The currency of Italy is the Euro (€). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Euros upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Europe you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the country.

First thing is first: Tipping varies throughout different parts of Italy. With that being said, another important factor to be aware of is that most restaurants charge either a `Servizio` or `Coperto` (alt: `Pane e Coperto`), or both. The `Servizio` is a service charge and is NOT considered a tip. This is most common in tourist heavy areas; Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast. It is perfectly legal and MUST be stated on the menu. If, by chance, a server tells you that service is not included, check your menu thoroughly (even the smallest print!). The `Coperto` is much more common throughout Italy, and is the charge for the tablecloth, silverware, plates, and bread service. This charge was officially banned by the Lazio region in 2006 but remains common practice in the remainder of Italy. In either case, the charge amounts to very little (typically €1 to €3), but always check your menu and the bill meticulously.

Now, as far as the actual tip, it is generally not expected nor required. The servizio and coperto help to pay the servers a very decent wage, in fact, most are on salary, unheard of in the U.S. Again, tipping is most common in the largest tourist areas, as a direct result of American tourists carrying their own customs abroad. When so inclined to tip, the most common practice is to tell the server `tenga il resto,` or keep the change. This is especially true if the restaurant does not add a servizio. As an example, if your bill totals €18, give them €20 and call it a day! Sometimes, if keeping the change is not mentioned, you may not receive any change, because it is assumed the change can be kept. If, or when, this happens, don`t leave a tip!

For exceptional service, 10% is more than admirable, and do not be surprised if you receive a bit of push-back from your server. Politely insist as a thank you for their wonderful service.

In cafes and bars tipping is also at the customers discretion, although it will likely win you favor with the person taking your order. €1 or €2 per round of drinks, or €1 for a coffee order will generally expedite service and result in a more friendly and enthusiastic server. Just be sure to tip while placing your order to get their attention!

Be cautious and courteous: Is it possible to offend someone by leaving a tip?
In short, yes. While this is highly unlikely in the larger cities where tourists abound, in smaller or rural areas of Italy you may offend someone by leaving a tip. Why, you may wonder, would this generous act upset someone? In these smaller areas most establishments are family owned and operated. The business is their livelihood and something in which they take great pride. Your server could well be the owner, or one of their children, and a tip is seen as an allusion to their financial well being. You do not want to create the impression that you believe they are poor and in need your few extra Euros. Truthfully, even the most rural business owners are aware of foreigner`s tendencies towards tipping, but politely ask if you may do so.

The practice of tipping is more common in Italian hotels. In most hotels a service charge is included in the bill for staff, however, Porters, Concierge staff, Chambermaids, Valets, and Restroom Attendants all appreciate the generosity of guests.

Beginning with the Valet, if you have a rental car, an appropriate tip is no more than 1 Euro. If a Porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is €1 or €2 per bag, usually no more than €5 total. Hotel Concierge staff can be very helpful for first time travelers; they are a wealth of information from directions to restaurant suggestions and reservations. Tip them €1 or €2 accordingly for their helpful service. For Chambermaids in moderate hotels a €1 tip, daily, is adequate; while in deluxe hotels €2-3 daily is more suitable. Follow the same rules for tipping Room Service staff as you would a server in a restaurant, round up the bill by a few Euros and let them keep the change; alternately, if you charge your room service order to your hotel bill, give the Room Service carrier no more than €2-€3. In very upscale hotels (and some nicer restaurants) there are Restroom Attendants, and it is polite to leave them €0.50. In most hotels, service charges are already included in your bill but for bell staff.

Tipping cab drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around in that particular place. In Italy you can tip your cab driver, but it isn`t expected nor is it common. Feel free to tip if they are extra helpful, they will appreciate it. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.

Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Common practice is in the range of €5 for half a day, or €10 for a full day, per person. Although most tour operators include a `tip` in quoted prices bear in mind that the guides are often paid a low wage, so if one if particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish!

Gondoliers in Venice: Gondola rides in Venice are already pricey and a tip above and beyond the cost of your ride is entirely at your discretion. Depending on the quality of the journey, the knowledge the gondolier exhibits, and if he educates you on certain points of interest and/or provides entertainment (singing) during your ride should factor into your decision making. An additional €5 is more than sufficient, certainly no more than €10 if the Gondolier is stellar.

