Does Alamo require an IDP in Andorra?
Alamo in Andorra: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation when the licence is in a non-Latin alphabet, and suggests one for all international renters. Leisure-focused brand popular for airport pickups.
This Pyrenean micro-state drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence, so an IDP is rarely demanded — though non-Latin-script holders should carry one.
In Andorra specifically, andorra lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Alamo still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Few rental desks exist; most cars arrive from Spain or France with their own paperwork.
Alamo runs a global network; at its Andorra desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Andorra drives on the right, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Alamo counter in Andorra
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Andorra drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Andorra Alamo renters should know
- Drive on the right on steep mountain roads.
- Winter tyres or chains needed in snow.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Dipped headlights in tunnels.
Alamo's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Alamo's standard minimum rental age in the US is 21 (18 in Michigan and New York where state law requires it); renters aged 21-24 pay a "young/youthful driver" surcharge that averages about $25 per day but varies by location (for example roughly $13/day in Michigan and $20/day in New York), and under-25 renters may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card in the primary renter's name is required at most locations; debit/check cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard or Discover logo are accepted at airport locations only with a ticketed return travel itinerary (Discover not accepted in Canada), and the name/address on the card and license must match, with a hold placed at pickup that reduces available funds.
Additional authorized drivers typically cost about $15 per day each (around $5/day in New York), and every additional driver must also meet the minimum-age and license requirements; some promotions or contracted/corporate rates waive the fee. Alamo requires each driver to hold a valid, unexpired driver's license; the license must have been issued before the rental and held for the qualifying period, with locations commonly expecting it to have been held for at least 1 year.
Vehicles rented in the US may typically be driven throughout the US and Canada but cannot be taken into Mexico; vehicles rented in Canada may be driven in Canada and the US. Cross-border and one-way rentals must be disclosed and authorized at the counter, and one-way availability and drop fees vary by location.
Alamo states an International Driving Permit cannot be used on its own and the home-country license must always be presented; an IDP is recommended (not required) when the license uses Roman/English letters, but is required when the license is in a non-Roman alphabet (e.g. Russian, Japanese, Arabic), with a typed professional translation as a substitute if no IDP is available.
Once you collect the keys in Andorra
Andorra has no motorway tolls or vignettes - all roads are free; the only related cost is paid parking in towns and at ski resorts.
Town-centre parking (especially Andorra la Vella and Escaldes) is mostly paid via meters, machines or apps, with signposted restricted zones; illegally parked cars are towed, and P+R lots on the edges ease congestion.
Speeding, seatbelt and handheld-phone offences are fined on the spot; drink-drive limits are strict, and rental firms forward any camera or police fine to the renter's card.
Call 112 for all emergencies; do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive, complete the European accident statement (constat amiable), and obtain a police report for insurance.
Full driving guide for Andorra →