Drivers in developing countries can meet a variety of needs. Here’s a handy guide to help you make the right choice!

First of all, some groups may prefer to hire a driver for long distances to avoid public transportation. This is the case if you want to go trekking in Toubkal, Morocco, and your flight lands in Marrakech. Or if you’re leaving from Kathmandu for a hike near Pokhara. In these situations, the driver you choose will have little impact on the success of your trip—and you can even find one locally when the time comes!

On the other hand, some trips are impossible without a driver: this is the case, for example, with the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. Or for most of the safaris available in Africa. In these cases, the driver will be with you every day for the entire duration of your trip. Having someone who is friendly, cheerful, speaks English, and knows their country is essential for a successful trip!

Finally, hire a driver if you’re traveling with family or friends. Especially if you plan to visit multiple regions. It’s simpler in terms of organization to have a driver accompany you for all or part of your journey. In India, Jordan, or Indonesia, it’s common to hire a driver for about ten days. They’ll take you from Delhi to Jaipur or from Wadi Rum to Petra. Learn more about drivers in India and Jordan.

A 4x4 in the desert

Are you going on a multi-day trip with a driver? We strongly recommend discussing your plans with them before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

When selecting a driver in a developing country, it’s important to carefully check three essential points. This will ensure you get the most out of your trip.

First, your driver’s reputation will give you an idea of whether they’re friendly, talkative, or more reserved. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer certain drivers over others. However, the most important thing is to find someone honest—which isn’t always easy! For this reason, we highly recommend visiting so-guide.com. The site lists drivers with the best reputations based on customer feedback, forums, and travel review sites. You can also do this research on your own. But be sure to check what others are saying about the driver you’ve chosen. We’ve compiled all customer reviews on their personal page.

The second thing to check is whether the driver you’ve chosen is capable of explaining the history of their country. To do this, you can ask your driver if they also serve as a “cultural guide.” Ask them if they have any formal training. Check their customer reviews to see if their knowledge of the country is mentioned! Note that in Jordan, some drivers are not authorized to accompany you into cultural sites. In this case, you’ll be asked to hire a specific guide for Petra, for example! In Indonesia, it’s also important to clearly distinguish between a driver and a cultural guide.

The last point not to forget: the quality of the vehicle!

When it comes to the quality of the vehicle, certain details are essential for proper planning. Don’t hesitate to ask for as many details as possible. Many drivers have different types of cars or buses and, if necessary, can borrow one from a friend. Try to find something that meets your expectations.

The first thing to consider is the number of seats: this seems obvious! Next, it’s helpful to know the model and possibly ask for a photo. Most drivers have photos on their phones or computers. Generally, the photo was taken at the time of purchase, so it’s always wise to ask about the vehicle’s age. One last thing not to forget: is heating or air conditioning available? Without this feature, your safari could turn into a real nightmare… If a big cat approaches, you might even have to close the windows!

Depending on the type of trip, you can also ask for additional information. For example, whether there is a sunroof so you can observe nature while standing in the back of the vehicle.

Checklist to review before committing:

• Driver’s reputation
• Language(s) spoken
• Knowledge of the country
• Cultural knowledge
• Vehicle size
• Vehicle age
• Photo of the vehicle
• Air conditioning / heating
• Two 4x4s in a desert As you can see, choosing a good driver in a developing country is never easy. This should not be taken lightly, especially if you plan to be accompanied for several days!