For American travelers

Australia car rental for American travelers

Yes - American travelers rent cars in Australia all the time. You drive on the left, your license works as-is, and you pay in USD. Here's exactly what to know before you book.

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Pickup & return location

Pickup date

Return date

Driver aged 30-65

Different return location?

* Times are local to the pickup & return location.

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Your license and IDP

A valid U.S. driver's license is accepted at pickup, because it is issued in English. You don't normally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent in Australia - but an IDP is inexpensive peace of mind, and a few suppliers or situations ask for one, so carrying one alongside your license is never a bad idea.

Driving on the left - the one real adjustment

Australia drives on the left, in right-hand-drive cars (the steering wheel is on the right). For most American drivers this is the biggest change, and it usually clicks within a day. A few tips: give yourself an easy first drive, take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, the indicator and wiper stalks are often reversed, and 'keep left' is the rule on multi-lane roads. Distances and speed limits are in kilometers, not miles.

Money and payment

You pay in USD: the price you see is the amount charged to your card; your price is confirmed when you book. You'll need a credit card in the main driver's name - prepaid and virtual cards aren't accepted, with no card fee on any accepted card. All prices include Australian tax (GST).

The deposit (bond) vs the deductible - they're different

Two numbers trip up a lot of first-time visitors. The deposit (or 'bond') is a hold of $1,000 AUD (est. $700) placed on your credit card at pickup with standard cover, which is held, not charged, and released after you return the car. With our zero-deductible cover there's no bond, just a $1 AUD check on your credit card at pickup (tolls and fines are billed to that card later), so you need the card either way. The deductible is the most you'd owe if the car is damaged or stolen; it only applies if something happens, and you can reduce it (often to zero) by choosing a higher coverage tier at checkout. Both are shown on your booking before you pay.

In Australia the deductible is called the “excess”, so that's the word you'll see at the rental counter.

Cover and deductibles

Every rate includes damage and theft coverage. What varies is the deductible, and you can lower it by choosing a higher coverage tier - the top tier typically brings the deductible to zero. The coverage and deductible that apply to your car are always shown before you book. With zero deductible cover, windshield and tire damage is included too.

Age and drivers

The minimum age is usually 21; some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+. Drivers under 25 pay a small daily young-driver surcharge at the rental counter at pickup. Every driver must be named on the booking and present a valid license at pickup.

Automatic cars (good news)

Nearly all rental cars in Australia are automatic - which suits most American drivers, since you won't be learning a manual and driving on the left at the same time. There's nothing to select; the cars you see are automatics.

Mileage, fuel and tolls

Most rates include unlimited kilometers (a few vehicle types and remote areas are limited - it's shown on your booking). Fuel is full-to-full: collect it full, return it full. Toll roads are electronic (no cash booths) and only exist around Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland; any tolls are billed to you after your trip.

One-way trips and road trips

Some one-way trips are possible - pick up in one city and drop off in another; any one-way fee is quoted before you book.

Common questions from American travelers

Can American travelers rent a car in Australia?

Yes. A valid U.S. driver's license is accepted, you drive on the left, and you book online the same as at home. You'll need a credit card in the main driver's name at pickup whichever cover you choose - for the security bond with standard cover, or a $1 AUD card check with zero deductible (tolls and fines are billed to that card later).

Do American visitors need an International Driving Permit in Australia?

How much is the deposit to rent a car in Australia?

With standard cover, the security bond is $1,000 AUD (est. $700), held (not charged) on the main driver's credit card at pickup and released after you return the car. With our zero-deductible cover there's no bond, just a $1 AUD check on your credit card at pickup (tolls and fines are billed to that card later). It's separate from, and much smaller than, the damage deductible.

What does 'deductible' mean, and can I reduce it?

The deductible is the most you'd pay toward damage or theft - it only applies if something happens. You can reduce it, often to zero, by choosing a higher coverage tier at checkout. It's shown before you book.

Which side of the road does Australia drive on?

The left, in right-hand-drive cars. It's the main adjustment for North American drivers and usually feels natural within a day. Distances and speed limits are in kilometers.

Can I rent a car one-way in Australia?

Some one-way trips are possible. Choose a different return city when you search, and any one-way fee is quoted before you pay.

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