Renting Cars - Get it in Gear
I like renting cars. It can be expensive for
one or two people, but more than makes up for it in mobility, time
savings and sheer driving pleasure. And it's a blast.
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Groups of four or more people can reduce costs by renting cars. It's cheaper than train travel.
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For larger groups, a van can save even more money per person.
For me, driving in a foreign country is one of
the best things about travel. It's a combination of
real life, adventure, and skill.
Not only is everything really different and really strange,
it's all coming at me at 90 kilometers per hour (55 miles/hr.)
What a rush! Here are aspects of renting cars abroad:
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Driving through places like the Alps is plain scary
magic, especially when there are 300 meter (1000 foot)
cliffs to accidentally drive off.
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Driving through foreign cities can be the ultimate test
of nerves and stupidity. Believe me, it is never dull.
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Renting cars, however, can move the journey
along, maybe too fast. I can visit three towns in a day,
no problem. With public transportation it's hard to negotiate even
two towns. But that could be the real point. Slow down.
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In countries like New Zealand, renting cars can be the best way
to get around within a limited time, say two to three
weeks. RV (Recreational vehicle) rentals are perfect here.
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There is even the possibility of returning an RV at no cost
(except gas) from Queenstown back north, since most travelers
drive them the other way and drop them off.

- Remember some countries drive on the left,
which can make things quite interesting. Be careful.
Normally, to rent a car you need a passport, valid
driver's license, and a credit card.
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Most places other than the US have smaller cars with
manual transmissions.
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Automatics are more expensive and might not be available in the
desired size of car.
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Many countries, especially in Europe, require warning triangles to
be carried in the car. In case of accident or breakdown, the
triangle must be placed far enough ahead of the location so that
cars can slow down in time.
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Check if a reflective vest is required in the
country of choice and if it's provided by your renting car
company.
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Normally, I don't use an International Driving
Permit. Its purpose is to translate my real
driver's license to the local language. Since most police in the
world can speak or at least read English enough to give out a
speeding ticket, there is no need to carry this document today.
For an International Driving Permit see the auto
clubs below.
Car Insurance considerations when renting cars:
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Check with your own car insurance company at
home to find out if they cover driving a rental car abroad. You
can always ask.
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Most countries mandate insurance for liability
and minimum coverage. In Europe it's called a Green Card provided
by the car rental companies. It's part of the car rental
price.
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I almost always get full coverage in any
Eastern European country, any third world country and any country that
drives on the left (the wrong side for me.)
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Sometimes you need to be older than 21 or even 23 to rent a
car. Younger drivers and older drivers 65 to 75
may have to pay an extra premium. Check with the
driving laws for each country and the rental car company in
particular.
Alcohol and driving:
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Don't even think of it.
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Most countries have 0.5 per mille (0.05%) or less alcohol blood level,
and these are subject to change.
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Some have a zero level, particularly in many Eastern European countries. I'm
sure they would love to take all your money for any violation.
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I don't drink during the day if I'm driving.
No wine, no beer, nothing.
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I park the car for the evening when I check in to a
hotel and leave it there till morning.
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This is usually pretty easy, since I'm pretty tired and sick of
driving by that time.
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Usually there are restaurants or bars nearby. If not I stop off
at a grocery or liquor store before I reach my lodgings for the
night.
Cell phones and driving:
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It's almost always prohibited to use cell phone while
driving.
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An exception is sometimes granted for "Hands off" Cell Phone
systems.
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Check with each country before going. (See
below.)
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Be warned, guidebooks may be out of date on this
subject.
Other driving considerations:
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Speed Trap Cameras can catch you when you least expect it. They are everywhere. So watch it.
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All distances in the world outside the US are in
kilometers, both mileage and speed limits.
One kilometer is 0.6 miles. One mile = 1.6
kilometers.
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All liquids (including gas) outside the US are in
liters and NOT gallons. One liter is 0.26
gallons, almost a quart. One gallon is about 3.8 liters,
say four.
European Tolls:
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Many countries (especially in Europe) have tolls on super
highways and large bridges. This can be a toll booth or
special permit, sticker or vignette that is stuck onto the inside
of the front window or on the car bumper. -
These permits can be bought at the border or
at petrol stations.
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These countries include Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic,
Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland,
Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom.
Here are some things I do on the road:
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In questionable places such as Eastern Europe and third
world countries, I always park the car in a guarded
location. Ask the hotel front desk. They always know of such a place.
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Here are some Helpful Tips To Know Before Traveling Abroad.
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An excellent source of safety information was brought to my attention by a recent visitor to my website: Road Safety Overseas.
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I make sure nothing hits me or I hit it. This
seems obvious, but people sometimes miss the point. I expect
everything to jump out and hit my car. So I do everything I can to
have an escape path away from any such danger.
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It's called Defensive
Driving. I learn to use it in all
driving situations.
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Be courteous and attentive.
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I check guidebooks and the website of the country for driving
rules and renting cars. (See below.)
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Here is an example of Bad Drivers in the Third World.
For more information, go to the Auto Club in the country
of your choice and get information on driving and renting cars in other
places in the world.
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