Other Services: In the event that you are in Italy for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Italy than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.

Driver`s License

Drivers from non-European Union nations will be allowed to drive in Italy on two conditions. They must apply for an International Driving Permit and carry it with them while in Italy, and their official driver`s license from the United States must be accompanied with a certified translation. A certified translation must come from a person whose occupation is `translator`, preferably from a translation agency. You should ask for the translator or translation agency to provide a letter which states that the translation of the license is accurate to the best of their abilities and knowledge, and they must sign it. It is not required for this letter to be notarized, but if you can find someone to notarize the document, it would be preferred.

Insurance

Third-party personal insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Italy. Full coverage is optional but not required. Copies of the insurance policy must be carried in the car at all times.

Glasses

Drivers who require contact lenses or glasses in their home country must wear them while driving in Italy as well. Spare pairs are not required but you should bring a spare pair anyway in case you misplace your original pair.

Warning Triangles and Visibility Vests

Reflective vests and warning triangles are required to be carried in every car in Italy. You must wear the vests when broken down or stalled on the side of the road, and you must use the warning triangle to alert drivers to your predicament. On-the-spot checks do occur from time to time and violators must pay hefty fines. Inquire with your car rental company before leaving the lot about warning triangles and reflective vests; in the event that the company doesn`t include these items automatically, they will let you know where you can rent or purchase these items. A spare tire and headlamp beam deflectors (manual or stickers) are also required.

Spare Bulbs

A spare bulb kit is recommended for drivers in Italy, but is not required. You can ask your car rental company about spare bulbs upon arrival.

Snow Chains

Snow chains are required in colder areas and in higher elevations, usually from October 15 or November 15 (depending on the region) through to April 15. Certain jurisdictions have different rules, so it is imperative that you do your homework in advance. Ask your car rental company about snow chains and snow chain rules if you will be traveling in the northern and central mountains during the winter.

Other

– A fire extinguisher (recommended)
– A first-aid kit (recommended)
– Headlamp converters, stickers on the headlights to reduce glare for drivers coming from the other direction. Ask the car rental company if you need stickers or if you need to adjust the headlamps manually.

For medical emergencies, ambulances can be summoned by dialing 118. (113 also works if 118, for whatever reason, does not.) The police can be summoned by dialing 112. The fire department can be reached by dialing 115. The ACI (Italian Automobile Club) can be reached by dialing 116.

Drinking and Driving:

The blood alcohol content limit in Italy is set at 0.05%. Not only do police have the option of requesting that a driver take a breathalyzer test, they can also request that medical services conduct their own tests to determine intoxication by either alcohol or narcotics. Fines, vehicle confiscation, license bans and imprisonment can all be used to punish drivers who drive impaired.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers, whether they are sitting in the front or back seats. Allowances are made for pregnant women who can present a note from their obstetrician-gynecologist on their official letterhead, and for people who have a note from their doctor on their official letterhead indicating that wearing a seat belt will cause a contraindication in their medical care.

Cell Phones:

Telephones are only allowed to be used hands-free. Headsets and Bluetooth capability through car speakers are both acceptable. You are not allowed to dial a number or otherwise look at your phone while driving; you must be pulled over or parked in a parking space.

Navigation Aids

Navigation aids such as GPS are legal in Italy, and many car rental companies offer the rental of GPS software with your car. Keep in mind that you must be parked to input addresses on the GPS; you cannot access the GPS to select options or input addresses while driving. The definition of `while driving` includes times when you are idling in traffic. You can be cited by a traffic cop if you are caught, and made to pay a fine.

Speed Trap Detectors:

Radar detectors are illegal in Italy, but you will find that GPS technology notes the presence of police on the roads, which is legal.

Driving Age:

To drive in Italy, you must be over the age of 18. Most car rental companies bar anyone under the age of 21 from renting a car. A few will make exceptions for drivers 18-20 as long as they have held their driver`s license for at least twelve months. Note that people under the age of 25 renting cars will incur a surcharge.

Using Indicators:

Turn signals are necessary to use in Italy. Keep your turn signal on until the turn or overtaking is completed. Unlike in the U.S., Italians use turn signals to indicate intent, meaning that they are not asking permission to change lanes when using the turn signal, they`re telling you they`re going to do it just before they complete the action. Italians will take turn signals into account as actions about to be performed, so don`t turn the signal on too early.

