Hello, My family of four will be flying into Zurich in early July, renting a car at airport, driving to Munich and around Germany for 6 days, returning car at Zurich airport and then spending 7 days training around Switzerland w/ the half fare cards...My question is certain rental companies like Budget say they will charge CHF 40/ day that car is in Germany...How would they know if car was out of Switzerland? Do I need a sticker or extra papers to show at border? Hertz doesn't charge for taking rental into Germany...Any help is appreciated...Marv
Posted by
Minneapolis
1261 posts
Hi Mark. I've rented and returned in Zurich and have not heard of this; it doesn't sound right - could it be a misunderstanding? There is no border check when leaving Switz or entering Germany. (You will need a sticker (about 8 euro) if you use Austria freeways; no tolls or sticker needed for Germany). Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
Chicago
13 posts
What rental did you use and did you ever leave switzerland w/ rental car...Also I have heard that certain rental companies want a cover letter from your gold credit card if using for CDW... has anyone ever heard of that??? Mark
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi Mark, Never heard of this either. Did you already pay for the car from Budget? Is it 100% refundable if you did? If you can, I'd suggest calling or e-mailing Andy Bestor at www.gemut.com and renting through them. Ask him any questions or concerns you have before renting. He's very knowledgeable and quite helpful. Paul
Posted by
Knoxville TN
115 posts
I second Paul's advice. I have rented from Bob Bestor at least 10 times. He ALWAYS has the best price and is very knowledgable and helpful in answering the questions I have had, no matter which country I was renting in. Every trip, except Ireland, involved driving in multiple countries. Just remember to purchase the vignette for Austria or Switzerland at gas stations or grocery stores when you cross the border.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
13 posts
Thanks guys for the advise...are there any benefits to renting with Gamut versus directly with Hertz??? Would Hertz treat me any differently if I went through a wholesaler like Gamut as opposed to direct w/ them...Mark
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi, You will not be treated any differently going through gemut.com. Benefits of Gemut... Prices are cheaper, I'd rather deal with Andy if there's a problem than Hertz, Budget, etc. Long story very short, A few years back, we paid for 11 days but wound up using 10 days. One two minute call to Andy Bestor got us an immediate refund. I don't think it would have been that easy calling Hertz, etc. on my own. Gemut deals in high volume with the rental co.'s, which I of course don't. Paul