Does Thrifty require an IDP in Grenada?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Grenada: the policy in plain terms
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Grenada drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local temporary permit, arranged through the rental company or police.
In Grenada specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Grenada ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. A local temporary permit is required; rental desks help arrange it.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Grenada desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Grenada drives on the left, uses the XCD, 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 Grenada
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the XCD deposit; Grenada drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Grenada Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a local driving permit.
- Narrow, steep roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
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 Grenada
There are no toll roads or vignettes; all public roads are free to use.
Parking is informal outside St George's, where street space is tight and metered/attended lots near the Carenage and market are common; park clear of bus stops and blind corners or risk a ticket.
Police issue fines for speeding, no seatbelt and phone use; the urban limit is low (around 30-40 km/h) and fines are modest but rental firms recover any unpaid tickets from your deposit.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance; do not move the vehicles, wait for police to attend, and obtain a police report, which is required for any insurance claim.
Full driving guide for Grenada →