Does Thrifty require an IDP in Sao Tome and Principe?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Sao Tome and Principe: the policy in plain terms
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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, many rental companies and local authorities in Sao Tome and Principe ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically 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 an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format 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 internationally recognised 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.
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 Sao Tome and Principe
There are no toll roads on the islands; the limited road network is free to use, with no vignette or electronic toll system.
Parking in Sao Tome city is informal and free or low-cost, typically on-street; there are no paid metered zones or parking apps, though attendants may watch cars for a small tip.
Traffic fines for speeding or seatbelt offences are modest and usually settled on the spot in cash with police; rental companies pass any fines back to the renter.
Stop and remain at the scene, call the police (dial 112 in Sao Tome), and obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim before vehicles are moved where possible.
Full driving guide for Sao Tome and Principe →