I read somewhere that you need an international driver's license when driving in South Africa- is this true?

I guess it varies with nationality

I've heard this recently too, but I think it's wrong.

Every time we've visited (most recently Feb. 2006) we've shown our English language licenses to the car rental people, and that's been fine. Also, when we were stopped once for speeding, my husband showed his US license to the policeman, and there was no problem with that.

Oops -- I hit "post" too soon.

Maybe if your license isn't in one of the official SA languages, you need a translation of it (which is all that an international driver's license is).

No.

Provided it is in English. (The likelihood that it could be in one of the other ten official languages we can assume will be zero. ) And (although I'm not 100% certain about this), that it includes your photo.

From the S.A. Avis site: "If driver's license is non-roman alphabet, an international driver's license is required." So not necessarily even English. And no mention of it requring a photo.

Thanks for the information. Since we have American driver's licenses, looks like we're ok. Thanks again!