Does Thrifty require an IDP in Mongolia?
Thrifty in Mongolia: 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.
Mongolia drives on the right and uses Cyrillic; an IDP is advised with your licence, and much of the country is trackless steppe best crossed by 4x4.
In Mongolia specifically, mongolia legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Ulaanbaatar desks ask for an IDP with non-Cyrillic licences; 4x4 for off-road.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Mongolia desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1968 Vienna-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Mongolia drives on the right, uses the MNT, 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 Mongolia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the MNT deposit; Mongolia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Mongolia Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
- Few paved roads outside the capital.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.