Car hire Europe | Travelling tips for driving in Europe (June 2009)

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There are more than fifty countries in which we offer discount car hire this European region, each speaking a different language and each with its own driving legislation. They all have one thing in common (with the sole exception of the British Isles, which are separated by the English Channel anyway) - they all drive on the right hand side of the road, so you don't have the problem of swapping from one side to another when you cross an international border. You can book car hire for all European countries through Car Hire 4 Less either through our web site or by phoning our offices. Discounted prices are usually available for bookings of seven days or more. Prices may vary according to where you pick up the vehicle, and may be a little higher if you need to book for less than a week.

Requirements for being able to drive a hire car legally within certain European countries can be quite strict, especially in some of what were once Eastern European countries. It is imperative that you ask about the legislation in the counties you intend to visit when you are making your reservation. To be safe you should carry an International Driving Permit, and when picking up your hire car make sure that the local agent hands you all the necessary paperwork for your European hire car. Remember that it is the sole prerogative of each country to decide who is allowed to enter or not. Always carry some form of identification, preferably your passport, and the vehicle registration papers. In some countries you may need a power of attorney translated into the local language and stamped by their embassy if the car you are driving is not your own.

One thing that you are bound to come across if you're diving a hire car in Europe is toll charges, which can be for highways, tunnels or ferries. In most cases you can use either a credit card or cash, but in France, for example, you can sign up for a Telepage electronic device, which is read as you pass through a toll. In Switzerland you can buy a sticker for your windscreen at the border. There are similar ways of paying for tolls in other European countries, and our representative will be able to advise you about these when you make your reservation.