<p>Yes you can buy or rent a car. You can also drive with your South African license (contact your state… our traffic laws are governed by each individual state) There are sometimes restrictions that after you live here for so long that you need to get a state issued license even if you are not a resident or legal alien. </p>
<p>There are many auto clubs and different organizations that sell “international drivers license” however these are all scams and just take your money without giving you anything of value.</p>