Oh, Vera, a car rental agency couldn't care less whether or not you have an IDP. All they care about is your driving license and credit card.

That does not mean that the police in countries that require it won't care. In fact, any particular cop might not ask for it either if he can read English. But another cop might very well ask for it.

For $10 and a couple of passport photos, why risk a fine or even possibly worse?

Vera: Rufus (and most everyone else) is correct. the rental agency couldn't care less if you have an IDP. (or at least most of them don't - I've heard that somem Hertz locations do ask to see them). They just want to know you have a license.

It's the Police who will want to see it - and while one <i>might</i> get away w/ not having one -- if you get a hard a** or even one simply sticking to the rules - you coul dend up in jail til it is sorted out.

Consider it like your home owners insurance - hopefully you won't need it but if you do -- and don't have it big BIG trouble.

does anyone know of a website that lists the countries which require the IDP?

&lt;&lt;does anyone know of a website that lists the countries which require the IDP?&gt;&gt;

Not necessarily &quot;require&quot;, but honor the IDP and in which the IDP is valid. You can go here: http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html. It lists all the countries on the application form. I think China is the only one that still causes confusion among tourists.