Does National require an IDP in Botswana?

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.

Botswana currently has no national toll-road network or electronic toll tags; main highways such as the A1 (Gaborone–Francistown) are free to use. The main border-crossing cost travellers meet is the road-safety/permit levy paid on entering with a foreign-registered vehicle.

Gaborone uses paid, attended parking bays in the central business district and around malls, typically paid in cash pula to a marshal or meter, with marked disc/time limits. Illegally parked or abandoned vehicles can be clamped or towed by the city council.

Speeding and other offences draw on-the-spot fines payable in pula, and allowing cattle to stray onto the road reserve carries fines of roughly P2,000–P5,000. Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited; rental firms recover camera and unpaid-fine charges from the card on file.

By law you must stop, not move the vehicles, and report any accident to the police; the emergency number is 999 (or 997 for ambulance). A police report is required for insurance and rental claims, and you should exchange details and photograph the scene before moving anything.