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A rental car is the best way to see Tuscany's hill towns, the Greek islands or the Alps at your own pace. But rental rules in Europe differ from the US, and a few surprises (a missing permit, a camera-enforced traffic zone, a huge deposit) can ruin the start of a trip. Here is what to know before you book.
Quick Checklist
- Get an International Driving Permit if your destination requires one.
- Bring a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
- Understand the excess (deductible) before you buy extra insurance.
- Book automatics early and declare any cross-border trips.
- Watch for ZTL zones in Italy, low-emission zones in France and Germany, and vignettes in Austria and Switzerland.
To compare prices, start with EconomyBookings for big brands, or Localrent and GetRentacar for local agencies.
1. Check If You Need an International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your license, valid only together with it. AAA lists Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain as requiring one for US drivers, and France and Hungary want either an IDP or an official translation. In the US, only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs; they are valid for one year and need two passport photos. Beware of websites selling fake "international licenses."
2. Bring a Credit Card for the Deposit
At pickup, the company places a hold on your card, often several hundred to a few thousand euros. Most suppliers require a credit card in the main driver's name and refuse debit cards and cash. The hold is released after you return the car, but it can take weeks to clear.
3. Know the Age Rules
Drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver fee, and some companies charge drivers over 70. Minimum ages vary by supplier and car class.
4. Understand the Insurance
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) | Covers damage to the car above the excess |
| Excess / deductible | The most you pay if the car is damaged, often well over €1,000 |
| SCDW / zero excess | Extra cover that cuts the excess to zero or close to it |
| TP (Theft Protection) | Covers theft; required in Italy and usually included there |
Check whether your credit card already covers rentals abroad (and whether it is valid in your destination). Third-party "full coverage" from a booking site usually reimburses you after a claim, so the rental desk will still take the full deposit.
5. Book Automatics Early
Manual cars are the default in Europe. Automatics are less common and cost more, so book early if you need one.
6. Declare Cross-Border Trips
Crossing borders is often allowed, but you must tell the company. Some charge a cross-border fee or need a permit from the desk, and taking a car into some Eastern European countries may break the contract. One-way rentals within a country are usually cheap; dropping off in another country can be expensive.
7. Avoid Italy's ZTL Zones
Many Italian city centers are Zone a Traffico Limitato. Cameras record every plate, and you are fined even for an accidental entry, typically €80 to €300, plus an admin fee from the rental company weeks later. GPS apps happily route you through them. Park outside the center, and if your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask it to register your plate.
8. Low-Emission Zones in France and Germany
France's low-emission zones require a Crit'Air sticker, sold officially only at certificat-air.gouv.fr. German Umweltzonen require a green Umweltplakette. Rental cars registered locally usually have them, but check if you plan to cross borders.
9. Buy Vignettes for Motorways
Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania charge for motorway use with a vignette. A rental car only carries the vignette of its home country, so buy one when you cross a border. Most are now digital and sold online; buy only on the official sites.
10. Choose Full-to-Full Fuel
Pick up full, return full. Prepaid fuel options rarely save money.
11. Photograph the Car
Before leaving the lot, film or photograph every side of the car, the wheels, windshield and fuel gauge. Do the same when you return it.
12. Compare Big Brands and Local Agencies
| Site | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| EconomyBookings | Broker comparing major rental brands | Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup; credit card needed for the deposit |
| Localrent | Vetted small local rental companies | Popular in Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Albania and Turkey; pay 15–20% online, the rest at pickup |
| GetRentacar | Marketplace of local owners and small firms | Has a no-deposit filter and free-cancellation options; pay a small part online |
Compare Rental Cars Find Local Agencies
Local agencies often have lower deposits and friendlier terms on islands and in the Balkans; big brands are easier for one-way trips and airport pickups in Western Europe.
Before you fly: if your flight is delayed by 3+ hours, you may be owed up to €600. See our flight compensation guide, and get travel insurance that covers emergencies abroad.
FAQ
Do Americans need an International Driving Permit in Europe?
In several countries, yes. AAA lists Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain as requiring one, and France and Hungary want an IDP or an official translation. It is cheap, so get one if in doubt.
Can I rent a car in Europe with a debit card?
Often not. Most suppliers need a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. Some local agencies, including some on GetRentacar, offer no-deposit options.
Is an automatic car more expensive in Europe?
Usually yes, and there are fewer of them. Book early if you can't drive a manual.
Can I drive a rental car to another country?
Often, but you must declare it. Some companies charge a cross-border fee, and driving into some Eastern European countries may not be allowed.
What happens if I drive into a ZTL in Italy?
A camera records your plate and a fine arrives weeks later, often through the rental company with an extra admin fee. Park outside historic centers.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Finer Route earns a commission from some of the services linked in this article, including GetRentacar, Localrent and EconomyBookings, at no extra cost to you. This is general information, not legal advice; driving rules change, so check official sources for each country. Plans, features and rules change often, so check the current details before you buy.
