Does InterRent require an IDP in El Salvador?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
InterRent in El Salvador: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Roman-alphabet licences across its European locations. Europcar's value brand for leisure travellers in Europe.
El Salvador drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence for short visits; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In El Salvador specifically, el Salvador lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but InterRent still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. San Salvador desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
InterRent runs a europe network; at its El Salvador desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. El Salvador drives on the right, uses the USD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the InterRent counter in El Salvador
- 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 USD deposit; El Salvador drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in El Salvador InterRent renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Avoid night driving on rural roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport and home licence.
InterRent's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
InterRent's minimum rental age is typically 19-21 depending on country (19 in Spain, 21 in the UK and France), and drivers aged roughly 21-24 (24 and under in some markets) pay a young-driver surcharge that varies by location, for example around 8.50 EUR/day (max ~93 EUR) in Spain, 12.95 EUR/day (max ~181 EUR) in France, and about 35 GBP/day (max ~350 GBP) in the UK; some vehicle categories require drivers to be over 25.
A refundable security deposit is pre-authorised (held, not debited) on the main driver's credit card at pick-up; the card (Visa or Mastercard, sometimes Amex) must be in the main driver's name with an expiry date after the return date, and debit cards are not accepted because their rules do not fit InterRent's deposit policy.
Additional drivers must present their own valid driving licence at the counter and sign the rental agreement at pick-up; InterRent charges an extra-driver fee per day that varies by location, though it is frequently included in promotional/package rates. The main driver must have held a full, valid driving licence for a minimum of 12 months (one year) prior to picking up the vehicle.
Cross-border travel and one-way rentals are restricted and must be authorised in advance; cross-border fees and one-way drop-off charges apply and vary by route, with certain countries (typically higher-risk or non-EU destinations) excluded entirely under the rental conditions.
InterRent requires a full, valid driving licence held for at least 12 months; for licences not written in the Latin/Roman alphabet (or otherwise not understandable to the rental agent), an International Driving Permit (IDP) must be presented alongside the original national licence, as the IDP is a translation and never replaces the physical licence.
Once you collect the keys in El Salvador
Tolls are few and inexpensive, typically under USD 2 per vehicle (the country uses the US dollar), and most booths accept only cash, so keep small bills handy.
San Salvador and other cities have metered/paid parking zones and attended lots; parking in no-stopping zones or blocking driveways draws fines or towing, with enforcement strict near commercial centers.
Speeding, no seatbelt and phone use carry on-the-spot citations; you are usually given a notice and must settle at a police station/bank within about 14 days, and rental firms pass camera/unpaid fines to your card.
Call 911 for police; drivers must remain at the scene and not move the vehicles until authorities arrive, especially when there are injuries, and a police report is needed for the insurance claim.
Full driving guide for El Salvador →