This is a guide for tourists who are reluctant or not confident about driving abroad.
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In fact, driving a vehicle abroad could help you meet work colleagues or visit some locations that are quite difficult to access unless you rely on a specific form of transport.
Most of the time drivers get anxious about driving in unfamiliar territories, which could be even more excruciating if you don’t speak the local language.
Typically, you’ll be renting a car from a trusted car rental company with a proper auto insurance plan, but what’s next?
To assist you on this matter, here are 4 road tips to keep in mind when driving abroad.
Be familiarized with the rules
Everyone knows how stressful it could be to drive in a city that you are not familiar with, especially when you travel to a foreign region.
A good advice is to contact your rental car agency to get sufficient information about traffic rules and road signs in that particular area where you are going to drive.
You could also use a map to have an idea about your trip. Maps help drivers to be better oriented so you know where key places of interest are.
Navigation is a must
There’s no doubt that GPS and mobile phones are great source of information when it comes to driving in unfamiliar territories.
As a matter of fact, they give you updated road information and alternatives routes to consider in the event of severe road congestion.
Yet they may not always be reliable since the GPS you brought from home may not work as you expected or your phone has a terrible reception while abroad.
That said, contact your car rental agency to request a local GPS and keep a detailed map with you to be familiarized with the new area.
Know the local DUI limits
Not only do DUI laws vary from state-to-state, but also from country-to-country.
Whether you are aware of the minimum amount of alcohol you are allowed to be on the road, you won’t have any problems with law which could be severe in some places.
Know your limits. Some countries are even stricter when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances.
Plan your drive
A good driver knows that every country applies its own driving standards and regulations. If you are unfamiliar with the new area, you are advised to plan your drive.
For instance, watch out for speed limits. In some countries, the speed limits are even lower to what you are expecting and reducing your speed may jeopardize your plan to visit or attend an important event.
To avoid getting late to your meeting, give yourself some extra time to tackle any unexpected situation that could affect your drive.
SEE ALSO: 15 States With The Strictest DUI Laws [Infographic]
4 comments
It’s easy to understand all the points being made about driving license test stress.This is very informative and well described.I enjoyed it a lot and will share what I learned with all my friends.Thanks for this information.I will make sure I follow them.
Hello Labrona. Thank you for your kind words. Feel free to share our tips with everyone who may need it.
Is there a good way to find out about the driving laws and regulations for your intended destination if you don’t know what rental agency you are using or if you are not renting?
Hello Charmaine. This is a question every asks beforehand and shows you really want to abide to the driving rules of the host country. A good advice is to contact the embassy of the country you are visiting and request some guidance on their driving laws. You could also ask for an updated guidebook so you could learn more about their norms.