USB-C Charger for Rental Car

Every vehicle I rented in Europe since 2015 had a USB port. Last year for the first time the car had USB 2/3 and USB-C. They also integrated my phone with the car’s system.

To be prepared, just bring one of those very small adapters, available from Amazon. Best to be prepared for all options. Have a great trip!

My rental car in Germany had a USB-A port (2022), but my last 3 car rentals since then (in the UK) have all had USB-C ports. I would bring both just to be safe, though (although you can certainly buy one over there if you need it).

The cigarette lighter is the same voltage. Maybe, bring your US charger along in case there is a CarPlay conflict if you plug into the car’s USB ports. I don’t think you are asking if a randomly selected euro car has a USB-C port.

It’s hit and miss what you’ll get. In the past 3 years I’ve had cars with all USB-A, all USB-C, and one of each. In 2022 our Spain rental only had USB-C ports and I didn’t have that cable. Last year in Spain I used a 12v outlet plug as Tim suggested so my phone wouldn’t connect to CarPlay.

After running it by this forum last year, I brought both a USB-A and USB-C just in case. Our rental car in France used a USB-C, but it's anyone's guess since there's no really knowing what it will be. I'm not sure what you mean by your regular car charger. I think my take home message is be prepared for all circumstances, because nothing is standard or guaranteed.

On our own trip last September I purchased some USB-C adapters but never used them. Still, as cheap as they are it's better have some and not need them than the other way around.

My personal vehicle, a 2024 Renault Clio has a wireless charger.

When I last went to France (June, 2024) I rented a car from Enterprise in Rennes. They told me "take any car in row XYZ." The first car didn't have Apple Play, so I found one with their help that did. I always carry cables for any situation. But to me, I want my maps, media, numbers and contacts on a screen in the car. Sadly, many car manufacturers would rather not pay Apple and instead try to migrate you to their proprietary platform. I am not going to enter all my map links, contacts and calendar events onto their platform. So for me, what is more important is that I can actually use my phone in the car—not just charge it. YMMV.

USB-C is the EU standard now and earlier USB versions gradually are becoming more rare. We went south to a town east of Marseille a few weeks ago and the car we rented from the counter at Marignane had only USB-C outlets on the dash.

But nestled within the console between the two front seats was one lonely, but familiar USB-A outlet.

My guess is that, over time, non-USB-C connections will be available off and on but increasingly rarely so best to prepare for the future.

"The cigarette lighter is the same voltage."

Just to clarify, the cigarette lighter port is not the same voltage as USB. You might drop by your nearest Best Buy or other store and buy a USB car adapter similar to this model - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/belkin-36w-dual-usb-c-car-charger-black/17148621 . This will reduce the 12-volts in the vehicle to the standard USB 5-volts. There are other models available that have USB-A and USB-C ports in the same device. Buy the appropriate cables at the same time (assuming you don't already have them).

I don't like connecting my phone directly to the vehicle with just a cable, as files or whatever from the phone may be transferred to the vehicle, and accessible by subsequent renters.

For all the advice to pack light offered on this forum too many people haul too much stuff around. USB cables can be had anywhere for 1-2 Euro. Don't sweat the small stuff.

USB cables can be had anywhere for 1-2 Euro.

Not in the rental car parking lot. I personally would rather hit the ground running and not have to drive and park somewhere just to pick up a cable that I likely left at home. Besides, bringing one or two USB cables won't exactly mean you are packing too heavy.

Not in the rental car parking lot.

Sometimes, at the rental car counter!

Last May I was renting a car in Fukuoka, Japan. After getting all the ceremonies and hoop-jumping done, we were ready to jump in and drive away. I went to plug-in my phone and found the wrong kind of USB outlet (don't recall exactly which kind, but it wouldn't work and we had multiple devices we would need to charge while driving). Went back into the office. They spoke almost no English, and my Japanese is not any better than their English. I held up my phone cable, indicated it didn't work, they pulled out a large plastic crate (about the size of a carry-on bag), opened it and presented it to me. It was filed with dozens and dozens of adapters, cables, charging blocks, splitters, cigarette lighter adapters and whatnot. They motioned to me to pick any I needed. I grabbed a few, they smiled and waved goodbye. We returned the adapters and splitters when we handed the car back a few weeks later.

So you can get lucky....but I wouldn't count on it (outside Japan).

Both the USB-C and USB-A chargers are so small, it makes no sense to travel without both if you are renting a car. As I mentioned above, you can buy one over there but who wants to go tooling around looking for a charger at the last minute?

Of all the "too much stuff" people pack, USB cables have to be about the smallest. I carry a bunch (both A and C flavors) when I travel, and I'm gone for 5 months with only a rollaboard and a personal item backpack.

I agree that new rental cars tend to have wireless charging, especially if one steps up a class or two from the cheapest. Also Apple Play and Android Auto. Very important feature for me, Android Auto.

Not in the rental car parking lot.

Certainly at any airport or train station.