This guide addresses these and other key considerations, providing French travelers with the knowledge necessary to enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Australia.
Yes, French travelers can rent and drive cars in Australia if they meet the age requirements and present a valid passport, driving licence, and an accepted payment card at pick‑up.
Form of ID:
A valid physical passport of the main driver is required at pick-up.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must hold a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1–2 years depending on the vehicle and supplier.
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original driving licence + NAATI-certified translation (Australia).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards vary by offer and may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB. Debit cards are not accepted for these rates, and some offers support XpCard.
Age requirements:
Eligible driving age ranges from 21 to 80 years, depending on the offer. Young drivers (typically 21–24 or 21–25) can rent but must pay an additional daily fee (about US$6.60–18.15 per day, including or excluding tax depending on the supplier). Some offers may also charge an extra fee for older drivers from 65 to 79, and eligibility at age 80 is subject to confirmation.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore popular car rental options in Australia, including major international brands and local providers, catering specifically to travelers from France.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Hertz
Locations:
697Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Europcar
Locations:
692Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers looking for a reliable and diverse fleet
Thrifty
Locations:
1578Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
SIXT
Locations:
519Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking quality and affordability
Avis
Locations:
903Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking reliability and variety
Apex
Locations:
10Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and locals
BARGAIN
Locations:
61Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers looking for value
East Coast Car Rentals
Locations:
64Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local residents
Everything Fleet
Locations:
19Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
ACE Rental Cars
Locations:
61Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and familiesChoosing the right rental car can make your travel in Australia more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Consider your travel group, the Australian destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll encounter. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find 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 Australia
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Most drivers prefer automatic for Australian road trips
Consider your comfort level with right-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 French 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 exploring the Australian outback
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 the same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with the 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
Sydney, Melbourne, BrisbaneMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Great Ocean Road, Outback explorationsConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Australia features unique landscapes and vibrant cities, ideal for exploration by car. Travelers from France can enjoy scenic routes and cultural experiences in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Australia. For a smooth travel experience, additional coverage can be a prudent choice. Insurance inclusions vary by rental provider, and opting for comprehensive protection can safeguard against unexpected expenses in case of mishaps.
Covers damage to the rental car due to accidents or theft.
Provides coverage against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers damages to third parties and their property.
Covers medical expenses for the driver and 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 Australia. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
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Discover the best practices for saving money on car rentals in Australia, tailored for travelers from France.
Essential considerations for renting a car in Australia, tailored for travelers from France.
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.
French and Australian traffic rules differ significantly in road signs, speed limits, and use of roundabouts, while some common practices remain similar.
Roundabouts
Drivers must yield to traffic already on the roundabout.
Drivers entering the roundabout have priority.
Speed Limits
Expressed in kilometers per hour, with standard limits more variable.
Expressed in kilometers per hour, with simple and consistent limits.
Alcohol Limit
Maximum BAC is 0.05%.
Maximum BAC is 0.02% for probationary drivers.
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices only; strict penalties for phone use.
Hands-free devices only; similar enforcement.
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all passengers.
Mandatory for all passengers.
Parking Rules
Parking direction must match traffic flow.
Similar rules apply; parking is organized by zones.
