Last Updated on 2026 年 3 月 28 日 by Ching
The first time I drove in the United States, I chose the toughest route.
Starting from downtown Los Angeles, I drove all the way to Las Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Phoenix, and San Diego. On the longest day, I drove 800 kilometers, almost falling asleep at the wheel.
This article shares my genuine experiences from nearly three weeks of self-driving in the American West, including the car rental process, tips for refueling, road safety precautions, and several details that are hard to find online but I personally encountered.
[Driving in the USA: Important Tips] Quick Self-Drive Q&A
Most car rental companies in the USA require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held a driver’s license for over a year.
Some companies may even charge additional fees for young drivers (21-24).
Most chain rental companies offer the option to rent in one location and return in another, but you must bear additional costs.
The USA, like Taiwan, is a left-hand drive country.
To rent a car and drive in the USA, you need to prepare an international driver’s permit and also carry your original driver’s license.
Basic car rental insurance in the USA includes: Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL/LIS), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection (CDW/LDW/TP). It is recommended to purchase full insurance when renting a car.
When renting a car in the USA, it is advisable to choose international chain brands for better security and more comprehensive services.
Recommended: Hertz, Budget, Avis, all of which are multinational brands with numerous locations and good vehicle conditions.
To reduce credit card fraud, most gas stations in the USA do not accept overseas credit cards.
Therefore, you must pay at the gas station store before refueling.
(1) Original driver’s license
(2) International driver’s permit
(3) Passport
(4) Credit card (for deposit)
(5) Car rental voucher
I think driving in the USA is not particularly dangerous due to the vast space, but you should be aware that vehicles on highways generally drive very fast, so maintaining a safe distance is most important!
To book a car rental in the USA, I used Klook Car Rental this time, mainly because of the Chinese interface, customer service, and transparent pricing.
Usually, renting a GPS with a car in the USA requires an additional fee. It’s recommended to use Google Maps on your phone and download “offline maps” in advance.
Car Rental Tips in the United States
Choosing to rent a car and drive in the U.S. offers more freedom and flexibility. Another reason is the consideration of the poor public safety in Los Angeles, making driving a safer option.
Below is some related information and preparations for renting a car in the U.S., divided into: identity requirements, preparation documents, car rental company selection, and rental inspection details.
Identity and Conditions for Renting a Car in the U.S.
First, the primary condition for renting and driving a car in the U.S. is being at least 21 years old and holding a passport for over a year.
Only a few states allow tourists aged 18-20 to rent cars. Additionally, some rental companies have stricter requirements for young drivers, and some may charge extra fees for drivers aged 21-24.
Essential Documents for Car Rental in the U.S. [Important]
Make sure to bring all the essential documents for renting a car in the U.S., to avoid being unable to pick up the car upon arrival.
Before you go, confirm these items; missing even one can cause trouble on site:
- Driver’s license original (Many people think having an international driving permit is enough, but the international driving permit is just a “translation”, you still need to bring the original.)
- International Driving Permit (Apply at the motor vehicle office, cost $250, you need to bring your ID card, original driver’s license, and two 2-inch photos.)
- Passport
- Credit card (Must be in the same name as the renter, used for the deposit.)
- Car rental voucher (It’s recommended to print it out to reduce disputes.)
I think the original driver’s license is more likely to be forgotten because people think that bringing the international driving permit is enough, so they might not bring the original.
But the International Driving Permit (IDP) is actually an additional multilingual explanation to a country’s driver’s license, so you still need to bring the original as proof.
Car Rental Tips
This is my second time renting a car abroad. The first time was a camper van trip in Melbourne, Australia, but last time I encountered a service staff who spoke Chinese, so the whole process went very smoothly.
It’s been 4 years since I last rented a car abroad, so I’m worried about any issues, especially since my English is poor and I’m afraid of communication problems. This time the self-driving days are longer, so I did a lot of research before departure and asked a lot on forums XD.
Car Rental Company Selection: Recommended 3 Major American Car Rental Brands
There are many American car rental brands, it’s recommended to choose a global chain car rental brand.
For foreign tourists, the rental cost might be slightly higher (compared to smaller brands), but there are many advantages, such as numerous pick-up locations, usually conveniently located (like this time, the drop-off location offered free airport shuttles), long business hours, and relatively reliable car conditions, insurance support, and services. If any traffic accidents unfortunately occur, there is more immediate assistance available.
The Big 3 Car Rental Brands in the USA
Three recommendations:
- Hertz: Established in 1918, with 8,500 locations worldwide
- Budget: Relatively affordable prices, with many locations
- Avis: The first car rental brand to set up locations at airports worldwide
Klook Car Rental First Experience
This time, I completed the car rental process on Klook. After all, the Chinese interface is much more user-friendly, and having customer service available for inquiries is reassuring.
The car rental company was Budget, and I chose the most basic model. Although it was listed as a Kia Rio, it was noted that the actual car would be a similar model depending on availability, and I ended up with a Toyota Corolla Cross.
The advantage of Klook car rental is its one-stop service, with a seamless and clear interface for price comparison, car selection, booking, and payment. Additionally, using discount coupons can secure a good price.
