting a two-wheeler, check:

• the required driving licence category;
• whether you need an International Driving Permit;
• the minimum age of the driver;
• local helmet rules;
• the rental conditions;
• applicable insurance and exclusions.

Tip: always wear a suitable, correctly fastened helmet, even if you notice that local riders do not do so systematically.

6. Check your insurance and travel assistance

The advertised rental price does not tell the whole story. A very attractive offer may become much less appealing if the insurance is limited or if you remain liable for a high excess.

Before signing, take the time to check exactly what is covered in the event of an accident, damage or theft.

Start with third-party liability insurance, which covers damage caused to other people. Check whether it is included in your rental agreement and find out about any limitations.

Then examine cover for damage to the vehicle and theft. Depending on the formula selected, you may remain responsible for part of the costs. The amount of the excess is therefore important: always ask how much you would personally have to pay if damage occurred.

A few precautions to prevent theft:

• Always lock the steering and never leave the keys in the vehicle;
• If possible, use an additional lock. Secure the scooter to a fixed object;
• Preferably park in a busy, well-lit or monitored location;
• Do not leave valuables visible on the scooter. Take your smartphone, money, documents and other important belongings with you;
• Keep the vehicle documents with you rather than leaving them in the scooter’s storage compartment when you go away;
• Check the theft insurance conditions;
• Take a photograph of the scooter and note its registration number. In the event of theft, this information may be useful when reporting it to the police and the rental company.

Also pay attention to exclusions in the contract. Certain types of damage or vehicle use may not be covered. This check is particularly important if your route includes unpaved roads or if you intend to rent a motorcycle or scooter.

Insuring the vehicle is not enough. Think about your own protection too.

An accident on the other side of the world may require medical treatment, hospitalisation and, in the most serious cases, repatriation.

Before departure, check that you have good travel assistance cover suited to your destination and planned type of trip. In particular, check cover for:

• medical expenses abroad;
• possible hospitalisation;
• on-site assistance following an accident;
• repatriation when medically necessary;
• the maximum cover limits, excesses and exclusions in your policy.

If you plan to ride a motorcycle or scooter, pay particular attention to any conditions or exclusions in your assistance policy and make sure that you hold the required driving licence.

Finally, save the telephone number of your assistance company in your phone. In the event of an accident requiring medical treatment or hospitalisation, contact it as soon as possible to find out which steps to follow.

In summary, check three things before departure: your liability towards others, cover for the rented vehicle and your own protection in the event of an accident.

7. Inspect the vehicle before setting off

Do not simply get in or on and leave immediately. Take a few minutes to walk around the vehicle with your smartphone.

Check the bodywork

Photograph or film:

• dents and scratches;
• paint damage;
• bumpers;
• wheel rims;
• the windscreen and other windows;
• mirrors.

For a car, also remember the roof and the lower parts of the vehicle, which are easily overlooked during an inspection.

Ask for any existing damage to be properly recorded on the condition report or handover document before departure.

Check the tyres

Examine the overall condition of the tyres and look for clearly abnormal wear or damage. If travelling to a remote area, also check whether a spare wheel or repair kit is provided.

Test the essential equipment

• headlights;
• indicators;
• brake lights;
• windscreen wipers and washer;
• horn;
• seat belts;
• air conditioning, if essential at your destination.

For a motorcycle or scooter

• tyres;
• brakes;
• lights and indicators;
• mirrors;
• the overall condition of the vehicle.

Also inspect the helmet provided and ask for another one if it is damaged.

8. Photograph the mileage and fuel level

An action that takes only a few seconds can prevent many disputes.

When collecting the vehicle, photograph the mileage and the fuel or charge level.

Do the same when returning it.

Also check the fuel policy so that you know the level at which the vehicle must be returned.

For an electric car, find out about the required battery level on return and the charging options along your route.

9. Your clothing and equipment

Whether you are riding a motorcycle or a scooter, the right equipment is essential for riding in suitable conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and avoid sandals and flip-flops; take a jacket, long trousers, gloves and sunglasses. In the event of a skid or fall, clothing that covers your body offers better protection.

Also remember to take rainwear, especially if your route passes through areas where the weather can change quickly. This may be the case, for example, when travelling from the beach to high-altitude mountain areas during the same journey.

If you plan to ride at the end of the day or when visibility decreases, a high-visibility jacket may be essential.

Finally, carry a charged and fully functioning smartphone. If a problem arises, you can use it to call for help quickly, provided that sufficient network coverage is available.

10. What should you do in the event of a breakdown or accident?

Do not wait until a problem occurs before asking yourself this question.

Before leaving the rental office, save the following numbers in your phone:

• the rental company’s assistance number;
• your travel assistance number;
• local emergency numbers.

Because your Redion travel assistance does not cover a technical problem involving a vehicle outside Europe, it is essential to ask the rental company which procedure to follow in the event of an accident, breakdown, puncture or theft, and which documents may need to be completed.

In the event of an accident involving injuries, contact the local emergency services first if necessary. Then notify your assistance centre to find out which steps to follow regarding your medical cover.

11. Do not neglect the vehicle condition report when returning it

Precautions do not end when you park the vehicle at the rental office.

If possible, return the vehicle during opening hours and ask an employee to inspect its condition.

Once again, take photographs or a video of:

• the bodywork;
• the wheels;
• the interior;
• the mileage;
• the fuel or charge level.

Then keep the rental agreement, vehicle condition documents, photographs and any supporting evidence.

Checklist: what should you check before setting off?

☐ Your Belgian driving licence is accepted in the country
☐ You have an International Driving Permit if required
☐ Your driving licence category corresponds to the vehicle
☐ All drivers are correctly listed in the contract
☐ You have checked third-party liability cover
☐ You know the cover for damage and theft
☐ You know the amount of the excess
☐ You have checked the main exclusions
☐ Your travel assistance covers medical expenses abroad
☐ You have checked the repatriation conditions
☐ The conditions for a motorcycle or scooter have been checked where applicable
☐ Existing damage has been recorded and photographed
☐ The tyres and essential equipment have been checked
☐ The mileage has been photographed
☐ The fuel or battery level has been photographed
☐ You know the required fuel or battery level on return
☐ The assistance numbers have been saved
☐ You know the main local traffic rules
☐ Your route is suitable for the chosen vehicle
☐ You have the necessary clothing and equipment

Conclusion

Renting a car, motorcycle or scooter outside Europe can be a fantastic way to discover a country in complete freedom. But that freedom requires a minimum of preparation.

Before setting off, remember four essential reflexes: check that you are legally permitted to drive the chosen vehicle, familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and driving conditions, carefully examine the insurance relating to the vehicle, and make sure that you have suitable travel assistance in the event of an accident or medical problem.

A few checks before turning the ignition key can save you a great deal of trouble on the road.

FAQ: renting a car, motorcycle or scooter outside Europe