This guide provides Spanish citizens with detailed answers to these queries, giving you the confidence to explore South Africa seamlessly and safely. Check out the summary table at the end for quick reference to all necessary details!
Yes, Spanish travelers can legally drive in South Africa with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may vary by rental company.
Form of ID:
A valid passport.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 5.90 per day, capped at US$ 82.68 for the rental. Drivers aged 81-99 may also incur the same fee.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Choose from trusted global chains or innovative local alternatives. Each offers different advantages for Spanish travelers visiting South Africa.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
SIXT
Locations:
150Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking flexible and luxury rental options
Hertz
Locations:
374Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Europcar
Locations:
596Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers needing flexible rental solutions
Avis
Locations:
461Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and vacationers
Hertz
Locations:
278Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Green Motion
Locations:
46Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and environmentally friendly options
Firefly
Locations:
109Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and casual rentals
FIRST CAR RENTAL
Locations:
276Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
CARWIZ
Locations:
30Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
U-SAVE
Locations:
38Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and familiesChoosing 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 ZA
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Visitors from ES should consider automatic for ease in ZA road conditions
Assess 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 insurance or travel plan from ES extends to ZA 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
Plan your routes and potential detours in ZA accordingly
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
Compare pre-purchase fuel options with local fuel prices in ZA
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, Panorama RouteSUV/4x4 with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, Wild Coast
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
South Africa is a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, offering unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of Cape Town to the wildlife reserves of Kruger National Park, travelers can enjoy a range of activities. Car rentals allow for flexible exploration of iconic routes such as the Garden Route or scenic drives along the coast.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in South Africa, but for peace of mind during your travels, additional coverage is highly recommended. Insurance policies may vary by rental company, so understanding your options is crucial.
Provides coverage for damages to the rental vehicle caused by collision or theft.
Covers the rental vehicle against theft, reducing your financial liability.
Covers damages or injuries caused to third parties while driving the rental vehicle.
Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout South Africa. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Traveling from Spain (ES) to South Africa (ZA)? Discover ways to save on rentals with these practical tips tailored for Spanish travelers.
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.
Spanish and South African traffic rules vary in driving side, speed limits, and road signage, among other factors.
Driving Side
Drive on the left side of the road
Drive on the right side of the road
Speed Limits
Measured in kilometers per hour; varies by road type
Also measured in kilometers per hour; generally lower in urban areas
Traffic Light Rules
Right turn on red is not allowed unless indicated by signage
Right turn on red is generally not permitted
Seatbelt Usage
Mandatory for all passengers
Mandatory for all passengers
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices only
Hands-free devices only
Parking Regulations
Parking on the left side is allowed in one-way streets
Parking on the right side is the norm
