Car Hire in South Africa

Drivers in South Africa, including drivers visiting from foreign countries, are required to travel on the left. Keep in mind that driving on the opposite side can lead to both a traffic violation and serious accidents.

South Africa ranked 34 out of 137 countries across the globe for road quality in 2019. On a scale of 1 to 7, South Africa received a road quality score of 5. Keep in mind that road quality conditions in South Africa can vary depending on what area of the country you plan to visit.

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. However, it’s important to check regional or local city laws because sometimes this limit might be different. The BAC in South Africa may also vary based on age, driving experience, and whether or not you are driving a commercial vehicle. Note that the legal drinking age in South Africa is 18. Steeper penalties will be given to those driving a vehicle who are under the legal drinking age.

Last week, the price of petrol in South Africa was €1.04 per litre on average. This is subject to change based the city you visit, time of year, and the country’s current economy. According to our data, South Africa has neither the most expensive nor the cheapest petrol prices in the world. Kuwait currently has the least expensive at €0.29 per litre, while Hong Kong has the most expensive at €3.11 per litre. Keep in mind that petrol prices change regularly and may be different during your travel dates.

Prices for cars in South Africa refresh daily.

There are 1,440 operators available for cars in South Africa as of January 2026.

Age requirements for drivers vary depending on the country, including South Africa. In several EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. Generally, to hire a car overseas, you must be at least 21 years old, and if you're under 25, you may be charged a young driver surcharge. It's recommended that you review the policy of your preferred hire company before booking.

To hire a car in South Africa, all drivers must have a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of hire, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're hiring a car abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We recommend that you verify with the specific hire company you're booking with.