Does Thrifty require an IDP in Tuvalu?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Tuvalu: the policy in plain terms
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Tuvalu drives on the left on its tiny atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though motorbikes outnumber cars.
In Tuvalu specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tuvalu ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is minimal on Funafuti; an IDP and passport advised.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Tuvalu desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Tuvalu drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Tuvalu
- 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 AUD deposit; Tuvalu drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tuvalu Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Very low speed limits on the airstrip road.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Motorbikes are the main vehicle.
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 Tuvalu
Tuvalu has no toll roads or toll system; the road network is too small to warrant tolling.
There are no paid parking zones, meters or apps anywhere on Funafuti; vehicles are simply left beside the road or at premises. The single main road and the airport runway apron see most activity, so avoid obstructing them.
Speed limits are low (roughly 40 km/h in villages, up to about 60 km/h on the main road) and enforcement is informal but fines apply for speeding, no seatbelt or drink-driving. Most penalties are handled on the spot by local police, and rental operators recover any costs directly from the hirer.
Report any accident immediately to the Tuvalu Police (emergency 911) on Funafuti and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive. Given the tiny network, expect to settle directly with police and your rental provider.
Full driving guide for Tuvalu →