Renting a car abroad: checklist
What to check before booking and at the desk: licence, deposit, insurance and excess, filming at pick-up, fuel policy, fines and the deposit release.

[ ] Check which licences are accepted in that country
    Some countries accept a national licence; others require an international permit alongside it. Getting one at home takes longer than people expect.
[ ] Check the age and licence-held requirements
    Young drivers usually pay a surcharge and are sometimes refused. It is in the small print of the rate.
[ ] Find out the deposit amount and which card is required
    A credit card in the driver's name is often required, and the amount is blocked for the whole rental. A debit card may be refused.
[ ] Understand what the insurance covers and the excess
    Glass, tyres, underside, roof and interior are often excluded. Decide about extra cover in advance — at the desk it is rushed and pricier.
[ ] Book a child seat and additional driver in advance
    The right seat may not be available on arrival. An additional driver is nearly always registered separately, and is not insured otherwise.
[ ] Check the rules for crossing borders
    It is often prohibited or requires separate permission and paperwork. Breaking the rule voids the insurance entirely.
[ ] Save the booking and rate conditions offline
    You will need them at the desk and in any dispute. A screenshot of the terms at booking time is your argument if they \u201csuddenly\u201d differ.
[ ] Film a walk-around video at pick-up
    Every side, the roof, sills, wheels, glass, mirrors. Slowly and in good light. This is your main protection against a dispute at return.
[ ] Check that every mark is on the condition report
    Compare the report with the car, not the other way round. Any mark missing from it will be attributed to you.
[ ] Photograph the interior, odometer and fuel level
    Mileage and fuel in a photo are the only way to argue about limits and about how full the tank was at handover.
[ ] Check the spare, jack, warning triangle and vest
    In some countries the triangle and vest are compulsory, and their absence is your fine, not the company's. Check the air conditioning and wipers too.
[ ] Confirm the fuel policy and how to return the tank
    Full-to-full is usually better value than a prepaid tank. Refuel near the office before returning and keep the receipt.
[ ] Learn the car before you leave the car park
    Lights, wipers, reverse, handbrake, fuel flap, parking sensors. Working it out at the airport exit is a bad idea.
[ ] Refresh the local road rules and habits
    Speed limits, tolls, parking, child seats, seasonal tyres, drink-driving limits. The rules differ more than people expect.
[ ] Sort out tolls and parking in advance
    Some places need a vignette, some a transponder, some online payment within a day. An unpaid toll becomes a fine months later.
[ ] Film the return and get a signed condition report
    Return during opening hours and to a person where possible. Odometer, fuel and condition on video. Take the signed report with you.
[ ] Wait for the deposit release and check the charges
    Deposits are not released instantly. Check your statement a few weeks later: fines and fees arrive late.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/car-rental-abroad