Does Hertz require an IDP in Palau?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Palau: 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.
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 Hertz 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.
Hertz 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 Hertz 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 Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits across the islands.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 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 →