Please sign in to post.

Cell phone charging in rental car

I will be renting a car to travel through Germany and Austria. Although I am aware of the difference of electrical currents in Europe, I wonder if the same applies to cars. Is it possible to utilize a car charger for my cell phone in a rental car, assuming it has a port for that purpose?
Alejandro

Posted by
32360 posts

Alejandro,

If you have a car charger for your phone, it will work just fine in Europe, as vehicles there also use 12-volt electrical systems. I've charged both phones and GPS units many times while driving there. Be sure to check whether the vehicle has at least a lighter outlet when you rent.

If driving from Germany to Austria, be sure that you have the appropriate tax vignettes or you could face hefty fines (I believe that's required in Austria). Also, if you're renting the car in one country and dropping in another, there are usually significant charges for that also.

Posted by
4 posts

Ken,
Thank you very much for your reply. It makes things easier by not having to rely solely on the ability to charge the phone at the hotel room. Once again, thank you.

Alejandro

Posted by
2779 posts

Depending on the car and the rental company most new cars now come with USB-ports anyway (even FIAT 500s)...