Does Thrifty require an IDP in Russia?
Thrifty in Russia: 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.
Russia drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention and uses Cyrillic, so an IDP is needed to translate non-Cyrillic licences for desks and police.
In Russia specifically, russia legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Desks require an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Russia desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1968 Vienna-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Russia drives on the right, uses the RUB, 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 Russia
- 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 RUB deposit; Russia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Russia Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%).
- Headlights on at all times.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.