Renting a car in Chiusi on a Sunday

Italy requires an International Driver Permit which is a translation of your driver's license. You can get one at AAA. Sorry, I don't know the answers to your other questions.

Wow! If you can get someone to come in to rent to you on a Sunday, you're getting great customer service! Even if there's an extra charge.

I imagine they want your drivers license number to have as much of the paperwork completed in advance. Picking up a rental car in Italy takes much more time than it does at a US airport. Having your DL information in advance will save some of that time. I wouldn't worry about giving it to them in advance. Besides, you're already giving them your credit card information.

If you want to improve your chances for an automatic, I'd reserve a pickup from Rome's Fiumicino Airport instead. The office is open on Sundays and they have vastly more cars to offer. I found three types of automatics available to reserve when I checked on the website just now. It's not too bad a drive to Tuscany from there and you don't have to fight Rome's traffic.

Finally, you don't need an international drivers permit (not license) to rent a car, but you do to drive in Italy. They are a translation of your state-issued drivers license and are required by Italian law. You can be fined 75 Euro on the spot for not driving with one.

We had the same Sunday problem issue this June and I finally reworked my schedule. You might really enjoy Orvieto which is just a 45 minute train ride north of Rome and spend the day. It turned out to be one of our favorites and definitely way above Montepuliciano. We stayed at the Magnolia Inn (see RS) and it was delightful with frescoed ceilings, great shower (get a back room) and only 65 euros.The next day you could then pick up your car in Chiusi. If your driving needs don't include anything after San Gimignano and you pass on Montepulciano I'd skip the car. We needed the car to the tour wineries around Montalcino which was fun but between the roads, parking and signs a bit of work.P.S. When we picked up the car in Chiusi the women spoke about 10 words of English.

Rental car companies located in cities/towns, along with other businesses and stores (including grocery) are only open Monday-Friday (generally 9-5), half a day on Saturday and not open at all on Sunday. Even during the week, businesses are only open as late as 5 or 6 pm and are closed in the middle of the day from 12-2 p.m. It does make renting a car difficult unless you rent from the airport or major train terminal. You may have to pay a premium to rent at the airport, however, I have arrived in a city to rent a car only to find myself searching for the rental car agency or having a taxi take me to the rental car location. So, unless the agency is located in the airport or at a train terminal, you may have a problem finding the location and getting there while they are open. As a previous poster has mentioned, you might want to consider Rome's airport. Renting at the airport also gives you more options on the kind of car to rent--tey ave a larger inventory. On AutoEurope's website I could not get any info for Orvieto. The main city located below the hilltown is quite large. You would most likely have to have a taxi take you to the rental car location. Also, when you talk to the AutoEurope salesman on the phone, request an automatic and a diesel. The diesel gets you better gas mileage. We have always gotten the car we have requested; i.e., automatic diesel. My husband said right now they are offering a free GPS with a rental. Often times I will get a quote from Europe by Car and AutoEurope will meet their price. Their sales are down right now, so you can probably work a deal. You do not need an international drivers license to rent a car. The only time we got one was last year for Italy--just in case we need it. Have fun making memories on your trip!

Orvieto to Chiusi is a very quick train ride and the Rental agency is a 5 minute walk from the Chiusi train station.