Make sure to have comprehensive insurance coverage.
Whether renting a car domestically or abroad, I believe the most important aspect is insurance.
Especially when you’re abroad in unfamiliar territory, while you certainly hope for a smooth and safe journey, there’s always the possibility of unforeseen incidents.
Considering my own poor English skills, if something happens, I might end up crying helplessly in the U.S., so I recommend getting comprehensive car rental insurance for extra protection.
Common car rental insurance includes:
- Third Party Liability (TPL/LIS)
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
- Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection (CDW/LDW/TP)
About one-way rentals
Most car rental companies offer one-way rental services (pick up at one location, return at another). This time, we picked up the car in the city and returned it at the airport, which is convenient for travelers planning their itinerary.
However, it’s important to note that some car rental companies charge extra for one-way rentals. Remember to include these fees in your budget before renting a car.
One thing you must do when picking up the car: take photos for documentation
Once you receive the car, the first priority is to thoroughly inspect it.
This not only ensures driving safety but also significantly reduces disputes when returning the car. It’s recommended to take photos or videos to document the car’s condition at the time of rental.
I personally make it a habit to take photos of any noticeable scratches or damage on the car, and also record a video for reference.
Pre-road rental car condition checklist:
- Vehicle exterior: Check for any noticeable scratches, damage, dents, or scuffs on the car.
- Interior equipment: Ensure GPS, phone holder, and other equipment are provided and functioning properly.
- Fuel level and mileage: Record the mileage and fuel level at the time of rental.
- Tires: Check if the tire tread is excessively worn.
- Headlights functioning properly: Ensure the headlights are working correctly for safe night driving.
Car Rental Costs & Plans in the USA
This time, we rented a car for a 10-day self-drive trip in the USA, from Christmas Eve 12/24 to 1/2. Our route took us from downtown Los Angeles to Las Vegas and San Diego, with stops at Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Phoenix Valley.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Car model | Toyota Corolla Cross |
| Days | 10 days (12/24–1/2) |
| Mileage policy | Unlimited mileage |
| Insurance plan | Super insurance (deductible $0) |
| Cost | NT$12,232 (after Klook discount) |
| Average per day | About NT$1,223 |
This breaks down to a daily rental cost of approximately NT$1,200, which I find quite reasonable for the busy Christmas holiday season.
⚠️ The above costs are for the 2023 Christmas peak season; actual prices may vary depending on the date and car model. It is recommended to check again before departure.
Fueling Tips in the USA
After renting the car, our first stop was the gas station to refuel. After all, in Taiwan, we’re used to having attendants pump gas for us. Before the trip, we asked in online groups about things to watch out for when refueling in the USA, including: the self-service refueling process, credit card issues, and fuel prices.
Self-Service Refueling Process in the USA
需要時間: 10 分鐘
How to self-serve fuel in the USA?
- Check the fuel tank location and drive to the corresponding pump island
Due to different car manufacturing origins, the fuel tank may be on either side depending on the car model.
After renting a car, first confirm the fuel tank location and drive to the corresponding pump island when refueling. - Turn off the car, engage the handbrake, and open the fuel cap
Always remember to turn off the car when refueling, then engage the handbrake and open the car’s fuel cap.
- Insert credit card / Pay at the gas station store
Since some US gas stations may not accept foreign credit cards, there are two payment methods:
(1) Insert the card and wait for it to be read before starting to refuel.
(2) If the credit card cannot be used, you can go to the store next to the gas station, inform the staff of the pump island number and amount, and pay on-site. - Remove the nozzle and press the gasoline type button to start refueling
Next, remove the nozzle from the pump island and press the button for the type of gasoline you want.
You can refer to the car rental documentation for guidance, as it usually specifies this.
- Start refueling
Insert the nozzle into the car’s fuel inlet, lift the nozzle switch upwards, and you will feel the liquid flowing through the hose as refueling begins smoothly.
- After the pump stops (or refuel to the desired amount), remove the nozzle and hang it back on the pump island
After refueling, wait 3 seconds to let the gasoline in the nozzle drain completely, then hang the nozzle back on the pump island.
Overseas credit card not working?
This is probably the most common issue Taiwanese face when driving in the U.S. for the first time. I was quite surprised when I encountered it.
During our ten-day road trip, we only successfully used a Taiwanese credit card at Costco for refueling, but only with the assistance of a gas station employee. It seems they had a special setting to allow overseas card transactions.
At regular roadside gas stations, whether chain brands or not, using overseas credit cards was unsuccessful (both Line Pay and Taishin Flying Dog failed).
Later, I learned from experienced travelers in U.S. travel groups that it’s due to ‘credit card fraud issues.’
Because the U.S. is vast and sparsely populated, some gas stations are in remote areas with blind spots for surveillance cameras. Combined with low fuel amounts and easy card authorization, gas stations were targeted by fraud groups, leading to a gradual restriction on overseas credit card use.
The solution is simple: gas stations usually have small convenience stores nearby. After parking, note the pump number, inform the store clerk of the amount you wish to fuel, and pay (cash or card). Then, you can return to the pump to continue fueling.
