Does Budget require an IDP in Sao Tome and Principe?
Budget in Sao Tome and Principe: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP when your licence is not in the Roman alphabet. Value rental brand operating in 120+ countries.
São Tomé and Príncipe drive on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on these small equatorial islands.
In Sao Tome and Principe specifically, sao Tome and Principe legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Budget will ask for it at the counter. Limited island rental; an IDP and passport advised.
Budget runs a global network; at its Sao Tome and Principe desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right, uses the STN, 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 Budget counter in Sao Tome and Principe
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the STN deposit; Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Sao Tome and Principe Budget renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Narrow, hilly island roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.