15 Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

Planning to drive around Europe? Follow these tips to ensure a safe, easy-going and ticket-free trip.

BEFORE YOU GO:

Tip 1: Get an International Driving Permit.

While your US license generally works, some countries require International Driving Permits (an official translation of your license). Car rental companies usually don’t ask to see it but if you have a run in with the police in a country that requires one you may face a large fine. To be safe, easily obtain one from AAA for $20 USD. Get your passport photo (2 copies) taken elsewhere because it’s more expensive at AAA.

Tip 2: Double check the tolls in different countries.

Some countries require a vignette sticker (a special windshield sticker that permits you to drive on their roads) while others have highway, bridge or tunnel tolls. Be sure to investigate the tolls along your route and payment options in each country.

For Example:

• In Austria, a €8 Euro pass will allow you to drive on the roads for 10 days.
• In Switzerland, a €40 Euro pass will allow you to drive on the roads for a year (no options for a shorter pass).
• In Germany, no pass is required.

Tip 3: Read up on international driving laws

Be wary of special regulations in different countries. Double check which side of the road they drive on (left or right). Print off a cheat sheet for the road signs in the countries along your route.

Tip 4: Save money by renting a manual car.

In Europe, manual cars are the norm. They tend to be much cheaper to book than an automatic car.

Tip 5: Check your international driving insurance coverage.

Look into your insurance coverage to see if your current policy covers international driving. When picking up your car you will have the option to purchase some if you’re not already covered.

Tip 6: Pre-download Google Maps.

The Google Maps app allows you to pre-download locations to your phone or tablet so you can use the maps offline, even when your phone is on airplane mode. This way you won’t have to rent a GPS from the car rental place or use your international cellular data. If you’re driving manual, bring a cell phone car mount because you can’t hold the phone to look at directions and shift gears simultaneously.

WHEN PICKING UP YOUR CAR:

Tip 7: Double check the total cost of your rental car.

Ask for an English copy of your rental contract. By knowing roughly what your charge should be (in the local currency) you can ensure you don’t get ripped off later. Always decline any offer of “dynamic currency conversion,” you’ll end up paying more by having them convert the local currency to US dollars.

Tip 8: Check the vehicle for imperfections.

Examine the car thoroughly for any dents, dings or scratches and photograph them so they can’t claim you put them on the car. Ensure all damage is reported on the rental agreement before leaving.

Tip 9: Quiz the rental agent.

Ask what type of gas to put in the car (diesel vs. unleaded). Note: In Europe, Super 95 is equivalent to gasoline. Tell them which countries you plan on visiting; They often have advice and inform you of international driving fees/regulations. Ask where to purchase toll passes.

Tip 10: Evaluate the options for filling up your car with gas.

Option 1: Have the rental company fill up your car with gas at a set price per liter and return the car empty. Note: it’s okay if the car is not completely empty but they will not give you a refund for leftover gas. We chose this option as it seemed easiest to start with a full tank and return it as empty as possible with no fees later. However, this is only a good option if the price per liter they offer is reasonable. Be wary, car companies often rip you off if you don’t know the average price per liter in that country.  

Option 2: Have them fill up your car with gas but don’t pay anything yet, later you must return the car with a full tank and for every liter it’s not full you pay €4 euros. Be sure to check if there’s a nearby gas station to guarantee your tank will be full.  

Option 3: Get the car at whatever amount of gas it’s currently at and return it at that same amount (fees apply if it is less).  

WHILE DRIVING:

Tip 11: Watch out for radar traffic cameras.

Depending on your location you may not see many cops while driving; Be aware that there are radar traffic cameras and you could be ticketed. There are often subtle warning signs before entering a small town that could have them (I.e. in Austria signs say “radar-kontrolle”). We only noticed the traffic cameras in small towns (not on interstates).

Tip 12: Get coins of the local currency for paying for parking.

Make sure you have local currency coins to pay for parking meters. New machines will take cards but better safe than sorry.

When returning your car:

Tip 13: Fill your car with the appropriate level of gas.

Refer to which option you used for filling your car with gas (See Tip 10 above) and be sure to take the required steps so you don’t get charged a “refueling fee.”

Tip 14: Drop your car off on time.

Make sure you return your car before the designated time or you could be charged for another day.

Tip 15: Recheck the vehicle for imperfections.

Ensure there are no new dents, dings or scratches that the rental office could charge you for. Consider photographing the car as proof of its’ condition upon return.