Does Thrifty require an IDP in Tanzania?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Tanzania: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
Tanzania drives on the left; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and self-drive safaris need a sturdy 4x4.
In Tanzania specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tanzania ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Dar es Salaam and Arusha desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Tanzania desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Tanzania drives on the left, uses the TZS, 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 Tanzania
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the TZS deposit; Tanzania drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tanzania Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Wildlife and pedestrians on roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Police speed checks are routine.
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 Tanzania
Tanzania has no electronic toll-tag system but levies cash road tolls at booths on some trunk roads, payable in Tanzanian shillings; carry small cash as cards are not accepted at toll points or most fuel stations.
In Dar es Salaam designated parking zones operate with attendant- or city-collected fees; parking on pedestrian walkways or blocking driveways risks fines or towing, so use marked bays or hotel parking.
Speed limits are 50 km/h urban and 80 km/h on highways, with radar guns and growing speed-camera use; phone-use and seatbelt offences and speeding draw immediate on-the-spot fines, and rental firms pass camera fines to the hirer.
Stop and remain at the scene; call police (general emergency 112, or 111/115) and obtain a police report, which is required for insurance and for the rental company. Do not move vehicles where there are injuries.
Full driving guide for Tanzania →