Traveling in Italy will be comfortable and enjoyable if you have a car at your disposal. In this case, freedom of movement is limited only by your desires and free time. You can explore small villages in the south, relax in any of the ski resorts, visit the big cities, see the sights.
It is clear that if you are not going on a tour all over Europe, and going specifically to Italy, then your car logically leave at home. It is much easier to fly there by plane, and then rent a car. How to save money when booking, what are the subtleties and rules?
Car rental via the Internet
You can choose and book a car directly on the rental company's website. And also on the websites of project brokers. As a rule, the price is much more profitable for them. For example, one of these auto-brokers is the company carscombined.com. On request, at your choice, cars will be offered immediately from all rental companies, any class, with credit card payment, with insurance, additional services or without them.
What documents and rights do you need?
Italy is among the signatories of the Vienna Convention, according to which the rights received in Russia are quoted in most European countries (a full list of participating countries you will find on the Internet). However, car rental firms sometimes make demands for the availability of an international driving license. Without international rights, you may not be given a car. In this case, the money you paid for the advance booking is not returned.
With you, you will need to have a voucher confirming your order (you will receive it by e-mail), credit card and driver's license.
If you are under 21, you may be refused rent or ask for an extra fee. Thus, rental companies insure their risks for a rental service for young and inexperienced drivers.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Italy?
Independently traveling by car is not as expensive as it is commonly believed. The main cost item is the cost of gasoline (up to 2 EUR per liter). The rental itself can afford even tourists with a very limited budget. For example, renting a car economy class in Italy will cost only about 10 EUR. For a presentable car of a prestigious brand, of course, you will have to pay more. But if you travel the whole family or company, the rent allows you to even save - public transportation there is not cheap.
Features of Italian roads, signs and penalties
Impulsive Italians do not stand on ceremony with the rules. Two friends, who have not seen each other for a long time, can block the road in order to chat heart to heart. You do not need to take an example from them, since the fines are impressive here, and from a foreigner the police will take twice as much time as they should without a twinge of conscience. You need to drive extremely carefully and be prepared for any surprises from local racers.
With traffic signs - a special story. You may get the impression that you drew them not to indicate the road, but to completely confuse you. This, in particular, is about intricate circular interchanges. But to get lost here, fortunately, is extremely difficult.
There are toll autobahns in the country. To drive through them, you have to fork out. But you will save time and money on gasoline, as they can significantly shorten the path.
Where is it easier to rent a car?
For example, to rent a car in Milan is possible upon arrival at the airport, and with the help of the navigator it will be easy to get to your hotel.
However, as we already mentioned - you can book a car online before the trip. It's cheaper and more convenient. For example, you can rent a car in Rome directly near the train station from 11 EUR per day.