Travel Advice and Help
Car hire abroad – know before you go
Driving your hire car abroad is different to driving a car in your own country. The law differs from location to location. Do you know the road rules of the country you're visiting? Can you use your native driving licence? Will your passport be valid?To avoid bumps down the road during your rental and before you start shopping for sunscreen, make time to read this essential travel advice.
Road rules
Each country has different rules for driving abroad and you're legally obliged to follow them. Be sure to understand these ahead of your journey.To help, we've gathered the top-line road rules for locations across Europe, the United States and Canada.
Driving licence
Don't forget: After June 8 2015, the paper counterpart to the UK driver's licence is being abolished. From then, we will not require customers to present this when collecting their rental vehicle, learn more about the changes.You can use your UK licence in most of Europe, South Africa, the USA and Canada.
If your driving licence isn't in Roman characters (for example, Japanese) or you hire a car in Australia, you will need an International Driving Permit.
To find out if you need an International Driving Permit for your trip and how to apply, visit the gov.uk website.
Insurance
Whenever you travel abroad, you should always take out travel insurance. From stolen luggage to personal injuries, get peace of mind for all your needs.Travelling in Europe from the UK? Remember to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can apply for this and it's free at www.nhs.uk/ehic. This could give you free or reduced cost healthcare and even remove or reduce your travel insurance excess (check your insurance policy).
Documents
Take photocopies of all your important documents, such as travel insurance, your passport and driving licence. Store a copy in a secure online storage site and leave a copy with a family member or friend at home.Vaccinations
If you're heading to foreign shores, ask your doctor whether you need any vaccinations.Some vaccinations need to be given a while in advance of your trip, so give your doctor as much notice as possible.
If you're travelling from the UK, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk to find out more.
Passport and visas
It may sound like an obvious one, but you'd be surprised how many people forget to check whether their passport will be valid during their trip abroad.Some countries require you to have a passport that's at least six months in date (for example, the United States), so be sure to check your passport will be valid when you travel.
Likewise, check whether you need a visa before you travel. It could mean the difference between travelling and being sent packing.
The foreign embassy for your chosen country will tell you more.