Kathy McCabe, the award-winning founder of Dream of Italy travel magazine and host of PBS’ Dream of Italy, just shared a valuable tip in her newsletter that I had to pass along right away.
Kathy writes, “Don’t Get Stuck—You Need an International Driver’s Permit! A friendly reminder: If you plan to drive or rent a car in Italy, you must have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). I’ve heard horror stories of travelers being denied rental cars or facing hefty fines from police. You can get an IDP through AAA, and it’s valid for one year. As you know, I always rent from Auto Europe—you can save 5% if you mention my IATA # 72002261 when you call to rent.” Click here to rent from Auto Europe.
I double-checked the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy’s website and they advise: “Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S.”
Whenever I’ve traveled to Europe, I’ve never rented a car since it’s so easy to get around using public transportation. However, I’ve been with people who have rented cars in Italy, so I asked one of my good friends, who’s American but travels to Italy at least twice a year, to find out about his personal experience. This is what he had to say:
“It depends on which car rental agency you use,” he says. “Last summer, I had a rental agreement with Europcar at Venice Airport. I had a great deal for a 7-day rental, but after waiting in line for 60 minutes with my family, they canceled my reservation because I didn’t have an International Driver’s License.
“I asked to speak to the supervisor and explained that I often travel to Italy, and the last time I had an IDP was about 25 years ago. Since then, I’ve never been asked for one by multiple agencies, including Hertz, Avis and Sixt. The supervisor told me it was a new law introduced about 10 months ago. I quickly responded, explaining that I was in Italy just three months ago, rented a car and had no issue. He said, ‘I’m sorry, but rules are rules,’ and couldn’t help. He was unsympathetic, despite my hotel reservation in Slovenia and traveling with my family. He simply said, ‘Go to another agency, maybe they can help.’
“So, I went to Sixt, where there was no line. The agent saw my reservation from three months ago with my U.S. license, gave me a fantastic deal, and a great car for a 7-day rental, returning it at Verona Airport. To be safe, I recommend double-checking with the car rental agency before you rent.”
I feel like my friend might have just gotten lucky, so if you’re planning to rent a car in Italy (or anywhere in Europe), make sure to get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You can get an IDP through AAA, and you don’t need to be a member. The fee is $20 USD and you must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. If you apply in person, you can usually get it the same day. If you apply by mail, it may take about 10–15 business days to process and ship, so plan accordingly.
KEEP READING:
–12 Things to Know Before You Travel to Europe
–12 Things You Never Knew About Italy
–7 Things to Do in Naples, Italy
–12 Things to Know Before Going to Paris
–19 of the Best Off-the-Beaten Path Things to See and Do in Paris
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
I was just in Italy (driving from Bologna to Rome, stopping in San Marino) and did not have an IDP. When renting the car, the car rental companies terms and conditions will state whether they require it or not. I picked one that didn’t require it. I believe Italy just wants to be sure your original Drivers License is printed in roman alphabet. Regardless of whether you get an IDP, also bring your regular drivers license, as you still need it.