Renting a car in Rio de Janeiro as a foreign driver
A visitor can drive in Brazil on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days from the date of entry, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence comes from a country that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention. That is the rule in CONTRAN Resolution 933/2022. Rental companies add their own conditions: at Localiza, for example, you need a passport, your licence and a credit card in the driver's name.
Updated:
At a glance
| Legal basis | CONTRAN Resolution 933/2022, in force since 1 April 2022 |
| How long | Up to 180 days from entry, while the licence is valid |
| Documents to carry | Licence, IDP (Vienna Convention 1968 countries), ID, proof of entry date |
| Minimum age (Localiza) | 18; under 21 needs the Condutor Jovem option |
| Payment (Localiza) | Credit card in the renter’s name; no corporate or prepaid cards |
| Galeão airport | 3 rental desks in Terminal 2 arrivals, two of them open 24 hours |
| Alcohol | Zero tolerance, per Canada and Australia |
| Rio-Niterói Bridge toll | Cash, contactless cards, PIX or toll tag |
What the law requires
CONTRAN Resolution 933/2022, article 2, lets a driver with a foreign licence drive in Brazil for up to 180 days from the date of entry, provided the licence is valid and there is an agreement and reciprocity with the issuing country. Carry:
- your licence;
- an International Driving Permit, if your licence was issued by a country that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention;
- an identity document (your passport);
- a document showing your date of entry.
After 180 days of legal stay you need a Brazilian licence (CNH).
What governments add:
- UK: the FCDO says Brazil needs a 1968-type IDP. Photocard licences are accepted; paper licences may need an IDP. You cannot buy a UK IDP outside the UK.
- Canada: carry an international driving permit; an official Portuguese translation helps.
- Australia: you can drive up to 180 days on an Australian licence; a translation is recommended.
Renting from Localiza: their stated conditions
We take Localiza as the example because its rules are published in full. Other companies set their own terms, so check yours.
- Minimum age 18. Drivers under 21 must add the Condutor Jovem option.
- Foreign renters need a passport (an identity card is enough for Mercosur countries), a valid licence and a credit card in the name of the booking holder.
- Without an entry stamp in the passport, a second document is needed, such as your ticket or a Polícia Federal permit.
- A pre-authorisation (deposit hold) is taken on the card at pickup; you cannot pay it in advance.
- Accepted cards: Amex, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club International, Elo. Corporate and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- Only a Brazilian aged 18+ with a CPF can be the financially responsible party, so a foreign renter pays with their own credit card.
- The company checks the renter at pickup and can refuse a rental.
Renting from Movida: conditions for foreigners
Movida asks foreign renters for the original passport, an original valid driving licence and a visa or entry within the permitted length of stay. You also need a credit card with enough limit for the pre-authorisation (deposit hold).
Where to pick up a car
- Galeão (GIG): the airport lists three rental companies, all in Terminal 2 arrivals; two of the three desks work 24 hours.
- Santos Dumont (SDU): Localiza lists an agency at the airport.
- In the city: Localiza also lists agencies in Copacabana and Botafogo, among others.
Driving in Rio: official advice
- Alcohol: Canada says Brazil has zero tolerance for drinking and driving and police can take your licence on the spot. Australia warns of serious penalties above 0%. The FCDO notes frequent checkpoints.
- Seat belts for everyone; child seats are required (the US State Department says up to 7.5 years; the Brazilian rule is CONTRAN Resolution 819/2021).
- Navigation: the FCDO and Canada advise checking that your GPS route does not lead you into a favela.
- Roadside help: the US State Department says it is rare outside toll roads.
Rio-Niterói Bridge tolls
The 13.2 km bridge is run by Ecovias Ponte. At the toll plaza you can pay in cash, by credit or debit card (contactless only), by PIX or with an automatic toll tag (Sem Parar, Move Mais, Veloe, ConectCar, Greenpass). Ask your rental company whether the car has a tag.
Motorbikes and bicycles
We could not find a motorbike rental company for tourists in Rio with official published terms, so we do not list any. CONTRAN 933/2022 does not set separate categories for short-term visitors. Smartraveller says to always wear a helmet and check that your insurance covers motorbike riding.
For short rides, Bike Itaú (Tembici) runs shared bikes in Rio from 5:00 to midnight, including e-bikes. You register in the app with an email address and pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Hipercard, Elo) or Mastercard debit.
Would a driver suit you better?
Many visitors to Rio choose a car with a driver: no deposit on the card, no parking to find, and you can enjoy a caipirinha at lunch. For trips out of the city (Petrópolis, Búzios, Paraty) the same driver can wait for you all day.
How we help
We do not rent cars ourselves and do not earn from rentals. We arrange private drivers and guides in your language, airport pickups and day trips. If you rent a car, we can plan your routes out of Rio with you and meet you with a guide at the destination.
What to tell us in your request
- Your dates and where you land (GIG or SDU)
- Number of people and luggage
- Whether you want a self-drive plan or a driver
- Places you want to reach outside Rio
- Guide language
Message us on WhatsApp first: it is the quickest way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Brazil with my foreign licence?
Yes, for up to 180 days from entry, under CONTRAN Resolution 933/2022, with an IDP if your country signed the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Brazil?
For licences from Vienna Convention 1968 countries, yes. The UK says Brazil needs the 1968-type IDP.
What is the minimum age to rent at Localiza?
18, with the Condutor Jovem option required under 21.
Can I rent with a debit card?
Localiza asks for a credit card in the renter's name and does not accept corporate or prepaid cards.
Are there rental desks at Rio airport?
At Galeão, three companies in Terminal 2 arrivals, two open 24 hours. Localiza also has an agency at Santos Dumont.
How do I pay the Rio-Niterói Bridge toll?
Cash, contactless card, PIX or a toll tag.
Can I rent a motorbike in Rio?
We found no tourist motorbike rental with official published terms, so we cannot recommend one.
Can I drink one beer and drive?
No. Canada and Australia describe zero tolerance.