From posts I have read, it looks like an IDP is required in Greece to rent a car. Do you have a vendor you can recommend for me obtain one? There are so many that pop up in a google search, I just want to pick a reputable company. I also would appreciate any recs on setting up a car rental from Athens Airport and Naxos port. I saw a couple sites recommended in other posts (AutoEurope.com and volta4u.com), which I have viewed. I just want to make sure I have viewed all the best options. Looking at 2 days @Naxos and 4 days @Athens. Thank you.
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
Since your name is "Traveling Irish Girl" I don't know if you are Irish or American, in any case know that for US and Canadian citizens the IDP is no longer legally required to drive in Greece
https://gr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/driving-in-greece/
Some car rental agencies having difficulty reading and understanding the laws of their country or to update their websites, find out by contacting them by email.
About car rental companies, rent directly from local rental agencies rather than going through intermediaries.
You will have more choices, better rates, and direct contact with the company
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1056 posts
Any AAA Office in the USA sells IDPs. You don’t have to be a member. It is my understanding that, while, and IDP may not be required, if you were involved in an accident a ticket situation having an IDP makes it easier for the police to read your information if they do not speak English.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3148 posts
Your local Auto Club office will provide you with an IDP. Although they're apparently no longer required, many rental companies won't do business with you unless you have one.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
With the amount of money spent on this trip the twenty to thirty dollars spent on an IDP is well worth it. As said it may not be required in any non English speaking country by law but the rental company may require it and for peace of mind just get one.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thank you for all the details! As an extra layer of precaution I will get an IDP. As this piece of advice really struck home - Patricia - IDP may not be required, if you were involved in an accident a ticket situation having an IDP makes it easier for the police to read your information if they do not speak English. I want to mitigate any risk I may have while there, in a best cast scenario I won't need it but the simple task of getting it will give me peace of mind. As Gail said, With the amount of money spent on this trip the twenty to thirty dollars spent on an IDP is well worth it. JoLui, thank you for the advice to go through local companies. I will start to look for those links. (I am American by passport, but Irish by heritage and in my heart. I have had multiple trips there and look forward to moving there if the stars align).
Next layer of questions are around the insurance coverages. In your experience, have you found that you can skip the insurance or is it just easier to get the insurance that is offered through the vendors? I ask because I have insurance through my own insurance company that covers up to $50,000 (letter was fine when presented in Ireland) and I also have some protection through my travel insurance.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1441 posts
While you are in Naxos a car can allow you the freedom to explore the whole island. Its particularly helpful if you are staying in a mountain village or a remote beach. If you are staying in Naxos town or St George beach a car is not needed.
On Naxos we wait till the day before we want the car for an inland trip and rent it for the next day or 2.
We have been using Fun cars since 1996. Never a problem with them. They have an office right at the ferry port. Walk off the dock walk toward the bus depot (as an aside you can pretty much do most of the island by bus, way cheaper than a car depending on where you want to go.) From the bus station turn right and walk about 200 meters. There are several rental agencies in that area.
What are your plans for the car from Athens airport? Are you driving somewhere away from Athens? If you are going into Athens you do not need a car at all.
We have used ACR Athens car rental several times. They have good reviews and our experience has been great. They have a different business model. They meet you at arrivals door and escort you to the car parked at arrivals level. They do the paperwork on the hood of the car, give you a lesson on the car, and take your credit card payment. they also take a hold on the credit card for the deductible in case you are responsible for an accident. They do a walk around the car to agree on any dings or scratches. Its a good idea to video that walk around. I missed a dent but my wife's video showed clearly that it was there.
At the end of the rental they meet you for drop off at Departures level.
For fun here are some images for Naxos
Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098
Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689
Chalki and Vivlos villages https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299950915