Overtaking:

Overtaking is done in a left lane, with the car being overtaken on the right. On roads with just three lanes, overtaking can only occur when there is no car coming from the other direction already occupying the middle lane. You cannot overtake a vehicle that is in the process of overtaking another vehicle, nor can you overtake a vehicle that has stopped to permit pedestrians to cross. You can`t overtake when approaching a railroad crossing, when at road bends, at the top of hills, at intersections, at junctions, or where visibility is limited. If a road is too narrow for two cars to pass safely, the smaller car must reverse. While on a mountain road that may be narrow, the descending car must reverse to allow the ascending vehicle to pass safely.

Roundabout:

When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic already on the roundabout, on your left, unless signs indicate otherwise. Keep in the interior lane until your turn is immediate. Practice defensive driving as many drivers enter the roundabout with urgency and perhaps low regard for others.

Lights:

Dipped headlights must be used on all roads with two or more lanes, including during the day. Dipped headlights must be used during times of poor visibility on all roads.

Good Samaritan:

Italy`s Good Samaritan Law is referred to as `omission of relief` and means you can be charged with a crime under the Italian Penal Code if you do not alert the authorities and wait for help to arrive if you are in a car accident, whether the other party is injured or not. Dial 112 for police or 118 for ambulances.

Losing Your License:

If you lose your home license, its translation, or your International Driving Permit, you will not be permitted to drive in Italy.

Fines for Motoring Offenses in Italy:

It is most common to receive fines for speeding, parking in a non-designated area, or driving in a pedestrian-only area. Italian police are very aggressive about collecting fines, and have a year to issue fines. This means you can, and in many cases will, receive fines months after you return from your trip. With Italian bureaucracy being very slow, you might notice an extra charge on your credit card bill levied by the car rental company long before you will receive a fine notice in the mail. Don`t think Italian police won`t send you a fine notice to your American address long after you have left Italy. You have 60 days from receiving the fine notice or 30 business days from receiving the credit card charge to resolve the fine, whichever comes first. Ignoring the fine is not advisable, because the fine will double and the credit card company will find a way to extract the money from you, even if you go as far as to cancel your card. In short, take fines and fine notices seriously even if you have long returned from Italy, and even if you don`t plan on returning to Italy any time soon.
Children:

Special restraints must be used for children who are under 97 pounds (36 kg) or under 4 feet 9 inches (150 cm) in height. If the child is under 48.5 pounds (18 kg), he or she must be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Children larger than that but under 97 pounds must use a booster seat in conjunction with seat belts.

Accidents:

If you are in an accident, be sure to put on your reflective vest before exiting onto a motorway. Place the warning triangle behind your car at least 50 feet away from the accident, preferably closer to 100 feet. Call 112 for police and 118 for an ambulance if you need medical assistance. Take pictures of the accident scene if possible, and exchange insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle. The police will arrive and will take statements from both parties. Read the official report the police file before signing it. You may request a copy of the report for insurance purposes. In the event that the car accident only results in damage of property and not harm to either party, both parties may sign an insurance form called a CAI. Do not sign a CAI if you and the other party do not agree to the sequence of events. A lawsuit must be filed within three months of the date of the accident should you choose that avenue of resolution.

Parking in Italy is much easier than you would think. The more tourist-oriented towns and cities have large, pay parking lots just outside the historic centers. Street parking is organized and designated with signs and by the color of the lines for the parking spots.

The color of the lines on the parking space indicates the type of parking.

Blue Lines: Pay Parking

In most regions, blue lines mark paid street parking. There will be a payment machine or a place to buy tickets close by. You get some type of receipt telling you how long you can stay (the time your parking expires is usually printed on the receipt). Put this receipt in the car window.

Beware of Fake Parking Lot Attendants

White Lines: Free Parking

In many towns, white lines mark free parking spots on the street but they may be limited by time. The closest parking sign will tell you if you must set your parking disc to show when you arrived.

Free Parking with a Parking Disc

If the parking sign indicates that the parking is time-limited, you need to use a parking disc to indicate the time you parked. When you rent a car in Italy, they may already have a parking disc. If they do not, you can purchase one at a Tobacco store or gas station. Ask for a disco orario. They are not expensive.

To use the parking disc, set it to indicate the time you parked and place it inside your car in the windshield so it can be seen by the parking police. You must return within the time allowed as indicated on the sign.

