Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your regular license, particularly if your license isn't printed in the local language — this is typically an inexpensive document obtained before your trip through your home country's motoring association, not something you can get at the destination.
Insurance coverage from your home auto policy or credit card often doesn't automatically extend to international rentals the same way it might domestically — confirm specifically with your provider before assuming you're covered, rather than after you're already at the counter.
Local driving norms, road signage, and even which side of the road is standard can differ significantly from what you're used to — a short adjustment period is normal, and choosing an automatic transmission (if manual isn't your norm) removes one variable while you adjust to everything else being unfamiliar.
