Does Thrifty require an IDP in Trinidad and Tobago?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Trinidad and Tobago: 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.
Trinidad and Tobago drive on the left and accept a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-English licences.
In Trinidad and Tobago specifically, trinidad and Tobago lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Thrifty still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Port of Spain desks accept English licences; an IDP helps non-English drivers.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Trinidad and Tobago desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left, uses the TTD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Thrifty counter in Trinidad and Tobago
- 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 TTD deposit; Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Trinidad and Tobago Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Heavy congestion around Port of Spain.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Trinidad and Tobago
There are no toll roads in Trinidad and Tobago; the Uriah Butler, Solomon Hochoy and Churchill-Roosevelt highways are all free, with congestion rather than tolls being the main concern.
Central Port of Spain has metered and paid lots but very tight, congested kerbside space; downtown and Charlotte Street areas see vehicle break-ins, so use guarded car parks and never leave valuables visible.
From 1 January 2026 fines doubled: speeding ranges from TT$2,000 (1-9 km/h over) up to a TT$6,000 fixed penalty for 31 km/h or more, with heavy seatbelt, phone and DUI penalties; rental firms charge any camera tickets back to the hirer.
Call police on 999 (emergency 990 for fire/ambulance); report the accident to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (online or at a station), do not move vehicles when there are injuries, and exchange insurance details.
Full driving guide for Trinidad and Tobago →