Hi all you travelers-another question. We are renting a car in Ireland, do we need an international drivers license?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I doubt that your rental company will require one, since they speak English in Ireland, and the function of the IDP is to translate your US license into other languages. To be sure, though, I would ask your company what they want.
Posted by
Brentwood, Tennessee, United States
17 posts
Lynne, we rented a car there ten years ago, and didn't need any other sort of license than our regular U.S. one. I'd be surprised if that isn't still the case.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
"I doubt that your rental company will require one, since they speak English in Ireland, and the function of the IDP is to translate your US license into other languages." Just an FYI - The IDP can be very useful to validate your state issued drivers license in the event there is any confusion. I WAS asked for an IDP once in England becuase the rental agent couldn't figure out my license expiration date. I HIGHLY recommend having one any time you are driving in another country, it is pretty universally recognized (always along with your original drivers license).
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
...and don't forget thet the deductable for collision and theft is NOT covered by your VISA or AMX card in Ireland. In most countries we cover this deductable with our VISA, but VISA won't do this in Ireland! Instead of paying the "hiway robbery" rates that the auto rental agencies chrage we bought a "supplemental" policy thru a secondary insurance company. (and the supplemental policy even covers windhields, tires and wheels; which almost none of the rental agencies will)