Our Trip to HGVC Borgo alle Vigne

[ocdb8r]

usually European rental car agencies ask to see it. We always get an updated one before we leave.

This has not been my experience and only a handful of European countries require an international driver's license/permit, so long as your home country Driver's License is issued in Roman Characters (e.g. no Arabic, Cyrillic....etc).

European countries that officially require it, include: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. However, I have rented in Austria, Greece, Italy and Spain with my US license and not been asked for an international driver's license. As always, your experience may vary, but outside the above list I would not bother getting one.

 

[geist1223]

We have rented in Great Britain, Ireland, and France and have never been asked for an International Driver's License.

 

[rdw95]

Thanks for all the feedback. When we lived in Italy when stationed there in the Navy we had one. But, in the many times returning it wasnot required. It was NOT on the list of required documents in the Europcar rental agreement we received. We were told it was a now (4 months old) law in Italy, so we will have it for all future trips.

But, that was no excuse for the arrogant way we were treated(as were several of the others at that desk) by the lady at Europcar desk, especially in light that we called 24 times with no answer, and sent 2 emails(both with confirmation back from Europcar) when our flight was delayed. After going back and looking at the reviews on the Florence Europcar desk, unfortunately this treatment seems to be the norm for that office.

Just wanted to inform other TUG members of the International DL requirement, and recommendation to steer clear of the Europcar office in Florence.

 

[ocdb8r]

I think it's super helpful to report this. I will say, my experience with Italian car rental agencies has been generally poor. Staff are often quite apathetic, rental desk hours seem to be shorter than I find in other big European cities and while I haven't encountered an issue with the international DL, I consistently have loooooong conversations about the different types of insurance required. Another potential note for others to consider is that if you intend on relying on insurance provided by your credit card: 1) read the policy to understand in what jurisdictions in might not apply and 2) print out a copy of the policy as some agencies will insist on seeing it before allowing you to waive "required" insurance.

 

[letsgobobby]

I think it's super helpful to report this. I will say, my experience with Italian car rental agencies has been generally poor. Staff are often quite apathetic, rental desk hours seem to be shorter than I find in other big European cities and while I haven't encountered an issue with the international DL, I consistently have loooooong conversations about the different types of insurance required.

i think this might be an "Italy" thing generally and not just an Italy rental car agency thing. I don't think Italy is known for fast, efficient employees.

 

[letsgobobby]

This has not been my experience and only a handful of European countries require an international driver's license/permit, so long as your home country Driver's License is issued in Roman Characters (e.g. no Arabic, Cyrillic....etc).

European countries that officially require it, include: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. However, I have rented in Austria, Greece, Italy and Spain with my US license and not been asked for an international driver's license. As always, your experience may vary, but outside the above list I would not bother getting one.

"You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit."

Driving in France

If you are on a short visit or short business trip (less than 90 days) You may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit. You must be 18 years of age or older to...

franceintheus.org

 

[PcflEZFlng]

"You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit."

I got an IDP before going to France this summer. It only cost $20 plus the time it took for the quick trip to AAA. Although I had it with me, the rental agency didn't ask for it. But...peace of mind.