Does Thrifty require an IDP in Malaysia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Malaysia: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
Malaysia drives on the left and accepts the IDP; tourists should carry one with their national licence to rent and drive.
In Malaysia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Malaysia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Kuala Lumpur desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Malaysia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Malaysia drives on the left, uses the MYR, 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 Malaysia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the MYR deposit; Malaysia drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Malaysia Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Touch 'n Go electronic tolls on highways.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Helmets mandatory for motorbikes.
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 Malaysia
Most expressways (PLUS network, including the North-South Expressway) are electronic-only via the Touch 'n Go RFID/SmartTAG system; cash is no longer accepted. Buy a Touch 'n Go card for about RM10 at Petronas, Shell, 7-Eleven or MyNews and load credit, or confirm whether your rental includes one.
Urban paid parking uses coupons or apps (Flexi Parking, JomParking, KL's official systems); look for white-lined bays and yellow-line no-parking zones. Illegally parked cars are clamped or towed in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and double-yellow lines mean no stopping.
Speeding caught by AES/AWAS cameras draws fines from RM100 up to RM300; using a phone or no seatbelt also attracts compounds. Camera fines are billed to the registered owner, so rental firms pass them to your card plus an admin fee.
Dial 999 for police and ambulance. A police report must be lodged within 24 hours of any accident (now possible online via PDRM e-Reporting for PLUS highway and single-vehicle cases); do not move vehicles until photographed if there are injuries or a dispute.
Full driving guide for Malaysia →