Renting
We recommend AutoEurope for car rentals throughout Europe. They provide excellent on-line pre-departure service, and have advantageous rates. They have toll-free numbers in most European countries, and we have found their service to be reliable and helpful. AutoEurope agencies (esp. EuropeCar) have branches in a large network of European cities and towns, with the possibility of pick-up and drop-off service in different locations. If you find that the car you have rented does not meet your needs, they provide easy upgrades at many locations, sometimes at no charge. When using the link below, first click "International Sites", and choose your country or residence. For quotes and further information please see Auto Europe.
GPS units and cell/mobile phones
We have found travelling with a GPS unit is a very good idea and Auto Europe can supply a unit with your rental car. There is a minimum one week rental and it includes a routing map for one destination country. Rates for cell/mobile phones are also available from the Auto Europe website (note that delivery is available to US addresses only and a 4 day advance notice is required).
Car Types
There are many different classes of rental cars: An "Economy" compact car is suitable for 2 to 3 people. These are usually 2 or 4-door, 4-seater cars, with enough trunk space for 2 large roller suitcases, and are well suited for 2 people. The "Compact" cars are almost always 4-door, 4-seater cars which can comfortably hold 4 adults, although luggage space is still limited to 2 large roller suitcases. These cars are often available with air conditioning, and an automatic transmission. "MidSize" and above cars are a good option for 4 adults. They are bigger and well-equipped to handle 4 people. Any specific questions about cars can be forwarded to AutoEurope.
Air Conditioning
If you are travelling between April and September inclusive, then air conditioning is recommended.
CDW: Collision Damage Waiver
You can purchase insurance from your car rental company or from other sources which will pay the rental company for their costs in repairing (damage) or replacing (theft) the rental vehicle, plus for their loss for being without a car. You can also sign a CDW form to legally waive the insurance offer from the rental company. Many credit card companies provide you with this insurance as one of the benefits of using the card. Generally the credit card insurer requires that you pay for the rental IN FULL on your card, which means also paying for any deposits or surcharges on that particular card. There may also be a maximum time period, often 45 days, as well as a vehicle type restriction. For example, some cards will cover a BMW but not a Porsche, even though the BMW may be faster or more expensive. CHECK WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY ON THE TERMS OF THEIR PROVISION OF C.D.W.
It is very important that you read the precise terms and conditions of your credit card agreement, most of which are available on-line from your credit card company's site. Provided you are familiar with the conditions of your card, this service can save you approximately 25% of the cost of the rental.
If you do have an accident, the CDW insurer will typically require you to advise them within 48 hours. Make sure you take the telephone numbers of your insurer (credit card company) with you. You will also need to call the car rental company and give them details (location, time, events) of the incident.It is important to keep a note of all the people you talk to at both the credit card company and rental agency, with names and dates.
Driving Tips
Headlights
As with most of Europe, it is not customary to drive with headlights on during daylight hours. Other drivers may flash their headlights at you and pedestrians may gesture with their hands to let you know they are on.
Slow Lanes / Uphills
When there is more than one lane on an uphill section of highway, the outside (right-hand) lane is usually a slow lane which is identified by a broad dotted lane-separator line. Other drivers will expect you to pull over into the slow lane unless you are overtaking a slower vehicle already in this lane. These lanes are usually limited to a kilometer, and merge back into the fast lane. Most North American drivers would expect that drivers in the fast lane would yield to slower drivers, but it is opposite, you must yield to cars in the fast lane. Sometimes a minimum speed is painted onto the road surface at the beginning of each lane.
Toll Roads
Many of the major highways in Spain, Portugal, and France are toll roads (the 'A' roads). When taking these routes (which are generally the fastest roads), there will be toll booths. There are 2 types of booth, automated and staffed. The automated machines take cash (and don't give change), and are generally less busy than the staffed booths, which do give change (and help with directions when you aren't sure). Be sure you carry some cash with you when travelling these roads, at least 20 Euros, but credit cards are frequently accepted.
Overtaking
Overtaking is a common dance in Spain. Fast drivers will often pull to within a few feet of the back of your car, overtake you, and pull in with only a few feet to spare. Our advice is to go with the flow and let them! If you can see the road ahead is clear, and someone wants to pass, putting your right indicator on will signal that it is clear to pass.
If you are overtaking (a large truck most likely), then use your left indicator as you are passing. If a truck is overtaking you, then you can flash your lights once when the trailer is clear of your car. This will indicate that the truck can safely pull in.
Speed Limits / Fines
Speed limits are posted on signs at the side of the road. Generally, the speed limit is 50 Km/h in towns, 90 Km/h on open roads, and 120 Km/h on highways. These limits are absolute--you will be pulled over if you are 3-5 Km/h over! Although many local citizens speed, following them will not help reduce your fine. Police often patrol cars at the entrance of towns where the limit drops to 50, make sure you reduce your speed before you enter any towns. There are 2 types of speed signs you will see: the first posted inside a red circle. These are absolute maximums, do not go faster. The second are inside solid blue squares. These are suggested speeds posted at corners, bridges etc. and are not strictly enforced.
If you are pulled over, you will be required to pay ON THE SPOT. It is a very good idea to carry some cash to cover such a case. You will also be required to present your drivers license (an international license is not currently required for most countries).
Random Car Checks
You may encounter road-side checks where uniformed armed forces will search your car (and bags) for weapons. These is not unusual, and in general you will find these people polite and helpful. They are often positioned on the side of the road with someone standing in the road directing you to pull over.
Gasoline / Petrol
Firstly, make sure you fill your car with the right type of fuel - diesel or regular! If your car uses regular gasoline, make sure you are using unleaded, as leaded gasoline still exists at some stations.