Car rental and international driving permit in South Africa

Hi there, We’re planning a trip to South Africa and thinking of renting a car. Is it straightforward, and are there any companies to avoid or others you’d recommend?

We just realized our international driving permit has expired, and the French administration says it’ll take 5 months to get a new one. Is it possible to rent a car without this famous international permit?

Thanks in advance for all your tips!

Hi there,

Here’s what the French consulate in Cape Town says:

If you want to rent a car to drive in South Africa, you’ll need your French license and a full translation of the document in English. The translation can be done in France before you leave or here in Cape Town when you arrive (see our list of translators).

You can also use an international driving permit (see info below).

These documents may be requested by authorities during road checks. We also recommend contacting the rental company to find out which documents they’ll need when you pick up your car.

Personally, I’ve never been asked for anything other than my French license.

I only had issues with Hertz when leaving Johannesburg.

Michel85200 recently went to South Africa. He could give a more up-to-date opinion.

Michel85200 reporting 25 trips As many car rentals as you can imagine As many police checks as you can imagine Border crossings French license: yes International permit: sometimes yes, often no English translation of the national license: never Car rental: French license always requested International permit always ignored Police checks I was randomly asked for my French license Only once did a police officer "play around" – he gave up quickly Border crossings never mentioned, nor even the rental company’s border letter So... So I’m just sharing what I’ve experienced One observation though... While before, no one ever suggested I give a little something... In the last two years, and especially this year... The officer suggested I buy him a drink or his lunch I smiled Said no Spoke Zulu And we ended with a "Check" and smiles without even opening the trunk, which was initially requested Now I carry a photocopy with the tourist hotline number and a reminder of the law

Hi there,

Thanks so much for your tips! According to the foreign affairs website, it seems like insecurity is increasing in South Africa, especially when you're spotted as renting a car. What do you think? Best regards,

Hi, Thanks for the tip!

Hello. I’ve just returned from a one-month road trip across South Africa in November/December (7,500 km of road and dirt tracks, Jbg, Kruger, Kalahari Park, West Coast, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, back to Jbg). Absolutely no problem renting a car in Johannesburg. Lots of options. I went through Carjet, which offered me the best prices at the time. I rented a Toyota Rav 4 from Hertz (980 € for a month, unlimited mileage). Everything was perfect, both when picking up the vehicle (almost new, hybrid, automatic transmission), which was practically at OR Tambo Airport, and when returning it (no nitpicking at all). No need for an international driving permit to rent, contrary to what’s often said! I’d actually applied for one before leaving and only received it after returning to France! My French license (with my old photo from 1971) was accepted very easily. I’d had it officially translated into English as a precaution; when I showed it, they didn’t even look at it and told me they didn’t need it! It might only be useful during a police check… I was stopped by the police several times, and they were mainly interested in talking to me about my trip and France. They were always smiling and friendly and never asked for an international permit—my old 1971 license was more than enough. So, in my opinion, you’ve got nothing to worry about! My son was even accepted as a second driver for a minimal extra fee. Have a great trip.