Note: When parking in larger cities, like Florence, white lines can be for residents only. Check for signs when you park.

No Lines: Free Parking

Some parking lots outside of towns are just fields designated for parking. No lines – the cars just park however they can.

Pay Parking: Purchase Ticket at Store

Some parking lots with blue lines have a nearby store where you purchase the ticket instead of at a machine. Look on the parking sign – it usually has a hint about what you need to do.

The Parking Scratch Card

You buy one card for each hour you want to park. Then you scratch off the date and the time. If you are staying for longer than one hour, you have to prepare cards for each hour and make each card good for consecutive time periods. Instructions on the back are in Italian, English, French and German.

Pay Parking: Lots

The larger towns have large pay parking lots. Siena has one near the Fortezza. Arezzo has one just outside the town walls. Assisi has several surrounding the town. They are all different. Usually you get a ticket from a machine or a person as you enter. Then, when you are ready to leave, you take the ticket to a booth (on foot) and pay. You either pay a person or a machine. You get your ticket back and, when you drive out, you insert it into a machine which then opens the gate.

You’ll find filling stations all over but smaller ones tend to close between about 1pm and 3:30pm and on Sundays. Many have self-service (fai da te) pumps that you can use any time. Simply insert a bank note into the payment machine and press the number of the pump you want. Remember to distinguish between benzina (petrol) and gasolio (diesel). The gas stations on the Autostrada are open all day.

Types of Gas

Rental cars use either unleaded (called senza piombo or benzina verde – ‘green gas’) or diesel (called ‘gasolio‘). Ask the attendant for ‘il pieno, per favore‘ (fill it, please).

Be sure you know what type of gas your rental car takes because filling a car with the wrong kind of gas makes it stop working; not right away in the gas station, but after you have driven awhile. You have to be towed to a gas station and then have the tank drained. Usually there is a sticker on your gas tank cover, either inside or outside that indicates that the car takes diesel, but always ask at the rental agency to be sure.

Self Service Stations

You will find self service gas stations in Italy. They are usually open all day, even during the midday closing hours. You put a euro bill into the machine and tell it which pump you are at. You do not get change. The instructions for using this machine are on the small display screen.

Italian gas pumps go much faster than ours in the US – your tank is filled in about a quarter of the time. Forget about anyone washing your windshield or finding anything to do it yourself!

Driving on the Autostrada is very different from driving on our US Interstates. Most roads other than the Autostrada are only one lane in each direction, so passing cars and being passed is a part of every driving experience. The roads can be very narrow and winding.

There are four types of roads in Italy.

Types of Roads

Autostrada:
Comparable to the US interstate system. (Shown on the Touring Club Italiano (TCI) road maps as black).
Major roads:
Roads that may have more than one lane in each direction or if only one lane in each direction are still fast moving, good roads. (Shown on the TCI road maps as red).
Minor roads:
Roads that can be narrow, slow and winding. They are usually one lane in each direction. (Shown on the TCI road maps as yellow).
Dirt Roads:
Narrow, dirt roads going through the countryside.(Shown on the TCI road maps as white lines). The Italians call these strade bianche, which translates to white roads. The strade bianche are actually white – they are made of light colored gravel. White roads are often good for hiking because they usually have little traffic. Be careful on white roads. Some are in good shape, but some are barely drivable. Look carefully at the map. White roads are shown in white, outlined in black. If the black line is a dotted line, this means the road is not in good shape. These dirt roads can be very dusty in summer and muddy in winter.

The Autostrada is the main highway system in Italy and is similar to the Interstate highway system in the US. The Autostrada is the fastest way to get around Italy. The Autostrada are toll highways; you pay to use them.

Speed Limits

The limits are: 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph) on the Autostrada. Other signs are posted indicating lower limits in effect for bad weather conditions.

Drive with Lights On

In 2002 a new law was passed to require that you have your headlights on at all times when driving on the Autostrada. You will see the sign ‘In Autostrada Anabbaglianti Sempre Accesi,’ meaning ‘On the Autostrada keep your running lights on.’

Entering and Exiting

The exit and entrance ramps for the Autostrada frequently have very tight curves, so drive carefully. When you are getting on the Autostrada, you may find that the entrance lane is short and you are merging with fast-moving traffic. Make sure there is room to enter the highway before you merge from the entry lane and once on the road, speed up quickly. Wait in the entry lane until you see enough space in the traffic to safely join the highway.

