This guide provides practical answers to these queries, ensuring you're well-prepared to navigate South Africa's roads. You'll also find a summary table for quick reference to the essential details.
Yes, German travelers can legally drive in Saudi Arabia with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may vary by rental company.
Form of ID:
A valid passport is required.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• GCC Driving License
• EU/EEA Driving License
• Original US Driver's License
• Original Canada Driving Licence
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also supported, including Visa Debit, Maestro, and others.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be aged between 18 and 80 years old. Age restrictions may vary by rental company.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Select from a variety of renowned global chains or explore reputable local providers to find the best car rental options for your needs in South Africa.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
SIXT
Locations:
48Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a diverse fleet and flexible options
Hertz
Locations:
183Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Alamo
Locations:
32Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Enterprise
Locations:
101Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking reliable and affordable car rentals
Hertz
Locations:
64Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Avis
Locations:
49Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking reliable and budget-friendly car rentals
Hanco Rent a Car
Locations:
13Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget travelers and local residents
Legend World
Locations:
17Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking local expertise and personalized service
Lumi Rental
Locations:
6Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local explorationChoosing the right rental car can make your journey more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Consider your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in SA
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your German insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Cape Town, Johannesburg, DurbanMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Garden Route, Drakensberg MountainsConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Kruger National Park, Sun City
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
The USA offers diverse iconic routes and popular city loops that suit different travel styles. You can also choose one-way rentals to explore more efficiently.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in South Africa, but for peace of mind during your travels, extra coverage is strongly recommended. Insurance rules can vary, and what's included in your rental price may be limited. Choosing the right protection can save you from high out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Saudi Arabia. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Secure the best deals and avoid unnecessary expenses when renting a car in South Africa. Advanced planning and strategic decisions can make your trip more economical.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in South Africa.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
German and South African traffic rules differ in driving directions, speed limits, and road prioritization, while they share common elements such as mandatory seatbelt use and prohibitions on mobile phone usage while driving.
Driving Side
Drive on the left side of the road
Drive on the right side of the road
Speed Limits
Varies by region, typically 120 km/h on highways
Unrestricted on some autobahns, usually 130 km/h advisory
Traffic Prioritization
Yield to the right unless marked otherwise
Priority to vehicles on the right at unmarked intersections
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants
Mandatory for all occupants
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free only
Hands-free only
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.05% BAC (0.02% for professionals)
0.05% BAC
