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Thrifty · Papua New Guinea

Does Thrifty require an IDP in Papua New Guinea?

Yes, bring one
Papua New Guinea legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter.
Get my permit for Papua New Guinea All Thrifty requirements
Thrifty in Papua New Guinea
Thrifty IDP policyRequired for foreign drivers
Thrifty footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

Thrifty in Papua New Guinea: 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.

Papua New Guinea drives on the left; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and rugged terrain means many roads need a 4x4.

In Papua New Guinea specifically, papua New Guinea legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Port Moresby desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for the highlands.

Thrifty runs a global network; at its Papua New Guinea desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Papua New Guinea drives on the left, uses the PGK, 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 Papua New Guinea

  • 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 PGK deposit; Papua New Guinea drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Papua New Guinea Thrifty renters should know

  • Drive on the left.
  • Rough, mountainous roads.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Thrifty in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter.
02
What documents should I bring to the Thrifty desk in Papua New Guinea?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Papua New Guinea drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is Thrifty's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
All Thrifty countriesDriving in Papua New Guinea