Car rental in Australia can afford anyone over 21 years old (in some companies at least 25 years old). For foreigners in Australia must have an international driving permit (in English) and a national driver's license with a certified translation into English, the minimum driving experience of 2 years. Sometimes it is possible to rent without a credit card against a cash deposit.
For renting a car in Australia foreigners are required to have a passport with a valid visa in addition to a driver's license. The country is left-hand drive. The use of seat belts is compulsory, special seats for children must be used. The roads in the country are modern and are kept in good condition. But there are also dirt roads, especially if you go to the hinterland, there are more of them there.
Prices for car rental in Australia depend on the class of the rented car and the duration of the rental. The average cost per day is 50-60 AUD. Credit cards and cash are accepted (deposit is required).
In desert areas, gas stations, service stations, and stores can be as far as 150km away from each other! Therefore, stock up on fuel, drinking water, and provisions. It is recommended to take spare tires with you. Be careful! Almost anywhere, especially on deserted roads, large animals can cross the road.
Melbourne has about 22 km of private highways and 2 long tunnels. In order to travel on the toll highways, you need to become a member of a special program. A single trip for subscribers costs 1.5 AUD, the fine will be up to 77 AUD! Cars participating in the program have a special electronic device, which takes into account the use of the highway, and "hares" are photographed by a camera. For the execution of Traffic rules in Australia are monitored clearly. There are many cameras.
Local drivers, it must be said, are very decent and never break anything. At least, that's how it may seem. On the contrary, they drive slower than the speed limit signs indicate. So be careful, against their background you should not take risks and stand out. Especially since fines for failure to comply with traffic rules in Australia are quite serious. On average for speeding, unfastened belts you will pay from 70 to 200 AUD.
The traffic police are polite and friendly, but you will have to pay a fine. Cash is not accepted: fines are paid either by credit card or bank. If you argue with a traffic cop to prove a point, the fine can automatically be doubled. Local traffic cops are always armed and are authorized to shoot to kill without firing a warning shot in the air. If you are stopped by a traffic cop, it is best not to get out of your car, and if you do, your hands should never be in your pockets.
Traffic police patrol sometimes without external identification, measuring the speed of both on- and off-road vehicles. The violator is caught up and stopped literally within a couple of minutes. Photo radars are used for control. Posters installed 1 km away from the place of control warn about it. Near many traffic lights there are photo cameras that automatically register those who ran a red light. Traffic patrols quite often check drivers for intoxication.
Australia's speed limit:
- in populated areas - 60 km/h
- on country roads - 100 km/h
- on expressways and highways - 130 km/h
The cost of gasoline in Australia is equal to the price in Europe. Almost everyone has a car here, and cars remain the main way of transportation for locals. The cost of a liter of gasoline in Australia fluctuates around 1.37 AUD per liter, diesel fuel costs about 1.32 AUD.
