The Joy of Driving Abroad
One of the greatest things about going on adventures is the joy of exploration, the thrill of making stops along the way and discovering points of interest and places to visit as you follow the path to your primary destination. It’s even better when you’re behind the wheel and out of the blue, a landmark or vista catches your attention and you make an unplanned stop to take it all in.
Photo credit: @tekhnika on Pixabay
This is why, if you know how to drive, we recommend that you book a car rental for your trip abroad, especially if you have a flexible itinerary or no itinerary at all! Taking the wheel and driving on a foreign open road instills an unmatched sense of freedom and a feeling of wanting to take what may come along during your journey. There’s also the convenience of not having to worry about lining up for public transportation, or missing out on stops on the way because you’re stuck on a one-way ride to somewhere. So, consider driving abroad to enrich your adventures! Book on Klook and pick the car that’s perfect for you and/or your group!
Klook Car Rentals and How to Book 'em
Now, you’re probably wondering “Okay, how do I book a car to drive in whatever country I’m visiting?” Don’t worry! Klook has a system that allows you to book a car rental with ease!
Step 1: On the Klook homepage, click or tap on “Car rentals”
Step 2: Click on “International” to indicate the city and specific location where you’ll pick up and return the car rental. You may also return the car at another location. Click on “Return car to a different location” if you’re going to do so.
Step 3: Input your pick-up location and the drop-off location (the cities and the actual locations). If you’re not returning the car to another location, then the drop-off location will be the same as your pick-up location. Also select your age/age range!
Step 4: Select the number of days you’ll be renting the car, then click on “Search.”
Step 5: You’ll be brought to a page where you’ll see a roster of cars up for rent! It’ll indicate the number of seats in a car, how many suitcases each one can fit, if they’re automatic or not, and more!
There’s also a sidebar for you to help filter your preferences, from choosing to pay now or pay at pick-up, suppliers, insurance, seats, features, and service options!
Step 6: You will see a summary of your pick so far! It even automatically calculates the full price of your rental, depending on the number of days you indicated!
Below the summary, you’ll see information about what your rental will come with, plus, you can customize your package by picking if you want the car to have a full tank, if you want to pay now or at pick-up, and you can select which add-ons you want!
Whether you’re a local resident or not, there are also reminders on what you need to bring in order to pick up your car rental, age restrictions, and self-driving precautions
Step 7: After you’re done selecting your rental details and add-ons, the next step is to fill out your Driver Information, your Contact Information, and even your flight number (just in case there are any delays with your flight).
Step 8: Last thing you have to do is pay for your rental! Then, you’re all set to pick it up!
Applying for International Driver’s License
Photo credit: @Robfoto on Pixabay
If you look at the Terms & Conditions picture, you’ll notice that you’ll be required to bring an international driver’s license, also known as International Driving Permit. The IDP is the most important thing you’ll need to have with you at all times when driving internationally.
What is an International Driver’s License?
An International Driver’s License is a nifty permit that contains your name, photo, and your driving information translated into several languages so road authorities from all over the world can easily read it. It also certifies that you hold a valid driver’s license in your homeland and indicates what types of vehicle you’re allowed to drive.
How to get International Driver’s License?
Applying for an International Driver’s License is relatively easy! The general requirements are:
- An official driver’s license from your homeland (first and foremost requirement!)
- Two or three copies of an ID photo (not photocopies!)
- Cash/credit card/check for the International Driver’s License fee
These may not be the only requirements for you. The requirements will depend on your country of origin, so best to check with your local IDP-issuing company/group.
Klook Tip: For your convenience and safety, visit the official International Driving Permit website! This is the only recognized directory for all IDP-issuing companies/groups all over the world. Simply type your home country on the search bar to be linked to the official company or Automobile Club that issues IDPs, then follow their respective instructions and requirements.
Once you have this, you’re pretty much set to drive abroad!
What Countries Drive on the Left Side of the Road?
Photo credit: @Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay
Hold up, friend! Just so you know, there are countries where people drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel on the right side of the car. This means there are things you’ll have to take note of.
First, here’s a list of countries where driving on the left side of the road is standard:
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Cayman Islands
- Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey)
- Christmas Island
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Cook Islands
- Cyprus
- Dominica
- East Timor (Timor-Leste)
- England
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Great Britain
- Grenada
- Guernsey
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland (Eire)
- Ireland, Northern
- Isle of Man
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jersey
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Macau
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Norfolk Island
- Pakistan
- Papua (New Guinea)
- Pitcairn Islands
- Saint Helena
- Saint Christopher and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Scotland
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Surinam
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Wales
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
If you’re headed to any of these countries, it’s best to exercise caution. Here are some tips to consider:
1. Practice driving around the accommodation you’re staying at.
In order to get used to driving on the left side of the road, you need to get used to the fact that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and the stick will be on your left. So, driving around your accommodation will serve as good practice before you take your Klook car rental on an adventure.
Klook Tip: Whether or not you primarily drive manual or automatic, we recommend that you always book an automatic car because there are less things for you to try and get used to.
2. Use navigation apps to help you on your journey.
There’s a chance that you’re most likely not familiar with the roads and routes of the places you’re headed to, so make sure to take advantage of navigation apps like Waze to help you get around.
3. Defensive driving is key.
Be cautious. Always. Since you’re driving on foreign soil, you want to make sure to follow all traffic laws and avoid getting into any accidents, so driving defensively is a must.
It’s best to drive slowly than you normally would because always keep your safety in mind. Slow and steady… Well, there’s no race to win, but driving slowly and steadily will ensure a smooth and safe trip. Try to avoid distractions like listening to music while driving. You may be used to it in your homeland, but things might be different this time ‘round while you’re trying to get used to driving on the left side of the road.
All of these are also applicable to those who are used to driving on the left side of the road. If it’s your first time driving on the right side of the road, just treat it as something similar to your first time driving a car and exercise caution.
Book It, Klook It!
Now that you’re aware of the official directory of International Driver’s License-issuing groups around the globe, how to book a car rental on our platform, and learned about the most basic ways you can deal with driving on a side of the road that you’re not used to, you’re all set to rent a car and go on road trips in foreign countries!
Remember to exercise caution! Safe travels!