When you pass an entrance along the Autostrada, be mindful of people entering on the right and be prepared to give way.

Passing Lane

Most Autostrade are two lanes in each direction with dividers down the middle. The left lane, the passing lane, is only for passing and is to be approached cautiously. Before you pull out to pass, be sure you have lots of room. Once you have passed, immediately pull back into the slow lane. If you are driving in the left lane, people coming up from behind will flash their lights at you to tell you to move back to the slower right lane. But, don`t be afraid of the passing lane. You will need to use it to get by slower cars. Just use it cautiously.Tailgating

Keep a safe driving distance from the cars ahead of you, even if this invites others to cut in front of your car (on the Autostrada and on other fast moving roads). Tailgating is the worst thing that Italian drivers do. They come right up to your rear bumper when trying to pass you. The best way to deal with this is just slow down and keep to the right and they will pass. Do not let someone push you to go faster – it`s always better for you to slow down.

Finding the Autostrada

When you are looking for the Autostrada, look for green signs. They will show the town names for the destination of the Autostrada. For example, in Tuscany, you can follow green signs saying “Roma” to get to the A1 Autostrada that runs from Milan (Milano) to Naples (Napoli). Most of the Autostrada roads run north and south. The saying that all roads lead to Rome is true of the Autostrada! To go east and west, you usually have to use minor roads.

Signs

The signs on the roads and the Autostrada are similar to what we are used to in the US, but the words are in Italian. Here are a few words you should know:

Uscita = Exit
Entrata = Entrance
Tangenziale = tangential, usually a ring road around a large town

Remember that direction signs have the town names in Italian, Roma = Rome; Firenze = Florence, etc.

Toll Stations

The Autostrada system is operated by a private company and you pay tolls to use it. On some parts of the Autostrada you get a ticket when you enter and pay when you exit (you pay for the distance you drive). In other parts you pay set amounts at toll booths.

Entrance
When you come to an Autostrada toll entrance you will see a toll plaza with one or more drive-in gates. Always go to a gate marked Biglietto (ticket) or drive to an unmarked gate. Do NOT enter gates marked only Viacard or Telepass. Take a card from the automated machine at the entry gate. After you pass through the toll plaza you will see signs directing you to the possible destinations for the Autostrada. Always know which larger city you are heading towards, and know the city names in Italian (e.g. Roma or Firenze).

Exit
When you exit the Autostrada you can pay cash at the gates marked Biglietto or at the unmarked gates, or using a credit card at the gates with the universal credit card symbols. These gates usually also have the Viacard sign. When you pay cash, you hand your ticket to a person and the amount you owe is displayed. They will give you change. When you pay with a credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, Diners) first insert the ticket, then your card and the machine will thank you. You can buy a Viacard at the Autogrill gas stations and use it for paying tolls.

Rest Areas – Autogrill

You will find rest areas every 30 to 50 miles along the Autostrada. The rest areas are marked in your Touring Club Italiano (TCI) road atlas (special Autostrada maps at the back show the rest areas).

Accidents

Should anything happen – accidents, car trouble or getting lost – ask for help. Many people in Italy carry mobile phones, there are Autostrada repair service trucks that come to assist if you are stalled, and the Autostrada service stations can do minor repairs. If you have rented a car from AutoEurope, call their toll free number and they will arrange the help you need.

Since 2003, speed limits on Italian roads are being enforced more than before. There are speed cameras set up in many places. If you are speeding, you may get the ticket months later. It will go to your car rental agency and they will pay it from the credit card you used with them.

Cars and motorbikes (vehicles with engine size over 150 cc):

Urban areas – 50 km/h (31 mph)
Minor out-of-town roads – 90 km/h (56 mph)
Major out-of-town roads – 110 km/h (68 mph)
Motorways (Autostrada) – 130 km/h (81 mph)

In the event of rain on snow, the limit is lowered to 110 k/h on motorways and 90 k/h on trunk roads.

In order to ensure that these limits are complied with, numerous speed cameras have been installed throughout the road and motorway network to keep electronic checks on speed.

Navigating When Driving in Italy

Buy the most detailed maps you can find when you are in Italy.

