Does National require an IDP in Malawi?

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.

Malawi has no toll roads or vignette; the M1 and other main routes are free to drive. Many secondary and rural roads are unpaved and a 4x4 is advised.

In Lilongwe and Blantyre parking is mostly in marked lots and street bays with informal 'car guards' expecting a small kwacha tip; there is no formal colour-coded paid-zone system. Use guarded hotel parking overnight.

Speed traps are common at the end of village speed-limit zones, with on-the-spot fines; always insist on an official receipt. Government revised the prescribed-offence penalty schedule (covering speeding, no seatbelt, phone use), and rental companies pass any documented fines back to the renter.

Drive on the left. After a crash, report it to the police, who issue the report required for insurance/rental claims; do not move vehicles where there are injuries. Drive defensively and avoid travel outside towns after dark due to a high accident rate.