renting a car in US
 

I have a british driving licence,do I still need a international one to drive in US?

I suspect you will be O.K.

Do other Fodorites feel differently?

Everytime we have rent a car in US our french license was enough...
Erik

No, Binayak - the British one will be fine - we've done it twice.

Please note what an International Driver's PERMIT (not license) is -- it's a translation, in several languages, that the bearer has a valid license from her/his country. It is not in any way a substitute for such a license. If the driver's license from your own country is written in English, an IDP would be quite superfluous in the USA.

since you speak the same language, sort of, there is no reason to have an english translation of your driver's license.

I read somewhere that it is recommended though that you also take the paper part of your UK licence if you have a photo card type.
I also read this: http://tinyurl.com/yqzujo which seems to imply an IDP is required.

My Dutch licence doesn't have a paper part, only a photo card. I am going to invest in an IDP just to be on the safe side. It only costs €13 plus a photo.

We have UK drivers licences too and have hired cars in the USA a few times. We have never been asked for anything other than the licence with the photo on it but I have read that you are supposed to take the paper bit with you too. I would take both halves of your UK licence to be on the safe side.
Kay

Now that that is settled, hope you are aware that the rental companies will charge you all the "optional" insurance they can get away with - and costs quoted on rental company websites do not always include these fees - they can double the cost of the rental.

The "optional" insurance about which gail complains is not in fact a bad idea when driving abroad. Italy requires it of foreign nationals, and Canada has required evidence from all US drivers that they have insurance coverage while driving in Canada, even in their own cars.

Unless you are sure that your company insures you in the US and have written proof of that, you may have no choice other than to take it, especially since liability laws differ from state to state.

I always find myself happier renting cars abroad from a company that specializes in overseas rentals rather than going to the usual websites I would use in the US. The price you get is usually all-in, including taxes, fees, and insurance, rather than a teaser.

Your mileage may vary.