Does Thrifty require an IDP in Bulgaria?
Thrifty in Bulgaria: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
Bulgaria drives on the right and uses Cyrillic signage, so non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to translate their licence for desks and police.
In Bulgaria specifically, bulgaria legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. An e-vignette is needed for highways; desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Bulgaria desks, foreign renters are asked for the Both-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Bulgaria drives on the right, uses the BGN, 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 Bulgaria
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Both format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the BGN deposit; Bulgaria drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Bulgaria Thrifty renters should know
- Electronic vignette required on national roads.
- Headlights on day and night.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Reflective vest and triangle mandatory.