Does Thrifty require an IDP in Mauritius?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Mauritius: 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.
Mauritius drives on the left; visitors can use a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Mauritius specifically, mauritius lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Thrifty still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin-script drivers.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Mauritius desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Mauritius drives on the left, uses the MUR, 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 Mauritius
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the MUR deposit; Mauritius drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Mauritius Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Narrow roads and frequent roundabouts.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Mauritius
There are currently no road tolls in Mauritius; all routes, including the M1/M2/M3 motorways, are free, though some newly built privately funded roads parallel to existing free routes may be tolled in future.
Free parking is widespread except in Port Louis, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes and Rose Hill, where paid bays use prepaid parking coupons/cards costing roughly Rs 20-30 per 30 minutes. Display the scratched coupon on the dashboard or risk a fine.
Speeding, mobile-phone use and seatbelt offences draw fixed fines and police can issue on-the-spot contraventions; rental firms pass camera-detected speed-camera fines to the hirer's card with an admin fee. Drink-driving limits are low and enforced.
Call 999 (police/ambulance) or 112; reporting is required where there is injury or significant damage. Photograph the scene, exchange details, and only move vehicles if they pose a danger to other traffic while awaiting police.
Full driving guide for Mauritius →