European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel - Tip #5: Restrictions

It is a common assumption for most Americans that they can jump in a rental car and drive to wherever the spirit is willing to go. This makes sense as there are few restrictions in North America regarding international travel. The major car companies will usually let you travel into Canada from the US and vice versa. So it must be okay to travel to your heart's content in Europe as long as it's connected by road, right? Wrong. Dead wrong. And by dead wrong I mean rotting-in-a-Czech-jail-because-you-tried-to-bring-a-Mercedes-over-the-border type of wrong. These things happen. Believe me I know (from a client's experience not my own thank God).

Some restrictions are allowed to be lifted with the proper information or documentation. Some restrictions are punishable offenses if you get caught engaging in them. And some restrictions will get you thrown in a Czech jail. The best way to deal with all these restrictions is of course to know about them in advance, which is what we will cover in this article.

First I'll cover the most common of the misconceptions, which is ferry crossings. Most people believe that since there's a place on the ferries for vehicles that rentals are included amongst those allowed. While it is true that the ferry operators will not care if your car is a rental, the company you rented it through surely will. So this is a two-fold issue. Let me first state that I do not in any way condone the transportation of rental cars by ferry, because it is an imposed restriction, and also because your rental insurance becomes null and void the minute you set your tires on the deck of that ship. If the ship happens to sink while your car is on it, then guess what? You now own a $30,000 metal reef. Hope you brought your scuba gear.

Many people still take their rentals on a ferry simply because they either do not know (if it's not on the terms and conditions) or they think they can get away with it. Sometimes it's even allowed on certain island-hopping countries, such as New Zealand, where you are expected to go from the north island to the south. There are times when nothing comes from it, and there are times when the rental company catches you, like when they have a location at the terminal and they notice one of their cars is being loaded onto a boat (the color of the license plate on a rental is typically different) or in the instance that you bump another car while on the ferry. If this happens you can bet that your bill at the end of the rental will be much higher than you initially thought.

So the ferry crossing issue is more a matter of judgement than anything else. Either you take your chances and save yourself from having to drive farther or rent two vehicles by putting your car on a ferry, or you reconsider your current itinerary. Sometimes, especially when you are traveling to smaller islands, it is best to drop the vehicle off at a port office or somewhere close, and use public transportation when you get there. The cost for placing a vehicle on a ferry by itself, coupled with the rental cost, is going to be significant as it is. Placing yourself at risk for doing so makes it double the problem.

The next restriction is more recognizable and easily understood. Although the former Eastern Block countries have recently started to join the EU, they are still rife with war-torn areas and high levels of crime. I have been chastised on many occasions by many clients who are from certain Eastern European countries that swear that these nations have a rich culture and beautiful landscape, and I do not disagree with them. However, political stigma is a hard thing to shake, especially when incidents verify the claims. Since most travelers visit the populated cities, and since these cities are the breeding grounds for criminal activity (a good example of this is Prague) then the rental companies have no choice but to impose these restrictions. The good thing is that sometimes you can pay a fee to enter these countries, but you will most likely receive a "low-risk" model, such as an Opel or Skoda. Make sure to mention to the rental company if you are planning on entering Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia or any country east of these.

The Eastern Block isn't the only country that has restrictions. Italy, for one, will not allow BMW, Mercedes, Audi or high-end VW models in from outside the country (or they will, but the rental company won't) and some countries require you to have an international driving license to pick up the car or travel on the highways. The countries where you need an IDL to pick up are Austria, Greece, Russia, and most of the Eastern Block. If you get pulled over and you don't have an IDL you will be fined in Spain, Italy, and the countries mentioned above (if entering from outside). Please note that although you may not have to provide an IDL in some cases, it doesn't mean you shouldn't get one. They only cost 15 to 20 dollars and you can get them made from your original license at AAA (or CAA in Canada). The IDL is just your license reprinted into several different languages.

Age restrictions are more obvious on the low end (25 years and you're okay, in some cases younger but check with your rental company as it differs per country) and less apparent on the high end (Ireland has a 75 year maximum but some of the rental companies impose it at 70 years or less) so if you are between 25 and 69 you are probably fine. If you are outside of this range, definitely ask your rental company. Some outfits charge a young or senior driver fee. Some age restrictions are tighter when you request high-end car classes. Some vans capable of holding more than 9 passengers require that you have a special license.

Of course, every city has its own restrictions (such as the congestion zone in London or pedestrian areas of Rome) so its best to brush up on your city knowledge before you go. Also, restrictions between cities exist for some cars, so if you are planning on doing a one-way rental, make sure the vehicle you have is allowed. Again, always tell the rental company what countries you are planning to visit. In conclusion, the more we know about what we can't do allows us to do more of what we can do.

