To rent a car in Brazil, it is essential to meet specific requirements, which vary according to the renter's nationality.
1 - Minimum age of 21 years. Some rental companies accept drivers under 21 under the young driver category;
2 - Pay attention to the documentation:
Valid physical driver’s license issued more than 2 years ago;
A passport of the same nationality as the driver's license;
An International Driving Permit (IDP), in some cases.
3 - A physical credit card that meets the following conditions:
In your own name;
Name and number printed and legible;
Enabled for international purchases;
Within the validity period;
Issued by a physical banking institution;
With a sufficient limit for the security deposit hold.
It is also important to know that:
The approval of the credit card is entirely the responsibility of the rental company. Additionally, there are rental companies that have their own policies regarding the criteria and may request additional data.
Be aware! Although they may seem the same, a financial institution and a banking institution are not the same thing. A bank is a type of financial institution that offers checking accounts and can accept deposits. On the other hand, a financial institution is a broader term that includes credit unions, brokerage firms, lending fintechs, and other companies that are not banks.
What do I need to know for a smooth vehicle pickup?
To ensure a seamless experience when picking up your vehicle, follow the guidelines below:
Check and print your voucher: Make sure to carefully read and print your voucher, as it contains important information about the entire rental. You can find it in the booking confirmation email, as well as in the logged-in area of the website or app, in the My Bookings section.
Attention to the grace period: in Brasil, rental companies usually offer a 59-min grace period for delays in pick-up. Check the specific time frame of the selected rental company on the voucher. Important: this period is not valid during store closing hours.
Plan for changes and delays: It is recommended to schedule the vehicle pick-up at least 2 hours after the scheduled flight arrival, when applicable. Whenever possible, contact our customer service center in advance to inform us of itinerary changes or flight delays and avoid complications.
Check local requirements: Some destinations require additional documents, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP). Verify if this is necessary in your case.
Have your documents ready: Bring the physical versions of the required documents (driver's license, credit card, and voucher) ready for presentation.
Vehicle inspection: Check the fuel tank level and the condition of the car both at pickup and drop-off, recording any irregularities to avoid undue charges.