Things to keep in mind when you rent a car in a foreign country

Car rental firms generally charge four types of basic rates: a daily rate with a mileage charge, a daily rate with a limited number of free miles per day; a daily rate with unlimited mileage; and a rate that has free mileage over an extended period. Rates vary according to the size and make of the vehicle, but most firms rent economy, compact, intermediate and deluxe cars. Special promotional rates are often available, especially over weekends, but should be specifically requested in advance.

•   Most countries will accept your valid state driver's license with another form of photo ID. But some countries may also require an International Driver's Permit.

•   Familiarise yourself with the car rental company's policy on gasoline when you check in. Some companies charge you a flat rate for gas upon renting the car and expect you to return with the gas tank empty. Most, however, will assess a charge based on the firm's gas rates for filling the gas tank when the car is returned, if it is not already full. Since gas prices are less expensive at gas stations, fill the tank before returning the car if you've to return it with a full tank.

 •  Travellers should always receive a voucher or confirmation from their travel agent, before departing. This document should have a confirmation number, the car rental company name, type of car requested, flight information and date. If the car rental firm is located outside the airport, a telephone number for the courtesy car pick-up should be provided.

•  Confirmations also often help the car rental firms locate customers who have not picked up their reserved car. As a result of industry automation, the car rental firm can sometimes enquire to see if a renter's flight is delayed. Usually, a car rental firm will hold a reserved car for several hours before cancelling the order.

•   In some countries, the police will take your license if you are involved in an accident or stopped for a moving violation, and will not return it until you have paid any applicable fine. Get receipts for all payments you make, and report any mistreatment to the Indian embassy or consulate in that country.

•    Some European countries track traffic violations with street cameras that photograph cars at intersections. The police trace the drivers using the license plate number of the car and request payment from the rental car company for the ticket. The rental car company is within its rights to collect the fine from you, even if the company is informed of the violation after you've returned and paid for the car.