We are looking to rent a car in Paris and driving around France, what are the requirements to rent a car in France?
Also can you take a car rental from France into Switzerland, Germany & The Netherlands?
Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
647 posts
You can of course take a car into different countries, but you need to be aware of
the requirements for things like highway toll payments. In Switzerland, for instance,
you need a vignette to drive on the toll highways, and if you get caught without one
it's a big fine.
The car rental place in France will probably be able to take care of your needs in
France, but you can't count on them to set you up for other countries.
As for requirements to rent a car, other than valid driver's license and credit card,
probably not much. Some agencies may require an international driver's permit,
but I think that may depend on the agency, not the government.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
589 posts
Many of us use AutoEurope to book rentals. They are a broker and based in your inputs will find the best deal for you.
Are you planning to pick up and drop off at the same location? Are you wanting to pickup at the airport or in the city? You can probably take the car into other countries but it will be expensive to drop off in another country. I believe Switzerland requires a special permit “vignette” to drive on their roads which you need as soon as you cross the border.
People will argue about the necessity of an International Driver’s Permit. I always get one, $20 for peace of mind.
Posted by
St Pete, FL
214 posts
We are renting a car in a few weeks for Provence. We went to our local AAA, brought Passport photos (they do them there as well), paid $20, and now have our international drivers permit (good for 1 year). I would suggest for France you get one, so if you are pulled over, or asked by rental company, or whatever, you have it. Took less than 30 min, and we now have peace of mind.
Glenn