Your ZNMD road trip, minus the surprises – The Times of India

For many travellers, the idea of renting a luxury car abroad isn’t just about convenience, it’s about living life one cinematic moment at a time. Few films capture this emotion better than Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, where Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, and Farhan Akhtar hit the Spanish roads in a stunning sky-blue 1949 Buick Super Convertible.

While the film itself had us sold on the theme of friendship goals, this particular element sparked a wanderlust for driving through a foreign country in style. But once you move from screen to street, renting a luxury car abroad becomes less about the vibe and more about getting the basics right. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide that actually helps when you’re about to book. Here are a few things that one should keep in mind when planning to rent a luxury car abroad.

Book smart, not last-minute

Start at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Rental company Avis notes that early bookings can be 20–30% cheaper than airport walk-ins. And more importantly, you get access to premium models before they’re sold out.

While booking, check these 5 things carefully:

Note: If you’re booking through aggregators,as per EU consumer guidelines, the rental company is responsible in case of disputes, not the platform.

Budget beyond the car price

The biggest mistake travellers make is assuming the base price is final.

As highlighted by Kiplinger, add-ons can significantly inflate your bill.

Here’s how it typically stacks up:

So realistically, your ₹10,000 rental can end up costing ₹15,000–₹18,000 per day. Pro tip: Check if your credit card offers rental insurance, it can save you thousands.

Documents: Don’t land up unprepared

According to Allianz Travel Insurance, your domestic car insurance typically won’t cover international rentals, so you will need rental insurance.

Also keep these ready:

Age matters too:

Under 25? Expect extra charges. Some supercars require drivers to be 30+.

Inspect before you drive (takes 2 minutes, saves thousands)

Before you leave the parking lot:

Luxury rentals come with hefty deposits, and even a minor scratch can cost a lot if not documented.

Know the rules of the road (this is where most people slip)

Driving in another country isn’t always like India, you won’t get away with breaking a rule there because you have contacts. A few quick examples: In the UK, you drive on the left side—same as India, but road discipline is far stricter. While there are no specific rules around it, overtaking a royal motorcade (Special Escort Group) often leads to running into trouble.

It is advised that you maintain a safe distance from these vehicles or strictly adhere to the traffic laws when tailing/overtaking them. In Italy, certain city zones are restricted (called ZTL), and entering them can lead to automatic fines. In many European countries, even one drink can put you over the legal alcohol limit, which is usually zero. Some places also require basic safety gear in the car—reflective jackets or warning triangles—without which, you could be fined on the spot.

Pick the right car for the right trip

Don’t just go by looks. Match the car to your itinerary:

It is recommended to avoid oversized cars in Europe due to narrow streets and tight parking often leading to stressful situations and penalties.

Choose the right rental company (location matters)

Globally recognised players like Hertz, Sixt and Avis are reliable across Europe and the US, while destinations like Dubai specialise in ultra-luxury fleets (Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royce). In Asia and Australia, premium options exist but fleets are smaller, so booking early becomes even more critical.

Reliable luxury car rental services around the world

Europe

United States & North America

Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

Known for: Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royce, Ferraris

Asia (Japan, Singapore, China)

Australia & New Zealand

Africa (South Africa focus)

Note: Most brands like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt operate across continents, while cities like Dubai specialise in ultra-luxury and supercar rentals.

Most popular luxury cars tourists love renting

Sports Cars

Popular for scenic drives

Luxury Sedans

Ideal for business travel & long-distance comfort

Luxury SUVs

Popular in Dubai, Africa safaris, family trips

Convertibles

Best for coastal drives (Spain, Italy, Australia)Driving a luxury car in another country just makes the whole trip feel extra special.

The only challenge was getting used to the local traffic rules and driving style. You really have to be careful and follow the rules properly since people are very disciplined on the roads. That said, going on long drives with beautiful views in a great car is honestly a very relaxing and memorable experience.

~Vinay Choudhary, Vice President of Domach India, who rented a Land Rover Discovery Sport in London, UK

The experience was smooth overall, but I’d strongly suggest doing proper research before travelling, understanding local norms and how things work on the ground. Also, avoid interacting with strangers unless necessary and always keep SOS contact numbers handy. Communication could be tricky at times because of the language and accent differences, and managing currency can become an issue.

~Sushant Pathak, indie filmmaker, who rented a BMW 730LD in London, UK