Global IDP Team · 2026-06-18 · 7 min read
South Africa's Garden Route and Brazil's coastal highways are bucket-list drives. Both countries reward backpackers who get the basics right — and punish those who don't. Here's what to know before picking up the keys.
Do you need an IDP in South Africa and Brazil?
- South Africa: An IDP is required if your licence is not in English or doesn't include a photograph. In practice, all rental companies require an IDP from non-South African drivers regardless.
- Brazil: An IDP is mandatory for all foreign drivers. Brazilian federal law requires it alongside your domestic licence — no exceptions.
How long is your IDP valid?
- South Africa: Up to 1 year for tourists.
- Brazil: Up to 180 days for tourists, matching the standard tourist visa.
What documents must you carry while driving?
In both countries, always have:
- Original domestic licence
- International Driving Permit
- Passport with entry stamp/visa
- Rental agreement and insurance papers
- Cash for tolls and informal stops
Can you rent a car without an IDP?
- South Africa: No. Major chains (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, First Car Rental) require it for non-South African drivers.
- Brazil: No. Localiza, Movida, Unidas, and international chains all require it.
Safety realities backpackers should know
South Africa
- Smash-and-grab is real in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban. Keep windows up, bags out of sight, doors locked.
- Don't stop at remote intersections at night. Treat red lights as yields after dark in cities (legally allowed in some cases).
- Township areas: Don't enter unguided. Use a tour or local driver.
- Game reserves: Stay in your vehicle. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
- Distances: Cape Town to Johannesburg is 14 hours. Plan overnight stops in safe lodges.
Brazil
- Favelas: GPS sometimes routes you through them. Always cross-check with locals.
- Carjackings: Common in Rio and São Paulo. At night, treat red lights as yields (legally permitted in many cities).
- Police checkpoints: Always pull over. Carry copies of documents.
- Distances: Rio to Salvador is 24+ hours. Take BR-101 carefully — accident rates are high.
- Drink driving: Zero tolerance. Lei Seca enforcement is strict.
Tips for backpackers driving in both countries
- Full insurance always: Decline the cheap option. Get zero excess CDW and theft protection.
- Pre-pay tolls or get a tag in Brazil (Sem Parar).
- GPS / offline maps: Cell coverage drops in rural areas.
- Spare tire & jack: Verify before leaving the lot — rural roads are rough.
- Don't drive at night outside cities.
- Fuel: South Africa is petrol/diesel attendant-only (tip R5-10). Brazil offers ethanol (E100) — verify your rental accepts it.
Related guides
- Top 10 Countries Where You Need a Driving Translation Document
- How to Drive Abroad: Everything You Need to Know
- Do You Need an International License to Drive Abroad?
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