Car rental

You need: international passport, driver's license (usually at least 1+ year experience), international driving permit (not everywhere, but recommended), credit card (not debit — for deposit). Book in advance on RentalCars, Discovercars, LocalRent. Read the terms: deductible, mileage, fuel policy. Take photos of the car upon receipt. Check for scratches in the contract.

IDP — a translation of the national license, not an independent document. Required in: Egypt, UAE, India, China, Japan, many Asian and African countries. EU/USA/Canada — usually Russian licenses of the new format (with transliteration) are sufficient. However, rental companies may require it. Registration at the traffic police: ~30 min, 1600₽, valid for 3 years.

Start with a plan on the topic 'Car rental': dates, budget, priorities (what is mandatory, what is optional). Then book critical items in advance.

Practice for 'Car rental': make a list of documents and deadlines (visa, insurance, reservation, vaccinations). This prevents 90% of problems.

Answer for 'Car rental': use the 70/30 rule — document 70% of the route, leave 30% for spontaneity and rest.

For 'Car rental' it is useful to have: 2–3 alternatives (flights/hotels/route) in case of failures. Backup plan saves nerves.