There are many ways to enjoy a trip overseas, but for many the only option is the freedom of a rented car. Renting a car in your destination will allow you the freedom of going wherever you want whenever you like, but it always comes at a price. Alternative modes of transport may be better for some travelers. Remember to take these considerations into account before you decide to rent a car in a foreign country.
1. Obtaining an International License
Before you decide to drive in a foreign country, you'd be wise to look into obtaining an international license. Your home-issued driver's license may be enough to secure a rented car, but foreign laws may not be entirely clear about whether or not you'll need an international license to drive legally for the duration of your trip. This is especially important if you're going to be driving in multiple countries. Being reprimanded for unlicensed driving in a foreign country can ruin a trip quicker than almost anything.
2. Paying for Gasoline
If you're coming from the States and planning on driving around a foreign country, be prepared for a shock when you go to fill up at the gas station. You may think gas prices are high at home, but they're much higher in most foreign countries. Also, be sure to remember that most foreign countries sell gas by the liter, not by the gallon. As a final word of caution, names for gasoline vary wildly between different countries. Make sure you know what you're
pumping, or you may wind up with a full tank of diesel that your engine can't use.
3. Learning the Local Customs
The rules of the road in foreign countries are not the same as they are at home, so be sure to research the local driving customs in any country that you plan to visit. In many places in Europe, for example, it is illegal to pass another driver on the right side. For this reason, drivers on major roads always hold to the right and use the left lanes exclusively for passing. Drivers in foreign countries are also often more aggressive than those you encounter at home, so be prepared to adjust to the local driving style.
4. The Practicality of Driving
Depending on where you travel, driving may not be the most practical choice for getting around. Some cities are notorious for their horrendous traffic, poorly paved roads, scarcity of parking and navigational difficulties. Learning your way around in a foreign city can be a struggle itself, and it's often easier and quicker to get around on trains and buses. Before you decide to rent a car, consider whether it will be the most practical choice for your trip.
5. Insurance Coverage Options
Are you going to be insured on the road if you rent a car abroad. Before you hit the road, it's important to know whether your auto insurance in Florida will cover you while you drive in a foreign country. Insurance policies can get tricky about matters like this, so be sure to talk to your representative about coverage for driving abroad. Driving uninsured in a foreign country can be a big mistake. Be sure to consider all of these issues before you decide to rent a car when you travel.
1. Obtaining an International License
Before you decide to drive in a foreign country, you'd be wise to look into obtaining an international license. Your home-issued driver's license may be enough to secure a rented car, but foreign laws may not be entirely clear about whether or not you'll need an international license to drive legally for the duration of your trip. This is especially important if you're going to be driving in multiple countries. Being reprimanded for unlicensed driving in a foreign country can ruin a trip quicker than almost anything.
2. Paying for Gasoline
If you're coming from the States and planning on driving around a foreign country, be prepared for a shock when you go to fill up at the gas station. You may think gas prices are high at home, but they're much higher in most foreign countries. Also, be sure to remember that most foreign countries sell gas by the liter, not by the gallon. As a final word of caution, names for gasoline vary wildly between different countries. Make sure you know what you're
pumping, or you may wind up with a full tank of diesel that your engine can't use.
3. Learning the Local Customs
The rules of the road in foreign countries are not the same as they are at home, so be sure to research the local driving customs in any country that you plan to visit. In many places in Europe, for example, it is illegal to pass another driver on the right side. For this reason, drivers on major roads always hold to the right and use the left lanes exclusively for passing. Drivers in foreign countries are also often more aggressive than those you encounter at home, so be prepared to adjust to the local driving style.
4. The Practicality of Driving
Depending on where you travel, driving may not be the most practical choice for getting around. Some cities are notorious for their horrendous traffic, poorly paved roads, scarcity of parking and navigational difficulties. Learning your way around in a foreign city can be a struggle itself, and it's often easier and quicker to get around on trains and buses. Before you decide to rent a car, consider whether it will be the most practical choice for your trip.
5. Insurance Coverage Options
Are you going to be insured on the road if you rent a car abroad. Before you hit the road, it's important to know whether your auto insurance in Florida will cover you while you drive in a foreign country. Insurance policies can get tricky about matters like this, so be sure to talk to your representative about coverage for driving abroad. Driving uninsured in a foreign country can be a big mistake. Be sure to consider all of these issues before you decide to rent a car when you travel.