Does Thrifty require an IDP in Belgium?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Belgium: the policy in plain terms
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Belgium drives on the right and honours both driving conventions; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP, and the famous priority-to-the-right rule trips up newcomers.
In Belgium specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Belgium ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Brussels desks request an IDP for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Belgium desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Belgium drives on the right, uses the EUR, 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 Thrifty counter in Belgium
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Belgium drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Belgium Thrifty renters should know
- Priority to the right at unmarked junctions.
- Reflective vest and warning triangle required.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
Thrifty's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Thrifty's published minimum rental age is 20 at most U.S. and Canada locations (18 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec); drivers aged 20-24 (or 18-24 in those exception states/province) are charged an Underage Drivers fee that varies by location, typically around $29/day and higher (roughly $35-$52) in New York and Michigan.
A valid credit/debit card in the renter's own name is required and a hold is placed for estimated charges plus roughly $200 extra for credit cards or $500 for debit (about $350 CAD in Canada); Visa/Mastercard/Discover debit cards are accepted only on Compact through Fullsize classes (not Premium and above) and a physical card must be presented as digital-wallet cards are not accepted.
Additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirement and hold a valid licence, and an additional-driver fee applies per day; it is waived for Blue Chip Rewards members, government renters on official orders, corporate-rate customers, and the companion/driver of a physically impaired customer. Thrifty's general policy requires a valid driver's licence covering the entire rental period but does not publish a fixed minimum tenure; in practice under-25 renters are typically expected to have held a full licence for at least one year.
Driving is generally restricted to the continental United States and Canada, and a Canadian resident is prohibited from driving a U.S.-owned vehicle into Canada; one-way rentals are offered within the U.S. and within Canada subject to location/availability with a one-way drop fee.
Foreign renters must present a driver's licence issued in their country of residence together with a valid passport; if the licence is not in English, Thrifty requires both the foreign licence and a current International Driver's Permit to be presented.
Once you collect the keys in Belgium
There are no motorway tolls for cars; the only paid road is the Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp (around 6 euros). However, Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent operate Low Emission Zones where foreign and rental cars must be registered online before entry or face fines of roughly 150-350 euros.
Cities use paid meter/app zones plus blue zones where a cardboard parking disc gives free time-limited parking (commonly 2 hours); pay via apps like 4411, Seety or Parking.brussels. Overstaying or no disc in a blue zone costs about 37 euros per period.
Police can impose immediate fines on non-residents (paid on the spot for a receipt, otherwise you go to court), with speeding starting around 53 euros and phone/seatbelt offences over 100 euros; camera fines on rental cars are billed to the hirer after the agency hands over your details.
Dial 112 for police/ambulance. Complete the European Accident Statement (constat amiable) with the other driver - the Belgian insurers' Crashform app can file it electronically - and call police if there are injuries, disputes or a foreign/uninsured vehicle.
Full driving guide for Belgium →