Booking car hire abroad before you fly from the UK is almost always cheaper than arranging it on arrival. With VIP Cars you can compare 900+ suppliers across every international destination — and lock in the cheapest rate months in advance.
Compare Car Hire with VIP Cars
Search 900+ suppliers worldwide. Save up to 70% — free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare with VIP Cars →
Why Book Car Hire Abroad Before You Fly?
- Prices are typically 30–50% lower when booked in advance vs on arrival
- Free cancellation means you can book speculatively and cancel if plans change
- Guaranteed availability — popular locations run out of automatics in summer
- Protects against currency fluctuation for popular destinations like USA and UAE
- Gives you time to sort insurance, driving licence requirements and fuel policy
Most Popular Destinations for UK Car Hire Abroad
| Destination | Popular Airport | Weekly Rate (from) | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain — Malaga | AGP | From £55/week | Book automatic — many Spanish cars are manual |
| Portugal — Faro | FAO | From £45/week | Algarve roads are easy — any car class works |
| Canary Islands — Tenerife | TFN/TFS | From £50/week | South airport (TFS) has most suppliers |
| Greece — Santorini | JTR | From £65/week | Small car essential — narrow island roads |
| USA — Florida | MCO/MIA | From £120/week | Automatic standard — go for full size |
| UAE — Dubai | DXB | From £80/week | Automatic only — toll tags often included |
| Ireland — Dublin | DUB | From £55/week | UK licence valid — drive on the left |
💡 Pro Tip: For European destinations, check your UK driving licence is valid and that your insurance covers the country of hire. Most VIP Cars bookings include basic liability cover — check the excess level and consider standalone excess insurance for around £3/day.
Documents You'll Need for Overseas Car Hire
- UK driving licence (photocard) — must be valid for the full rental period
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit — most suppliers won't accept debit cards
- Booking confirmation from VIP Cars
- Passport for ID at the collection counter
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in some countries outside Europe
Compare Car Hire at Every International Destination
Search and compare car hire at every destination from Malaga to Miami. VIP Cars, 900+ suppliers, free cancellation.
Compare with VIP Cars →
Sento earns a commission if you book through our links — this never affects our recommendations. VIP Cars prices and availability are set by rental suppliers and change regularly. Always compare prices before booking. Updated April 2026.