Does National require an IDP in Algeria?

The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.

A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.

The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.

Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).

National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.

Most Algerian roads are toll-free; the main exception is the East-West Highway (Autoroute Est-Ouest) linking the Tunisian and Moroccan borders, where booths take cash in Algerian dinar, so carry small notes. There is no vignette or electronic-tag system to buy in advance.

In Algiers, parking is informal: roving attendants (gardiens/parkingueurs) in reflective vests direct you into street spaces and expect a small dinar tip to watch the car. Formal enforcement is light and ticketing/towing mainly happens when you obstruct traffic; use guarded hotel parking overnight where possible.

An overhauled traffic code (190 articles) sharply increased penalties; speeding, red-light running, phone use and seatbelt offences draw graduated fines that can include licence points or bans, and minor fines are often collected on the spot in cash. Alcohol behind the wheel is heavily penalised. Rental firms recover camera/checkpoint fines from the renter.

Stop, do not move the vehicles, and call police on 17 (or 1548) in towns or the Gendarmerie on 1055 on rural roads; the unified mobile emergency number is 112. Photograph the scene and obtain a police report (constat) for your insurer or rental company before vehicles are moved.