MatthewL - 18/09/2011 17:18
I always try and drive myself when travelling abroad and have been frustrated by a lack of an online resource providing information such as driving conditions around the world and GENUINE car rental companies. (May of the brokers which turn up on Google searches don't actually rent cars in many of the countries they advertise).
I've therefore set up a website providing useful self drive information in over 230 countries around the world www.driverabroad.com.
However, i current have a 'missing list' of 17 countries where I've been unable to locate a car rental company. The countries I'm missing are below, and I'm hoping some well travelled individuals will be able to help fill some of my gaps-
The obvious first -Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. Probably not the best countries in which to self drive at present. Also Bermuda forbids visitors from driving so thats a non starter.
Burma - Some confusion on whether its legal for foreigners to drive but I was unable to locate a rental company
Bhutan - Its possible to rent a car in India and drive to Bhutan, but I couldn't find a rental company in the country.
Burundi - Couldn't locate a company offering cars without a driver
Democratic Republic of Congo -All the big international rental companies operate in DRC but at present (Aug 11) all seem to only offer cars with a driver.
Liberia - Unable to find anyone who would rent a car to a foreigner
Nauru- Its a tiny Island so possibly there are no rental options?
Nepal - Sixt have an office but make you take a driver at present
Nigeria- Technically self drive is possible...but no one seems willing to allow a foreigner to take a car without a driver. I located a travel agent who said they may be able to arrange car rental depending on the state of law and order in the country, but so far I have been unable to find a rental company.
North Korea- I'd be impressed if someone came up with a car rental company here!
Tajikistan - I struggled to find anyone offering self drive. Even travel companies seemed unable to help.
Turkmenistan -I located a couple of travel companies who may be able to help arrange car rental but nothing definite.
Uzbekistan - There are companies who advertise car rental but these seem to make you take a driver. I've been unable to find anyone offering self drive
Vietnam (North) - Budget have a branch in Saigon and seem to allow self drive...if you manage to cut through the red tape and get a Vietnamese licence. I was unable to find anyone who rented cars in Hanoi and the North though.
If anyone can provide info on car rental in the above countries or details of driving conditions there please reply to this post or contact me via the website.
