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Thrifty · Sao Tome and Principe

Does Thrifty require an IDP in Sao Tome and Principe?

Yes, bring one
Sao Tome and Principe 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 Sao Tome and Principe All Thrifty requirements
Thrifty in Sao Tome and Principe
Thrifty IDP policyRequired for foreign drivers
Thrifty footprintGlobal
Accepted formatLocal rules
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

Thrifty in Sao Tome and Principe: 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.

São Tomé and Príncipe drive on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on these small equatorial islands.

In Sao Tome and Principe specifically, sao Tome and Principe legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Limited island rental; an IDP and passport advised.

Thrifty runs a global network; at its Sao Tome and Principe desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right, uses the STN, 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 Sao Tome and Principe

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the STN deposit; Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Sao Tome and Principe Thrifty renters should know

  • Drive on the right.
  • Narrow, hilly island roads.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Thrifty in Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe 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 Sao Tome and Principe?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right 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 Sao Tome and Principe