Does Hertz require an IDP in Kiribati?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Kiribati: the policy in plain terms
Asks foreign drivers for a licence translation when the licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet, and often for non-EU renters in much of Europe. One of the largest global rental networks, operating in 150+ countries.
Kiribati drives on the left on its narrow atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though there is very little road to drive.
In Kiribati specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Kiribati ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Hertz will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is minimal on South Tarawa; an IDP and passport advised.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Kiribati desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Kiribati drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Hertz counter in Kiribati
- 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 AUD deposit; Kiribati drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Kiribati Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Very low speed limits on narrow atoll roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Few vehicles and limited fuel.
Hertz's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Hertz's standard minimum rental age in the US and Canada is 20, though it drops to 18 in Michigan, New York and Quebec, and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska. Renters aged 20-24 pay a Young Renter fee of about USD 19 per day, and under-25s are blocked from premium, luxury and high-performance car classes.
Hertz places a hold on the renter's card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit that varies by location and vehicle class; debit cards are accepted at many US locations but must be Visa, MasterCard or Discover branded, in the main driver's name, and carry sufficient available funds, with extra ID/credit checks sometimes required.
Hertz charges a per-day additional-driver fee that varies by location (commonly around USD 13.50/day in the US, capped per rental); in many markets a spouse/domestic partner can be added free, and the fee is often waived for Gold Plus Rewards members. Hertz requires each driver to hold a valid full driver's licence that has typically been held for at least one year, with longer tenure (often one to two years) required for some markets and premium vehicle classes.
Driving a Hertz vehicle across a country border (e.g. US to Canada or Mexico) requires advance permission and may incur a cross-border fee, and travel into Mexico generally requires separate Mexican insurance; one-way rentals are permitted on many routes but typically carry a drop-off/one-way charge.
Hertz states that a valid driver's licence issued by the renter's home country must always be presented; an International Driving Permit is recommended (and effectively required) when the home-country licence is not in the Roman alphabet or not in English, but Hertz will not rent on an IDP alone.
Once you collect the keys in Kiribati
There are no toll roads, vignettes or electronic toll systems anywhere in Kiribati.
There is no paid or metered parking; vehicles park free on roadside verges and unpaved lots, the only real concern being flooding and soft ground in the rainy season rather than enforcement or towing.
The drink-drive limit is 0.08 BAC and seatbelts and hands-free-only phone use are mandatory; fines are modest and typically handled on the spot, with very limited camera enforcement.
Dial 999 (or 992 for police directly) and report any injury or significant accident to the Kiribati Police Service at Betio; leave vehicles in place until police arrive when anyone is hurt.
Full driving guide for Kiribati →