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Avis · Bhutan

Does Avis require an IDP in Bhutan?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Yes, bring one
Many rental companies and local authorities in Bhutan ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter.
Avis in Bhutan
Avis IDP policyBring an IDP (foreign drivers)
Avis footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

Avis in Bhutan: the policy in plain terms

Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one. Long-established global brand operating in 165+ countries.

Bhutan drives on the left through Himalayan terrain; an IDP is recommended, and most visitors travel with a licensed guide and driver.

In Bhutan specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Bhutan ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Independent rental is restricted; tourism rules favour guided transport.

Avis runs a global network; at its Bhutan desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Bhutan drives on the left, uses the BTN, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.

What to bring to the Avis counter in Bhutan

  • 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 BTN deposit; Bhutan drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Bhutan Avis renters should know

  • Drive on the left on narrow mountain roads.
  • Strict speed limits on switchbacks.
  • 0.0% alcohol tolerance.
  • Carry passport, IDP and permits.

Avis's rental terms that affect your IDP booking

Minimum age & young-driver surcharge

Avis's standard minimum rental age is 25, though it rents to drivers as young as 21 in most US states/provinces (some locations require 25 by local law); renters aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $25 per day in the US (about $35/day in Canada).

Deposit & accepted cards

Avis requires an Avis-honored credit or charge card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and places an authorization hold covering the estimated charges plus a security amount; Visa/Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most US locations but are subject to stricter checks, and the card must be in the renter's name.

Additional drivers

Additional drivers must be at least 25 (or meet the underage rules) with a valid licence and typically cost about $13 per day, capped near $65 per rental; in California the fee is waived for a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the renter. Avis requires a valid driver's licence held for the entire rental period that is not suspended, expired, revoked, cancelled or surrendered; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the US, though some international locations require the licence to have been held for 1-2 years.

Cross-border & one-way

Avis generally permits US-to-Canada travel if the renting location is notified in advance, but driving into Mexico is restricted (typically corporate accounts only, no one-way, and Mexican insurance purchased through Avis from border states); one-way rentals are offered with a drop-off charge that may apply on certain rates.

IDP & foreign-licence rule

Avis states that "International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit is not acceptable by itself." Foreign licences are accepted if the issuing country participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the US; non-Roman-alphabet licences effectively require an IDP, and renters with a foreign licence may need to present a passport.

Once you collect the keys in Bhutan

Tolls & road charges

Bhutan has no expressway toll or vignette system; road use is free, though tourists pay the government Sustainable Development Fee separately as part of entry, not at any road booth.

Parking in town

In Thimphu use the marked municipal parking bays near landmarks such as Clock Tower Square, Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma, where attendants collect a small hourly fee; unauthorised parking is fined by the Thimphu Thromde.

Fines & camera enforcement

Police strictly enforce seatbelt, speed and drink-driving laws with on-the-spot fines; urban limit is 50 km/h, rural 80 km/h. Drink-driving and reckless driving on cliff roads draw heavier penalties and possible licence action.

If you have an accident

Dial 113 for police and 112 for ambulance; do not move the vehicles after a serious crash and wait for police, as a police report is required and fault can carry compensation liability.

Full driving guide for Bhutan

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Avis in Bhutan?
Many rental companies and local authorities in Bhutan ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Avis states that "International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit is not acceptable by itself." Foreign licences are accepted if the issuing country participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the US; non-Roman-alphabet licences effectively require an IDP, and renters with a foreign licence may need to present a passport.
02
What documents should I bring to the Avis desk in Bhutan?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Bhutan drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from Avis in Bhutan?
Avis's standard minimum rental age is 25, though it rents to drivers as young as 21 in most US states/provinces (some locations require 25 by local law); renters aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $25 per day in the US (about $35/day in Canada). Locally, Bhutan sets a minimum driving age of 18 and most desks add a young-driver surcharge under 25.
04
What deposit and card does Avis require?
Avis requires an Avis-honored credit or charge card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and places an authorization hold covering the estimated charges plus a security amount; Visa/Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most US locations but are subject to stricter checks, and the card must be in the renter's name.
05
Can I take a Avis rental across the border or drop it one-way?
Avis generally permits US-to-Canada travel if the renting location is notified in advance, but driving into Mexico is restricted (typically corporate accounts only, no one-way, and Mexican insurance purchased through Avis from border states); one-way rentals are offered with a drop-off charge that may apply on certain rates.
06
Does Avis charge for an additional driver?
Additional drivers must be at least 25 (or meet the underage rules) with a valid licence and typically cost about $13 per day, capped near $65 per rental; in California the fee is waived for a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the renter. Avis requires a valid driver's licence held for the entire rental period that is not suspended, expired, revoked, cancelled or surrendered; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the US, though some international locations require the licence to have been held for 1-2 years.
07
How do tolls work for a rental car in Bhutan?
Bhutan has no expressway toll or vignette system; road use is free, though tourists pay the government Sustainable Development Fee separately as part of entry, not at any road booth.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a Avis car in Bhutan?
Police strictly enforce seatbelt, speed and drink-driving laws with on-the-spot fines; urban limit is 50 km/h, rural 80 km/h. Drink-driving and reckless driving on cliff roads draw heavier penalties and possible licence action.
09
What is Avis's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one. Avis is one of the largest global rental brands with about 5,500+ locations across roughly 165 countries and a strong airport presence, anchored by its Avis Preferred loyalty program.
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