Renting a car abroad gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, explore rural areas and skip fixed public-transport schedules. For Georgian travellers, three specifics need attention before you book: your driving licence validity abroad, the mandatory credit card deposit and CDW collision coverage.
IDP — International Driving Permit
In European Union countries, a Georgian driving licence is accepted under the 1949 or 1968 Vienna Convention — no IDP needed for most EU trips. In the USA, Australia and Japan, however, an IDP is mandatory.
- EU and Turkey — Georgian driving licence is sufficient
- USA, Australia, Japan — IDP required (issued at Georgia's SSMA office)
- IDP costs approximately 30 GEL and is valid for one year
- Always carry the IDP together with your regular licence — the IDP alone is not valid
Credit card — mandatory
Almost every car rental company worldwide requires a credit card (not a debit card) to place a security deposit of €200-1,500, which is released when you return the car undamaged.
VISA or Mastercard credit cards work fine — a TBC Bank or Bank of Georgia credit card is accepted. The key requirement is that it must be a credit card, not a prepaid or debit card.
Debit cards are rejected by most car rental companies — this is the most common surprise at the counter. Get a credit card before you book.
CDW insurance — what you need
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) limits your financial liability if the rental car is damaged. It is usually not included in the base rental rate.
- Buy CDW online before arrival — at the counter it costs 2-3× more
- Rentalcars.com and Discover Cars offer packages with full CDW included
- Your travel insurance policy often covers CDW — check before buying twice
- Fuel policy: clarify whether you return with a full tank (full-to-full) or prepaid fuel
Best booking platforms
Never book directly on a rental company's site — aggregators consistently offer 20-40% lower prices for the same vehicle.
- Rentalcars.com — compares 900+ companies worldwide
- Discover Cars — all-inclusive CDW options prominently displayed
- AutoEurope — the widest European fleet coverage
- Kayak Car Rental — integrated with flight and hotel search
Driving in Europe: things to know
- Automatic transmission is less common in Europe — specify it when booking or you may receive a manual
- Vignette stickers — Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic require a motorway toll sticker
- Low-emission zones in Paris, London and Milan — check if your rental car qualifies before driving in
- Parking: blue-marked zones are paid; white zones are usually free
- German Autobahn — many sections have no speed limit, but always watch for posted signs
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