The maps all indicate numbered roads, but you rarely see signs with those road numbers. When you get to an intersection, you will see town signs pointing in each direction. Navigate by memorizing the names of the towns along the road you want to travel. If it is a major highway, find the names of the larger towns the highway goes to. For example, at an intersection near Perugia you may be looking for the road to Todi, but it will say direction ‘Roma’ because that road ultimately takes you to Rome.

What to Carry in the Car

Apart from your driving license, car documents, insurance papers and reflective safety vest, which you’re legally obliged to carry, it’s worth having some coins for parking meters. Also, if you’re traveling with kids, keep some plastic bags to hand. Car sickness is a real possibility on winding country roads.

Driving Styles

Italian drivers are fast, aggressive and skilful. Lane hopping and late braking are the norm and it’s not uncommon to see cars tailgating at 130km/h (81 mph). Don’t expect people to slow down for you or let you out. Rather, seize the moment. As soon as you see a gap, go for it. Italians expect the unexpected and react swiftly, but they’re not used to ditherers so whatever you do, do it decisively.

Road Etiquette

Much driving etiquette is dictated by unwritten rules. Flashing, for example, means ‘Get out of the way’ or ‘Don’t pull out because I’m not stopping.’ But if an approaching car flashes you, it’s warning you that there’s a police check ahead. Similarly, the car horn can mean everything from ‘Watch out’ to ‘Ciao’ to ‘Let’s celebrate; the traffic light’s just turned green.’

City Challenges

When driving in cities watch out for traffic restrictions. Many city centers are off-limits to unauthorized traffic and if you slip into a ZTL (zona a traffico limitato – reduced traffic zone) you risk being caught on camera and fined. City driving also involves dealing with one-way systems, scooters appearing out of nowhere and narrow streets better suited to horse-drawn chariots than modern cars. To escape the worst mayhem, drive in the early afternoon when traffic is at its lightest and parking is easier.

Insurance

Civil Liability insurance is compulsory. For visitors arriving from abroad, the best option is the Green Card, an insurance policy that can even be taken out at the border and is valid for 15, 30 or 45 days.

Drinking and Driving

In Italy, driving is not permitted with a blood alcohol content superior to 0.5 grams per liter, in line with the European average.Useful Numbers and Emergency Numbers

Police 113
Fire Brigade 115
Ambulance 118

If you plan to rent a car in Europe, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the operation of the manual transmission. The vast majority of rental cars have manual transmissions. There are only a limited number of automatics available.
The very concept of ‘car’ is radically different between North America and Europe. Whereas in the US and Canada size really matters, Europeans look for fuel economy and have cramped parking conditions in mind. Here are some hints on choosing the right car when renting.

Transmission – Not Automatically Automatic

The very first thing to bear in mind is the transmission. Whereas most rental cars in North America will be equipped with automatic transmission, manual transmission is the norm in Europe. In addition the gearshift will be to the left of the driver. If you are not familiar with a manual transmission be sure to select an automatic. And remember that the ‘exotic’ automatic transmissions may sell out fast, so book early.

Interior Space

Most rental cars are standard European or Japanese vehicles, built for cramped road conditions and comparatively short journeys. Especially the lower categories (Sub-Compact and Compact) are typical ‘city cars’ for the occasional user. Even ‘mid-size’ in Europe would be rated Compact in the US. So expect tighter conditions and choose a larger vehicle if traveling long distances.

Seats and Legroom

Cars are smaller and Europeans are used to them, so this leads to different car ratings. In the US, a car rated for two adults and two children, would be rated for five adults in Ireland. If you are in any way larger than the average European (5 ft 7 in, 165 pounds) go for a larger vehicle.

The Trunk

Luggage space in European and Japanese cars can be tight. Sub-Compact and Compact vehicles will more than likely be of the hatchback type with no actual trunk and a somewhat cramped storage area in the back. Getting four adults and their luggage into a Sub-Compact is nearly impossible. If you are planning to take your full baggage allowance go for a Mid-Size at least. Do not plan on leaving your luggage in view while touring, this will attract undesirable attention.

Extras – You Don’t Need Them

When looking up European rental cars you might notice that air conditioning or cruise control are not necessarily included in the specifications. You will not really miss them. While air conditioning can occasionally be nice during the short Irish summer, cruise control would be of no practical use at all.