Does Localiza require an IDP in Sierra Leone?

Localiza's minimum rental age is 18 (lowered from 21 across Brazil), but drivers under 21 must add the mandatory "Condutor Jovem" (Young Driver) surcharge at booking; the exact fee is set per rental/location and quoted at reservation rather than published as a flat amount.

A credit card (physical or contactless) in the reservation holder's or financial responsible party's name is required for a pre-authorization hold; debit cards are not accepted for the security guarantee. Customers without a credit card can instead pass a weekday business-hours credit evaluation, with daily rentals up to 28 days available for an approximately R$39.90 fee if approved.

Each additional driver must be registered on the contract and present a valid licence and ID at the counter; Localiza does not publish a flat additional-driver fee, charging it per rate plan and location at pickup. Localiza requires a valid full driver's licence but does not publish a fixed minimum holding period; instead the young-driver surcharge (under-21) is the gating control, so a valid current licence is the stated requirement.

Cross-border driving within Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) requires the mandatory "Carta Verde"/Green Card insurance and advance authorization, typically requested at booking; one-way rentals returning in a different country incur a one-way fee that is usually higher than the cross-border fee, so both must be arranged in advance.

Foreign customers must present a valid licence from a country in Brazil's "Reciprocity Agreement" plus a passport, and may drive for up to 180 days from their date of entry (respecting the original licence validity); entry must be proven with a passport stamp, boarding pass, or immigration approval document. An International Driving Permit is referenced under the applicable legislation for non-reciprocity or non-Roman-alphabet licences.

There is no national electronic toll or vignette scheme; the main paved corridors (such as the Freetown-Bo highway and the Freetown toll road / Wellington-Masiaka stretch) may levy a cash toll at barriers, otherwise roads are free.

Street parking in central Freetown is congested and largely informal, with attendants expecting a small cash tip; use hotel or guarded lots where possible and avoid leaving vehicles unattended on busy streets.

Foreign drivers most often encounter on-the-spot police checks for documents and seatbelt/phone use, with fines typically paid in cash; enforcement is uneven, so always carry your IDP, licence and rental papers to avoid roadside disputes.

Call the police (emergency line 999, or 019) and wait for an official report; do not move vehicles after a serious or injury crash, and note that road signage and accident protocols are inconsistent so document the scene yourself with photos.