Murdoch Morris has spent 3+ years getting calls from clients who are out a rental car because they violated a restriction they were unaware of. If you have any questions regarding your specific area of travel, please feel free to contact him.

http://www.autoeurope.com

licensed cleaning services Lincolnshire ..
In The News:

DMV text scam alert: Fraudsters impersonating motor vehicle departments nationwide are sending threatening messages about unpaid tickets and tolls to steal your information.
Fox News' AI Newsletter brings you the latest on this rapidly evolving technology.
E-BAR, MIT's mobile robot, provides physical support for seniors with handlebars that follow from behind, helping prevent falls while maintaining dignity for aging adults.
AI is changing everything – now, we can even use it to generate video. I tried OpenAI's Sora and Google's Veo – here's how they measure up against each other.
Five simple phone setting tweaks that make your device work harder for you, from automatic text message deletion to scheduled focus modes.
Android users can save time with 10 simple automations, including automatic battery saver mode, location-based Wi-Fi settings and scheduled "Do Not Disturb" mode.
Personal information from 364,000 people was compromised in a LexisNexis data breach that went undetected for months, highlighting privacy risks.
The Phantom 3500 jet features a windowless design that reduces drag and structural weak points, burning 50% less fuel than conventional business jets.
An Adidas data breach through a third-party vendor exposed customer details like emails and phone numbers, raising concerns about phishing and identity theft risks.
Nurabot, an AI nursing robot, helps Taiwan hospitals address nurse shortages by performing tasks like medication delivery, allowing nurses to focus on patient care.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Google has expanded its privacy tool to easily remove personal information from search results.
AirCar nears launch: 620-mile range, drives and flies. Could this redefine travel’s future? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says scammers can create fake sites, tricking people into monthly subscriptions and sharing card information.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about a viral video that shows a $90,000 humanoid robot going wild. A tech nightmare or just a glitch?
Microsoft's takedown of Lumma Stealer marks a significant victory against infostealer malware, safeguarding millions of devices from data theft and breaches.
Discover the Volonaut Airbike, a jet-powered marvel by Tomasz Patan, designed to transform urban travel with its speed, agility and innovative technology.
Over 184 million account credentials were exposed in an unsecured database, revealing sensitive information from platforms like Google, Microsoft and Apple.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Brad G. Smith, an ALS patient, regains communication abilities with a Neuralink implant, illustrating the potential of brain-computer interfaces in aiding speech impairments.
Here are five AI prompts you can use for freelance work, writing product descriptions, creating social media posts and writing emails to negotiate discounts.
Learn essential smartphone maintenance tips to free up space, enhance speed and secure personal data through digital and physical cleaning techniques.
Discover the steps to download your Facebook data on desktop and mobile, ensuring you have a backup of your photos, messages and account activity.
Discover how Defendnot bypasses Microsoft Defender by registering a fake antivirus, exposing vulnerabilities in Windows' antivirus management system.
Experience the thrill of flying above water with the Hydroflyer Sport, featuring a snub-nosed design, modular setup and speeds up to 28 mph for adventurous riders.
AI tools can expose your personal data. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn the risks and how to protect your privacy.

10 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Costa Rica Vacation Rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches,... Read More

How to Find Town Houses that Will Make Your Vacation to Orlando WONDERFUL

How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More

Sussex County Delaware Beach Area Towns and Villages Are Unique and Historic

I love Sussex County Delaware. I am native born, multigenerational... Read More

Washington, DC a Bargain Travel Guide

Welcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a... Read More

Top Ten Reasons To Pick A Vacation Rental

We are planning a family trip for just a few... Read More

Looking for a Vacation in Paradise? Try a Bahamas Vacation

Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More

The Luxury of a Bahama Vacation Villa

Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More

Vacationing in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake... Read More

Home Away From Home on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island's mild climate, slow pace, and beautifully forested... Read More

French Property - Looking to take a holiday in France ?

Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyr?n?es-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More

Vacation / Honeymoons 101 - Planning for Perfect Weather on Your Trip

Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More

Chiang Mai Guesthouses - What To Expect

No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting the city... Read More

An Island A Day

Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast... Read More

Gatlinburgs Real Estate Market

Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census... Read More

Privately-Owned Vacation Property Offers Outstanding Value to Renters

In November, 2004, my wife Terry and I visited Paris... Read More

Choosing a Maui Condo Rental Agent

Choosing a condo in Maui is definitely a great investment.... Read More

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel - Tip #4: Before You Go

Many people believe that the first thing you should do... Read More

Love the Outdoors? Consider a Gatlinburg Cabin Rental

Love the outdoors, looking for adventure, a romantic getaway, or... Read More

The Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica

Whether you've saved up for years for a fun family... Read More

Is An All Inclusive Resort Right For You?

Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have... Read More

Vacationing in South Carolina?s Hilton Head

Families have flocked to Hilton Head, South Carolina as long... Read More

What You Need to Know about Vacation Rentals before You Go

That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More

Coastal Vacations Club Offers Up to 85% off Week Long Condo Stays

When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More

Choose a Bed and Breakfast Over a Hotel Chain and Enjoy Your Vacation

Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in... Read More

Wiltshire - Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, & Much More

Wiltshire is a large English county situated in central southern... Read More

tidy up service Glenview ..