Call your insurer and credit cards before departure to figure out what coverage you'll need: When you get to the rental counter in your destination country, you'll almost always find they recommend the most expensive insurance option. But by knowing in advance what sort of international coverage you already have through your existing car insurance and credit cards, you may be able to save yourself some money.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) : They are available from AAA and the National Automobile Club.
To apply for an IDP, you must:
•be at least age 18
•present two passport-size photographs and
•present your valid U.S. license
The cost of an IDP from these U.S. State Department-authorized organizations is less than $20.00.
Carry both your IDP and your U.S. state driver's license with you at all times, as many countries have different driving rules. If possible, obtain a copy of the foreign country’s driving laws before you begin driving in that country. Information may be available from the foreign country’s embassy in the United States, foreign government tourism offices, or from a car rental company in the foreign country.
Familiarize yourself with signs and basic rules: What does a Japanese stop sign look like? Who has the right-of-way in France's roundabouts? There's no better time to appreciate the cultural specificity of iconography than when you're surrounded by utterly mystifying road signs while driving in a foreign country. Study up in advance (you can often find a country-specific road-sign guide online), or contact the car-rental agency to see if it provides a cheat-sheet you can keep with you in the car.
If the drivers in the country you are visiting drive on the left side of the road, it may be prudent to practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive in heavy traffic.
Consider a GPS navigation system: The last thing you need when you're keeping up with unfamiliar traffic patterns is to be constantly glancing down to trace your route on a map. If you don't have a GPS device, you can often rent them along with your car. A word to the wise: Be sure your rented navigation system speaks English before you leave the car rental location.
Beware Old Parts of Cities: When you're planning your driving routes, beware of old neighborhoods in cities. What look like normal roads on maps can easily turn out to be streets so narrow you have to flip the side mirrors in to squeeze through. Look for larger streets whenever possible.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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