Do I need an international driver's license?
The EU driver's license in credit card format is recognized in all EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and most other European countries. For countries outside Europe (USA, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Japan), an International Driver's Permit is strongly recommended — it costs about 15 euros and can be obtained from the driver's license office in a few days. In some countries (Japan, Brazil, China), an International Driver's Permit is legally required; driving without it is illegal and insurance coverage is void. The International Driver's Permit is only valid in conjunction with the national driver's license — always bring both documents.
How can I avoid hidden costs when renting a car?
The most expensive traps: Choose the 'Full/Full' fuel policy instead of 'Full/Empty' (in the latter case, you pay for the initial fill-up at an inflated price), add an extra driver at the counter for 10–15 euros/day instead of booking it in advance, and one-way rentals can cost an extra 100–500 euros. Rental cars at the airport are often more expensive due to the 'Airport Surcharge' (10–15%) than in the city — check alternatives with free shuttles. Navigation devices cost 8–15 euros per day at the counter — instead, use Google Maps or Waze on your smartphone with an affordable local SIM. Reserve child seats online in advance instead of improvising at the counter — quality and availability are often poor.
What should I pay attention to when picking up the vehicle?
Document any existing damage (scratches, dents, stone chips) with photos and videos BEFORE you take the key — use your smartphone's flashlight in poorly lit parking garages. Have all damages noted on the handover protocol and only sign it once everything is recorded. Check the tires (tread, air pressure), fuel level, oil level, and whether all lights are functioning. Also photograph the mileage and fuel level — you will compare these values upon return. Keep the handover protocol and all photos for at least six months after return in case of subsequent damage claims.
Which fuel policy is the cheapest?
The 'Full/Full' policy is almost always the cheapest option: You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full — you only pay for the fuel you actually used at market price. With 'Full/Empty', you pay for a full tank at the provider's price upon pickup, which is often 30–50% higher than the gas station price — and you do not get refunded for unused fuel. Refuel at a gas station near the return location before returning, not directly at the airport, where fuel prices are 10–20 cents per liter higher. Keep the last fuel receipt as proof that you returned it full.
How does toll payment work in different European countries?
Vignette required (sticker or digital): Austria (digital via ASFiNAG app, from 9.90 euros/10 days), Switzerland (40 CHF/year, only annual vignette), Czech Republic and Slovenia (digital). Route tolls at toll stations: France (Paris–Marseille about 70 euros), Italy (Milan–Rome about 45 euros), Spain and Portugal — cash, card, or Telepass/Via-T-Box possible. In Scandinavia, tolls are collected via automatic license plate recognition (AutoPASS) and billed by mail or through the rental car company. London and Stockholm charge a city toll (Congestion Charge) for entering the city center.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years in most countries; some providers require 23 or even 25 years — under 25, there is almost always a 'Young Driver Surcharge' of 10–25 euros per day. In the USA, you can sometimes rent from 18 years (e.g., at Enterprise), but you will pay the highest young driver surcharge. For premium and sports car classes, most rental companies require a minimum age of 25–30 years and at least three years of driving experience. Tip: Some credit cards cover the young driver surcharge — check your card's terms before booking.
What should I do in case of an accident with the rental car?
Secure the accident scene, provide first aid, and call the police (112) in case of personal injury. Document everything: take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the accident scene, and the license plates, as well as contact details and insurance information of the other party. Fill out the 'European Accident Report' that should be available in every rental vehicle — do not sign anything you do not understand, and do not admit fault. Report the accident immediately to the rental car provider using the emergency number in the rental agreement — delayed reporting can jeopardize insurance coverage. Also, contact your own car liability or credit card insurance if you booked full coverage through them.
When does a one-way rental make sense?
One-way rentals (pickup and return at different locations) incur a surcharge of 50–500 euros depending on the provider and route — within the same country and with large providers (Europcar, Hertz, Avis), the surcharge is often moderate. Cross-border one-way rentals (e.g., Munich→Rome) are significantly more expensive and may not be possible with some providers. A one-way rental makes sense if the alternative (returning the rental car + return flight) would be more expensive than the one-way surcharge — calculate both options. Tip: Relocations (transfer trips) with providers like Transfercar or Imoova offer rental cars for 1 euro per day if you bring the vehicle to a specific location.
Which booking portals offer the best rental car prices?
Comparison portals like Billiger-Mietwagen.de, CHECK24 Mietwagen, and ADAC Mietwagen compare prices from dozens of providers and often offer exclusive rates with full coverage included. Direct booking portals of major chains (Sixt, Europcar, Hertz) are worthwhile for regular customers with loyalty program status and during special offers. For long-term rentals (from one week), Sunny Cars and AutoEurope often offer better conditions than direct providers. Book as early as possible — prices rise with demand, and in high season on islands (Mallorca, Crete, Sardinia), affordable vehicles are quickly sold out.
