Does Thrifty require an IDP in Nauru?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Nauru: the policy in plain terms
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Nauru drives on the left and has a single ring road around the island; an IDP is advised with your home licence.
In Nauru specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Nauru ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is very limited; an IDP and passport advised.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Nauru desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Nauru drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Nauru
- 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 AUD deposit; Nauru drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Nauru Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- One main road circles the island.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Very low speed limits.
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 Nauru
Nauru has no tolls, vignettes or electronic road charges; the entire ring road is free to use.
Parking is free and informal everywhere, including around the Capelle & Partner store and government buildings; there are no meters or paid zones and towing is not a practical risk.
Driving is on the left with limits of about 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h on the ring road; seatbelts are required and drink-driving is an offence, with fines generally issued on the spot rather than by camera.
Dial 110 for the Nauru Police Force (or the Crimes Unit on 557 2979); report any injury accident, and leave vehicles where they are until police arrive when someone is hurt.
Full driving guide for Nauru →