You should have in mind that owning a vehicle will provide you with exceptional convenience and freedom when it comes to traveling through Europe. You will be able to go by following your own pace, get into places that are hard-to-reach by using public transportation.

However, some things are different in Europe when compared with the USA, especially when it comes to car renting. You should understand the differences between nations and how the rates go beforehand so that you can avoid paying significant fees.

Everything starts by finding a particular company that will provide you peace of mind. It is essential to book the vehicle in advance. Therefore, you should plan everything and check the rates.

You can choose significant companies, but you can also go for local ones that may come with a bargain price for new customers. The best way to learn more about car renting regulations in EU is by checking here https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/car-rental-abroad/index_en.htm

You should avoid following a specific brand or choosing the most popular option, because these vehicles are used continuously, and during your trip, they may require higher rates for booking especially during peak dates and holidays.

It is vital to understand that your prices can vary significantly depending on supply and demand as well as promotions that they have. Keep in mind that the more time you spend researching for the best choice, the less money you will pay for it.

How to Calculate the Price?

You should consider a few factors that will affect the overall price you will have to pay, including the size of the vehicle, duration of rental period and other things that we will mention in the further text.

• Automatic vs. Manual – Have in mind that in Europe, the manual transmission is more common than automated vehicles. Therefore, it is logical that automatic ones are more expensive and in some instances, you will have to pay 50% more to get an automatic transmission. Understand the difference between automatic and manual cars on this particular link.
• Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations – It is essential to consider that major companies have different locations across the EU, which means that you will be able to pick the car in one place and drop it off on another. For instance, imagine that you are driving through Spain, and you wish to go to France. You may check whether they have agency in France and leave a car when you reach your destination. This is highly convenient for tourists that do not want to be limited to a single location. You will be able to save unnecessary backtracking as well as time spent. However, you will have to pay an additional dropping fee, which can be between $100 and $300 depending on the company you choose as well as the locations you want. Of course, you will get an estimate for each pick-up and drop-off location so that you can decide whether you can afford it or not.
• Rental Agencies near Train Stations and Airports Are More Expensive – Most people think that they do not have to book upfront, but they can take the vehicle as soon as they reach the location. At the same time, around transit areas such as next to the train station or airport, you will surely find the agency, but it will cost you more than others that are in other parts of the city you wish to visit. That is the main reason why you should enter this link: https://aaarent.ee, so that you can learn more about car rentals in Estonia. However, you should know that renting at a train station or airport comes with benefits as well because it is highly convenient to get out of the airplane and get into a car in no time. At the same time, they have plenty of vehicles, so you will be able to choose without interference, and most of them operate 24/7 so you do not have to wait at all. However, in this particular case, convenience comes with a higher price tag.
• Crossing Borders – In some agencies, you will have to pay an additional fee in case you wish to drive abroad to different countries. Therefore, you have to remember that driving through Western Europe is not a problem, but you will have to pay extra in case you wish to go to non-EU countries.

The common problem when it comes to car rental in the EU is the inability to enter some countries such as Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

That is the main reason why you should check out with the company and tell them about your itinerary so that you can determine whether you can do it or not.

You Will Need an International Drivers Permit

As soon as you decide to pick up your car, you will have to show a confirmation number, passport, driver’s license as well as credit card. In some situations, they will require you to have an International Drivers Permit.

It is a perfect way to translate your license into ten different languages, and it features your drivers’ information, photograph, and other personal information. However, having IDP will not replace the need for passport and drivers’ license; it is just an addition to it.

You should click here to learn more about IDP in general.

In some countries, it is mandatory to have international licenses such as Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Austria, and Hungary.

They may require IDP when you decide to rent a vehicle in these countries, which is why you should take it as soon as possible.