Self-drive car rental in Penang: licence, deposit and airport pickup checklist

Before you rent a self-drive car in Penang, check three things: that your driving licence is accepted in Malaysia (the UK and Australian governments both tell their visitors to carry an International Driving Permit as well), how much deposit you pay and how it comes back, and who pays for fuel and tolls. If you land at Penang Airport, also decide whether to collect the car at the terminal or later at your hotel. Our self-drive cars start from RM150 per day.

This checklist covers each point with the official advice we could verify, and says plainly where our own rules are not yet set. For cars and live prices, see our self-drive car rental in Penang page.

The checklist at a glance

1. Your licence and an International Driving Permit

Licence rules for visitors depend on the country that issued your licence, so check with Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) and your own government before you travel. Two examples from official sources:

• The UK government says UK visitors need both the 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) and their UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia, and that the IDP cannot be bought outside the UK, so get it before you travel.
• The Australian High Commission says Australians visiting or living in Malaysia for less than 12 months need a valid Australian licence and an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Convention. It also suggests checking with your insurer that driving on an IDP will not affect a claim.

Converting a foreign licence to a Malaysian one is a separate matter. JPJ's own FAQ, and the Australian High Commission, say that from 19 May 2025 conversion is only open to Malaysian citizens, holders of diplomatic identity cards and MM2H participants. That affects people moving to Malaysia, not short-stay visitors.

Our own rentals: our online terms do not yet set out a separate licence or minimum age rule. If you have a question about your licence, email us before you book rather than at collection.

2. Deposit and payment

Ask two questions of any rental company: how much do I pay now, and what is held as a security deposit? With us, you choose at checkout between paying a 30% deposit to confirm the booking or paying the full amount with 5% off, online by card (Visa or Mastercard), FPX online banking or GrabPay. Each car lists its security deposit where one applies.

Whoever you rent from, take photos of the car's condition when you collect it, including the fuel gauge and mileage, and keep them until the deposit is settled.

3. Insurance and damage

Read what the insurance covers and what excess you would pay after damage. Our terms state that we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, and that damage caused by the customer is charged. For zero excess, Full Coverage Insurance can be added at checkout for RM80 per day. Our terms also ban smoking, eating and alcohol inside the vehicle.

If you are in an accident, the UK government's advice for Malaysia is that it is illegal to leave the scene before the police arrive; if a crowd gathers, it may be safer to go to the nearest police station instead.

4. Fuel and tolls

Our self-drive prices exclude fuel and tolls, so budget for both. If you would rather not refuel before returning the car, Prepaid Fuel (RM120) lets you bring it back empty. The expressways are tolled electronically: PLUS lists the Touch 'n Go card, SmartTAG and RFID as the toll collection systems on its network, so ask how tolls are paid when you collect the car. If the car breaks down on a PLUS expressway, PLUS advises calling PLUSLine on 1800-88-0000.

5. Collecting at Penang Airport

Malaysia Airports says several car rental companies serve Penang International Airport, with rental counters on Level 1 of the terminal building. With us, add Airport Delivery at checkout (RM40) and the car is delivered to the airport terminal. Put your flight details in the Special requests box at checkout so the handover fits your landing, and leave time for immigration and bags.

Other extras at checkout include an additional driver (RM150), a child seat for ages 0 to 4 (RM40), GPS navigation (RM25). If more than one person will drive, add them before you collect the car.

6. On the road

• Drink-driving: the UK government notes that traffic police regularly carry out breath tests, and that drivers over the limit can face a heavy fine, a prison sentence or deportation.
• Motorbikes: the same advice warns that drivers, particularly motorbike riders, do not always stop at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, so take extra care at junctions.
• Parking in George Town: a compact car is easiest in the heritage area, where streets are narrow and parking is tight.

Would a driver suit you better?

If you only need the car for an airport run or one day out, a car with a driver can work out simpler: the price includes tolls and fuel, there is no deposit to settle and nobody has to drive after a long flight. Compare our airport transfer fares or read how to hire a private driver in Penang for 4 hours.