Driving Abroad: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road
Dreaming of an epic road trip through Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the USA, South Africa, or Namibia? Buckle up—because while driving may feel second nature at home, every country has its own quirks, rules, and "Wait, what?!" moments behind the wheel.
Before You Start the Engine...
No matter where you're headed, a few universal tips can save you a ton of stress (and money). When picking up your rental, do a full walkaround and take photos or videos of the car from every angle—scratches have a magical way of appearing later. Double-check what insurance is actually included, and what’s just a “recommended extra.” If you're not used to driving on the other side of the road, take a moment in the parking lot to get comfortable before heading into traffic. And keep an eye out for fuel types, toll road policies, and local emergency numbers—better safe than phoning home with a sad travel story.
Japan: Small Cars, Big on Rules
🚗 Drive on the left.
⚠️ No “just a sip” drinking and driving—Japan has a near-zero tolerance policy (0.03% BAC limit).
💰 Toll roads everywhere—budget extra if you're road-tripping.
🛑 Stopping before crosswalks is mandatory, even if nobody is there.
📵 No using your phone, even if you're stopped in traffic—it’s illegal.
Japan takes lane discipline very seriously. Stick to your lane, or expect some intense honking from locals who aren’t amused by your "spontaneous" turns. Also, parking in cities can cost more than your daily food budget—use coin-operated parking lots or trains when possible. And don’t forget your International Driving Permit (IDP)—you’ll need it along with your regular license.
New Zealand: Where Every Road Feels Like a Scenic Detour
🚗 Drive on the left, and watch out for one-lane bridges (because why build two when you can force people to negotiate?).
🐑 Sheep rule the roads—they don't care about your itinerary.
⛰️ Expect winding roads and changing weather, especially in the South Island.
GPS says it's a 3-hour drive? Double it. NZ roads are twisty, and stopping every 10 minutes for "just one more photo" is inevitable. Many rental companies ban driving on rough roads like Skippers Canyon—ignore this, and you’re paying for any damage out of pocket. Also, don’t speed—hidden cameras and strict enforcement are common.
Australia: Long Distances & Kangaroos
🚗 Drive on the left, and don’t even think about speeding—cameras are everywhere.
🦘 Kangaroos will jump in front of your car for sport. Avoid driving at dawn/dusk.
🌵 Fuel up whenever you see a station—outback distances are no joke.
📵 Mobile phone use while driving is banned, even at stoplights.
Aussies have strict drink-driving laws (0.05% BAC), so that "just one beer" could cost you your license. Road trains (huge trucks) take ages to overtake—give them space and don’t play Fast & Furious. Also, watch for wildlife warning signs—if they say kangaroos or emus are about, they mean it.
Canada: The Land of the Moose
🚗 Drive on the right, distances are in kilometers, not miles.
❄️ Winter roads are icy death traps—snow tires are required in some provinces.
🦌 Moose don’t move for you—hitting one is like crashing into a small truck.
🚦 Four-way stops are a social experiment—take turns politely.
Four-way stops in Canada work on an honor system—first to stop, first to go. If unsure, just wave politely and let the locals figure it out. NEVER turn right on red in Montreal unless you enjoy fines. And in the winter, always carry an emergency kit—blanket, snacks, and phone charger.
USA: 50 States, 50 Different Driving Rules
🚗 Drive on the right, but rules vary wildly by state.
🔴 Turning right on red is usually legal, but check for signs.
🚦 Speed limits change constantly—Texas lets you go 85 mph, while Hawaii prefers a leisurely 55 mph.
🛣️ Carpool lanes, toll tags, and turning lanes can get complicated—know before you go.
In the USA, each state sets its own traffic rules, and what’s legal in one place can get you fined in the next. For example, turning right on red is allowed in most states—but banned in places like New York City. Some highways require electronic toll tags, and others still use cash or plate-based billing. And don't even get us started on carpool lane rules or where you're allowed to turn left. Before you drive through multiple states, do a quick check on things like speed limits, toll systems, phone use while driving, and even rules around passing school buses (they vary a lot!).
South Africa: Watch Out for Potholes!
🚗 Drive on the left, and watch for unpredictable minibus taxis.
👍 Thank-you flash—drivers flash their hazards when you let them pass.
⛽ Gas stations aren’t self-service—an attendant will fill up for you.
🌙 Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas.
Night driving? Avoid it when possible. Potholes, stray animals, and unlit roads make for a stressful experience. If you need fuel, bring cash—some stations don’t take cards. Also, South Africans are big on courtesy—move left to let faster traffic pass, and you’ll often get a friendly hazard flash in return.
Namibia: Gravel Roads & No Room for Error
🚗 Drive on the left, but expect most roads to be gravel, not asphalt.
🌵 Fill up your tank whenever you can—gas stations are far apart.
🐘 Elephants don’t care about your right of way—be patient.
🔧 Make sure your rental comes with a spare tyre (or two) and know how to change it.
Rental companies often require a 4x4 for Namibia, and with good reason. Lower your tire pressure on sand roads, drive slowly, and never, ever try to cross a dry riverbed without checking how deep the sand is first. Wildlife is abundant—giraffes and warthogs love to surprise you on the road. And don’t rely on your phone signal—download offline maps before you go.
Drive Smart and Enjoy the Ride
Road tripping abroad is an adventure, but knowing the rules can save you from fines, accidents, and awkward calls to your rental company.
🚗 Double-check local road laws before your trip.
🦘 Watch out for wildlife that doesn’t care about traffic laws.
❄️ Be prepared for extreme conditions where relevant.
And if all this has got your wanderlust wheels turning, why not start planning your own road trip adventure? Whether you want to cruise coastlines, zigzag through mountain passes, or take the scenic route through the unknown, we’ve got itineraries, insider tips, and backup when you need it.
Hit us up for your Road Trip