When traveling out of the country, whether or not to rent a car is a big question.
There are many factors that will play into this decision.
Cost, comfort and location will all be items that you will need to consider.
Planning and research will help you make this decision.
Do Your Research When traveling abroad, you should do some planning beforehand in order to determine whether or not you will need to or want to rent a car.
First, you will need to know what kind of public transportation is available.
Public transportation is a better option for large cities.
If you are traveling to a large city, it is usually easier to utilize public transport such as subways, buses, and trains to get around.
Many large cities have well thought out public transit routes that can get you to and from the major attractions quickly, easily and economically.
However, the same may not be available in smaller towns.
When traveling for business, you will probably be able to get around with taxi service just as easily as renting a car and try finding your way through the unfamiliar streets.
Usually business travel involves a short stay at a hotel.
The hotel may also have a shuttle service that can bring you where you need to go for free.
If you do decide to rent a car, there are other factors to consider.
You will need to research the licensing needs of the country you are visiting.
Your current license may be sufficient, or you may need to obtain an International Driver's Permit.
This will need to be done before you leave the United States and it will take a few weeks.
If you arrive without the proper permit, you will not be allowed to rent a car.
The easiest way to determine what type of license you need to rent a car in any country is to call a car rental agency in that country.
They will be able to tell you what the requirements are.
Typically, English speaking countries don't require an International Driver's Permit, but you should always call before you arrive.
Make sure you have valid insurance coverage.
Call your insurance agent and ask if you are covered for overseas driving.
If you are not, you may be able to purchase a policy through your own insurance agent.
This will usually be cheaper than accepting the insurance that the rental company offers.
You can also check with your credit card company.
Just like renting a car in the United States, you should always pay for your car rental with a credit card.
This allows extra protection just in case you have to dispute any of the charges.
Many credit cards will automatically cover rental car damage if the charge is paid for with their card.
However, you should check beforehand to make sure the coverage is available for an overseas rental.
Finally, you should be comfortable driving in a foreign country.
Many European countries have you driving on the opposite side of the road.
You may even be driving on the opposite side of the car as well.
This can be disorienting for some drivers and should definitely be included in the determination to rent a car while traveling out of the country.
There are many factors that will play into this decision.
Cost, comfort and location will all be items that you will need to consider.
Planning and research will help you make this decision.
Do Your Research When traveling abroad, you should do some planning beforehand in order to determine whether or not you will need to or want to rent a car.
First, you will need to know what kind of public transportation is available.
Public transportation is a better option for large cities.
If you are traveling to a large city, it is usually easier to utilize public transport such as subways, buses, and trains to get around.
Many large cities have well thought out public transit routes that can get you to and from the major attractions quickly, easily and economically.
However, the same may not be available in smaller towns.
When traveling for business, you will probably be able to get around with taxi service just as easily as renting a car and try finding your way through the unfamiliar streets.
Usually business travel involves a short stay at a hotel.
The hotel may also have a shuttle service that can bring you where you need to go for free.
If you do decide to rent a car, there are other factors to consider.
You will need to research the licensing needs of the country you are visiting.
Your current license may be sufficient, or you may need to obtain an International Driver's Permit.
This will need to be done before you leave the United States and it will take a few weeks.
If you arrive without the proper permit, you will not be allowed to rent a car.
The easiest way to determine what type of license you need to rent a car in any country is to call a car rental agency in that country.
They will be able to tell you what the requirements are.
Typically, English speaking countries don't require an International Driver's Permit, but you should always call before you arrive.
Make sure you have valid insurance coverage.
Call your insurance agent and ask if you are covered for overseas driving.
If you are not, you may be able to purchase a policy through your own insurance agent.
This will usually be cheaper than accepting the insurance that the rental company offers.
You can also check with your credit card company.
Just like renting a car in the United States, you should always pay for your car rental with a credit card.
This allows extra protection just in case you have to dispute any of the charges.
Many credit cards will automatically cover rental car damage if the charge is paid for with their card.
However, you should check beforehand to make sure the coverage is available for an overseas rental.
Finally, you should be comfortable driving in a foreign country.
Many European countries have you driving on the opposite side of the road.
You may even be driving on the opposite side of the car as well.
This can be disorienting for some drivers and should definitely be included in the determination to rent a car while traveling out of the country.
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