Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad

When driving abroad, laws and signs can be very different. People may drive in unfamiliar ways. It’s also important to research public transportation, taxis, and rules for pedestrians.

• Review the local traffic laws, drivers license requirements, and road safety tips in the Travel and Transportation section of the destination Travel Guidance page.
• Local tourism offices or car rental companies may also provide helpful resources.

The safety of public transportation varies from place to place. In many locations, informal taxis or minibuses can be risky, particularly if you travel alone. Look for safety information from reliable sources. Check with local authorities, tourism officials, and the Travel and Transportation section of your destination’s Travel Guidance. 

• Lack of lane markings and directional signage  
• Lack of street lighting and lights on vehicles at night 
• Aggressive driving of motorcycles or mopeds sharing space with cars 
• Lack of helmet laws for motorcycles or mopeds 
• Lack of ambulance or other emergency medical services to respond to an accident 
• Low road maintenance resulting in large, deep potholes or other physical hazards near roads 
• Narrow roads, and roads without a breakdown lane or shoulder 
• Lack of enforcement of traffic laws  
• Vehicles not yielding to pedestrians, even in marked pedestrian areas 
• Driving on the opposite side of the road 
• Fast or reckless public transit drivers 
• Large numbers of bicycles sharing space with vehicles and pedestrians

Consider these tips during your trip abroad: 

Driver safety

• Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and insurance that meet the requirements for the destination in which you are operating a vehicle.  
• Always wear your seatbelt. 
• Research local traffic laws before driving abroad. You are subject to local traffic laws and regulations while visiting or living abroad.

Passenger safety

• Do not accept a ride from a driver who is not sober. 
• Do not accept rides from strangers. 
• Arrange transport to and from the airport before you arrive, ideally with a licensed and reputable company.  
• Do not hitchhike.  
• Research taxi and other ride share companies before you go. Make sure they are licensed and reputable.  
• Consider using app-based transportation companies that track your ride. Some companies require drivers to verify a unique PIN at pick-up. Others allow you to share the real-time ride with someone else.  
• When hailing a taxi, do not accept a ride from a car that is not clearly marked with a reputable company’s signage. Avoid using taxis without a license on display.  
• Avoid traveling in heavily crowded buses or train cars. 

Pedestrian safety

• Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas. 
• Don’t assume other drivers will respond to traffic situations like in the United States. 
• In some destinations, the safest option may be to hire a local driver due to difficult road conditions and complex local traffic laws. 

If you plan to drive in another country, you’ll likely need a valid driver’s license and insurance. Some countries accept a U.S. driver’s license. In many others, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP).  

• Get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before your trip. 
• If you already have an IDP, check that it is still valid.
• Carry your U.S. driver’s license with you. 

Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover you when driving in other countries. Check with your insurance company before you go.

• Even if your insurance is accepted in another country, the coverage may not meet local requirements.
• Carefully review insurance offered by a rental company to ensure it matches your needs.