Does Thrifty require an IDP in Rwanda?
Thrifty in Rwanda: 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.
Rwanda drives on the right on well-kept roads; an IDP is advised with your national licence in the land of a thousand hills.
In Rwanda specifically, rwanda legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Kigali desks request an IDP for non-English/French licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Rwanda desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Rwanda drives on the right, uses the RWF, 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 Rwanda
- 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 RWF deposit; Rwanda drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Rwanda Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Winding hill roads — watch for motorbike taxis.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Monthly car-free 'Umuganda' restrictions in Kigali.