Does InterRent require an IDP in Sao Tome and Principe?
InterRent in Sao Tome and Principe: the policy in plain terms
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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, many rental companies and local authorities in Sao Tome and Principe ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so InterRent will typically ask for it at the counter. Limited island rental; an IDP and passport advised.
InterRent runs a europe network; at its Sao Tome and Principe desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format 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 InterRent counter in Sao Tome and Principe
- 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 STN deposit; Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Sao Tome and Principe InterRent renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Narrow, hilly island roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP 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 Sao Tome and Principe
There are no toll roads on the islands; the limited road network is free to use, with no vignette or electronic toll system.
Parking in Sao Tome city is informal and free or low-cost, typically on-street; there are no paid metered zones or parking apps, though attendants may watch cars for a small tip.
Traffic fines for speeding or seatbelt offences are modest and usually settled on the spot in cash with police; rental companies pass any fines back to the renter.
Stop and remain at the scene, call the police (dial 112 in Sao Tome), and obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim before vehicles are moved where possible.
Full driving guide for Sao Tome and Principe →