5 Pro Tips to Driving in Foreign Countries

Driving in a foreign country can be scary. Unfamiliar roads, strange traffic laws, and crowded streets can turn a vacation or business trip into a nightmare if you're not prepared. Don't worry, though. Here are five pro tips to help you drive in a foreign country.

1. Go Automatic

Even if you're used to driving a manual transmission, think about renting an automatic for your trip abroad. You'll have enough on your mind without having to worry about stalling on a narrow cobblestone street, while driving on the “wrong” side of the road.

2. Know the Driving Laws

Take a moment to research and become familiar with local driving laws and regulations before you get there. Get familiar with the speed limits—like if they use kilometers per hour or miles per hour—and make sure you know which side of the road you'll be driving on. This last one can sometimes be the hardest thing to remember, even if the steering wheel being on the other side should make it a dead-giveaway. Double-check to see if there are any documents you should have while driving in the car.

3. Avoid Road Rage

Depending on the locale you're visiting, the drivers might be more aggressive, or even borderline reckless. Take a deep breath while you're driving and don’t let these type of drivers set you off. Staying focused on the road is key while driving in a foreign country, and road rage won’t do anything for you except make you more likely to get into an accident.

4. Request a GPS

Anyone driving in a country they’re unfamiliar with needs to know how to get around. Even if there are other people in the car, a GPS simplifies the experience for everyone and ensures that you don’t spend precious time lost in unfamiliar territory. A GPS takes stress out of everyone’s trip, and it’ll also find the best route available, taking into consideration the traffic and road conditions.

5. Rent as Small as Possible

Many roads in foreign countries are narrow, crowded, and/or difficult to traverse. If you don’t have a few passengers or a lot of luggage, rent an economy or mini sized car. These cars are much easier to maneuver and park, and they’ll make for a much less stressful trip down any narrow, crowded roads.

When taking a trip to a foreign country, the goal is to be able to relax and enjoy your stay as much as possible. By following these five tips that we've laid out, you can enjoy yourself on the roads and have a much less stressful and more pleasurable trip.

Sources
DMV
HuffPost
Brauns Law
Mouse Tour Travels
Smart Travel