Citizens of the U.S. and Canada will need only a valid driver's license from their state or province of residence. For overseas guests, the situation is somewhat more complicated. You should determine in advance from your rental firm whether or not their insurance carrier will accept your driver's license. Some insurance firms will require that you obtain a U.S. license before being permitted to operate a rental unit. If you plan to take a U.S.-owned unit into Mexico, you will need to arrange in advance for special insurance coverage. Notify your rental firm well in advance of your intentions, and they will advise you.

Crossing the U.S. -Canadian Border, in Either Direction. Border formalities are relaxed. U.S. or Canadian authorities will ask for proof of citizenship in the other country, such as a birth certificate, voters' registration card or passport.

Temporary visitors to the U.S., who wish to visit Canada, should obtain a Canadian non-immigrant visa from a Canadian Consulate in any of 12 U.S. cities. Vehicles are readily admitted, but be sure to have your rental agreement. You should have a Canadian non-resident Interprovince Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card, available through insurers in the U.S. Canadians will not permit handguns into their country, but rifles and shot guns may be brought in, so long as they are registered at the port of entry. Personal possessions are admitted duty fee.

Entry into the U.S. from Canada is almost as easy.

Language Barrier:

If you do not speak English. This is a genuine problem for non-English-speaking guests to North America. Canada, of course, is officially bilingual, French and English, and especially in Quebec, a French-speaking guest will feel at home. Otherwise, it's advisable to bring along a good phrase book, as much English as you can command, and a sense of humor. Americans are working more diligently to accommodate non-English-speaking guests. If you find yourself in a town and have a language problem, look up the local police, chamber of commerce, auto club or college or university In some communities, these groups maintain a roster of speakers of other languages, and often can put you in telephone contact with someone who speaks your language.