Does Alamo require an IDP in Palau?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Alamo in Palau: 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.
Palau drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Palau specifically, palau 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. Koror desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Alamo runs a global network; at its Palau desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Palau drives on the right, uses the USD, and sets a minimum driving age of 21; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Alamo counter in Palau
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the USD deposit; Palau drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Palau Alamo renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits across the islands.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Palau
Palau has no toll roads, vignettes or electronic toll systems; all public roads, including the Koror-Babeldaob (KB) Bridge, are free to use.
Parking is informal and free in Koror with no paid-zone meters or colour-coded systems; park sensibly off the carriageway, as space near the main downtown shops and markets is limited.
The national speed limit is just 25 mph (about 40 km/h) and is enforced; fines for speeding, no seatbelt or drink-driving are issued by Koror police, and rental firms pass any citations back to the renter's card on file.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance (Koror police: 680-488-2423); do not move vehicles after an injury crash and wait for officers, as a police report is needed for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Palau →