Does Thrifty require an IDP in Maldives?
Thrifty in Maldives: 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.
The Maldives drives on the left, but with resorts spread across islands there is little driving; an IDP is rarely needed beyond Malé.
In Maldives specifically, maldives lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Thrifty still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Car rental is minimal; transport is mostly by boat and seaplane.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Maldives desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Maldives drives on the left, uses the MVR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Thrifty counter in Maldives
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the MVR deposit; Maldives drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Maldives Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left in Malé.
- Motorbikes dominate the capital.
- 0.0% alcohol tolerance.
- Most islands have no roads to drive.