U.S. Gas Prices: A big difference just a block away
To save money on a U.S. road trip, pay close attention to gas prices!
In this capitalist free country, the price difference in gas can be significant, not just between states or cities, but even between two gas stations just a block apart.
It is recommended to search for gas stations on Google Maps. Not only will it show the location, but it will also display fuel prices, which is a very convenient feature!
Driving in the USA – Practical Road Experience
Finally, here are some insights from my actual driving experience.
Before starting, let me share a bit about my driving history. I got my driver’s license at the age of 23, but I only started driving a year after obtaining it. In the past two or three years, I have been driving more frequently for travel since I bought a used Solio.
As for overseas driving experience, as mentioned earlier, I only had the 2019 Melbourne campervan trip, which was four years ago.
So driving in the USA this time made me a bit nervous, especially since one day of the road trip required driving over 800 kilometers. It was a challenge for me in terms of stamina and concentration.
1. Left-hand driving is easy to get used to
First of all, there’s no need to worry too much because the United States, like Taiwan, drives on the left side of the car. So, in terms of mechanical operation, it’s almost identical. Once you get used to the feel of the rental car, you’ll quickly adapt on the road.
2. Pedestrians have the right of way
Furthermore, to ensure pedestrian safety, pedestrians in the United States have absolute right of way.
Therefore, when driving in the United States, you must yield to pedestrians whenever you see them, maintain a safe distance, and wait for them to pass before proceeding. Besides safety, failing to follow the rules may also result in a fine.
3. Stop completely at STOP signs
When driving in the United States, you’ll often see a red octagon with the word “STOP” in large white letters, usually placed at intersections or crossroads.
The purpose is to inform drivers that they must “come to a complete stop and ensure safety before proceeding”.
Here, “come to a complete stop” means you really need to “apply the brakes and stop for more than three seconds”; simply rolling through is not acceptable!
4. Driving on U.S. highways
This route covers a long distance, so I have thoroughly studied the U.S. highway driving precautions.
Speed limits are generally between 65 to 80 miles (about 105 to 129 kilometers), but my actual driving experience felt like… everyone was driving super fast!
Especially on roads with fewer vehicles, other cars just zoomed by in a flash, which made me a bit nervous as I wasn’t used to it when I first hit the road.
Another thing is that after arriving in the U.S., whether it’s the signs on the highway or the distances shown on Google Maps, they all change from the “kilometers” we’re used to, to “miles”, so it’s good to prepare a bit earlier when exiting the highway.
5. You can turn right on red
This was something I was really confused about at first. I wondered if Californians were just more laid-back? How come everyone turns right on red without a care?
I later asked a friend and found out that in the U.S., if there’s no specific sign indicating otherwise, you can turn right on red. But remember to pay close attention to oncoming traffic and yield to pedestrians before turning.
6. Download offline navigation in advance
If you don’t rent a GPS and plan to rely on Google, I think the “offline maps” feature is a must-use.
After all, in Taiwan, we’re used to having smooth internet in 80% of areas, except for remote mountain regions.
However, in the vast United States, there are many places where network coverage isn’t as complete. If you’re driving routes that are further from urban areas, it’s recommended to plan your route the day before, then select “download offline maps” in Google Maps. This way, even if you lose connection or the internet is too slow, you can still navigate using your phone’s GPS with offline map data.
How to use Google Maps offline maps:
- Install the Google Map APP and open it.
- Search for the destination you want to visit.
- Click on “More” – “Download offline map” and you’re done.
7. Parking: Do not leave valuables in the car, park in a safe place.
Regarding parking safety, it is well-known that Los Angeles has a reputation for poor security. If valuables are left in the car, there is a risk of window-smashing theft!
Therefore, when traveling to Los Angeles, friends often remind me “Do not leave valuables in the car,” and try not to park on the street. Look for accommodations that offer parking for better security.
8. How to respond if stopped by the police?
Before departure, friends also specifically reminded me about how to respond if stopped by the police, which is a situation I was quite worried about (emphasizing again my poor English)</s>.
Friends advised: “If you really get pulled over by the police, pull over to the side, roll down the window, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and stay calm.” Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any police checks during the whole trip, and barely saw any police XD.
Reflections on a Road Trip in the Western US
Driving for 10 days, with the longest day covering 800 kilometers, this road trip in the Western US was the most exhausting yet exhilarating journey I’ve ever had.
If it’s your first time driving in the US, honestly, it’s not as scary as you might think. As long as you prepare the documents, get the insurance sorted, and understand how to refuel before setting off, you’ll quickly get used to it on the road.
If you have concerns about renting a car or struggle with English, you can choose to rent a car through Klook, it’s very convenient.
This time I booked Budget through Klook, and honestly, I recommend it.
With limited English skills and renting a car in the U.S. for the first time, the Chinese interface and customer service alone were worth it for me. From comparing car models, booking to payment, everything was seamless, and using a discount code made it quite cost-effective.
I booked a Kia Rio, but on-site they upgraded us to a Toyota Corolla Cross—the space was much larger than expected, and it was smooth to drive.
Booking platform: Klook ｜ Rental company: Budget ｜ 10-day cost: NT$12,232 (including insurance)
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