Planning to rent a car overseas? You’re in good company, according to a travel survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA).. Impressively, one-quarter of Americans plan to take an international vacation over the next 18 months.
Nearly 77 million American adults overall have rented a vehicle outside the country. Significantly, AAA reports a 33 percent increase in the number of International Driving Permits (IDPs) sold in the last five years.
Here’s how to know if you need an international permit and, in addition, here’s how to get one.
Top Destinations for International Car Rentals
Where are you heading? These are the top international travel destinations, based on AAA Travel bookings over the next 18 months:
- Rome, Italy: Find out our top tips for renting a car in Italy.
- Cancun, Mexico: Learn whether you can drive a rental car from the U.S. into Mexico and also get a heads up on this Mexico rental car gotcha.
- London, England: Read our guide to renting a car in the United Kingdom.
- Dublin, Ireland: Find out eight things to know about renting a car in Ireland then learn about this common rental car scam on the Emerald Isle.
- Paris, France: Find out our top tips for renting a car in France.
- Montego Bay, Jamaica: Check out our guide to renting a car in Jamaica.
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic See our tips for renting a car in the Dominican Republic.
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Here’s what you need to know about driving a rental car into Canada.
- Munich, Germany: Read up on nine things to know about renting a car in Germany.
- Barcelona, Spain: Find out our top tips for renting a car in Spain.
When renting a car in another country, it’s particularly important to understand what car rental insurance you have through your credit card and whether you may need to top up your coverage. But be sure to pay with a credit card that delivers significant travel benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to drive around Europe?
All necessary documentation, such as passports, visa requirements, or tax information, must be carried.
Also, you will need to have copies of your passport, driving license, and insurance policy. The insurance policy will need to cover you while driving in Europe.
In some countries, you might also need proof of ownership. This could be a bill of sale or registration papers.
Some countries require drivers to carry a valid driver’s license from their home country.
Can I rent a vehicle in Italy and have it returned to France?
Renting a car from an Italian company and driving it across Europe may not be possible. Europcar offers rental cars all across Europe, so you might consider using it. Contact them for details on renting cars in Italy, and dropping them off at other locations.
What do I need in order to rent car in Portugal
An international driving license is required to rent a car in Portugal. Also, for payment purposes, proof of insurance or valid credit cards is required.
A rental company may ask for your passport/national ID card to confirm your booking.
Portugal may ask you to provide two forms of identification when renting a vehicle.
These documents must be provided by law in order for the vehicle to comply with European Union regulations concerning road traffic safety. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.
An International Driving License is not required if you are not a driver.
This document must then be translated to Portuguese and submitted with all the documentation. Although the cost of this document will vary depending on where it is located, it generally runs between $20-30 USD.
Please be aware that the vehicle may deny you access if you don’t have a copy of your official translator.
What is the difference of a national and international rental car?
Although domestic cars are less expensive than international models, they have fewer features.
International cars tend to be more expensive but provide better comfort and safety equipment (e.g., air conditioning, seatbelts and anti-lock brakes).
The number of miles you plan to drive daily should guide your selection of a car.
If you will mostly be traveling within 100 miles of the airport, then you should get a local car (domestic) as these are generally cheaper.
If you plan to drive around large cities and go off-road often, you might consider an international model.
You can rent a car from Portugal and have it delivered to Spain.
The answer is yes, you can do this. It’s called “car hire”. Many companies offer this service online.
Just make sure to check with the Spanish or Portuguese authorities if they have licensed them.
Contact them on their websites for the best way to get this information. You will find all the information they need.
Chase Sapphire car rental insurance available in Ireland
You can insure your car for an additional EUR15 each day. A wide variety of optional extras are available, including breakdown assistance and theft insurance as well as personal accident insurance.
Are there automatic transmissions in Europe for rental cars?
Yes. Renting vehicles without automatic transmissions is not allowed by rental agencies because they are costly to replace if they are damaged while being driven around. It would cost far too much money to replace all those parts each time you drive off with dents on the bodywork.
You can rent a car with an automatic transmission in Europe if you wish to.
Statistics
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- If you’re a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
External Links
avis.com
jdpower.com
sixt.com
alamo.com
How To
10 Tips on How to Rent a Car Cheapest
Renting a car to move around in your local area is one of most affordable options. Online and offline, there are many different services available. They differ from each other, so you should know what type of service they offer before renting a car. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. Many companies offer special rates for couples who are travelling together. It is a good idea to read online reviews before you choose a company to rent a car. To save money, book at least a month before your rental car is due. This way, you won’t pay extra fees for booking at the last minute. It’s always worthwhile to compare prices from different companies.
Also, don’t forget to check if the company requires an insurance policy.
You should ensure that you have enough gas if you plan to drive your own car. Most companies charge higher prices per gallon. You might find yourself stuck in traffic jams if you drive outside major cities. Consider using public transportation in such cases. If you have a lot to carry, it might be easier to hire a taxi or shuttle van. If you do decide to take a cab, make sure to find a reputable company. Ask for recommendations and read reviews from customers.
Remember that car rental agreements usually stipulate a mileage limit. It is important to review your contract and confirm that you cannot exceed the permitted mileage. You should understand the cost of each mile.
Most companies allow you to use the GPS navigation system for free, but you might have to pay extra for satellite radio.
Also, you might not get your vehicle back until after certain hours. It is important to not leave anything valuable in the vehicle.
Bring your driver’s license, passport, credit card, and proof that you have insurance. Fill out all paperwork correctly. A few minutes later, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the pickup date and time. You can then drive the car as safe as possible and follow the instruction.
Make sure you park your rental car safely once you reach your destination. Many companies require that the keys are dropped at the office. The receipt is handy in case you misplace something while driving. Return to the office once you are done. Then, you can finally enjoy your vacation!
