6 Things to Consider When Renting a Car Abroad

Frits Pieper
10 apr 2017

What should you think about when you are going to rent a car abroad or even drive across the border? Well, perhaps more than you think. We have listed some points of attention for you.

1. Place on the road

As you may know, they don't drive on the right side of the road everywhere in the world. The United Kingdom is perhaps the most striking, but far from the only example of a country where they drive on the left. In most of southern Africa they drive on the left. As do Australia, India and Japan, among others. Oh yes, and in the cars you rent in these countries, the steering wheel is on the right (and you therefore operate the gear stick with your left).

2. Traffic signs

Several traffic signs are universal. Think of the stop sign. But abroad you will undoubtedly encounter signs whose meaning you do not know. Admittedly, many signs are self-explanatory, but others at least raise doubts. For example, do you know what the 'Yield' sign means in the US?

3. Manual/automatic

Most European cars come with a manual transmission as standard. But in the United States, for example, automatic transmission is the standard. There, it is much more difficult to rent a manual car.

4. Age

In some countries, there is a certain minimum age for renting vehicles from certain classes. But did you know that there is also such a thing as a maximum age? In Cyprus and Malta, for example, it becomes difficult to rent a car if you are over seventy.

5. Gas stations

Red for diesel, green for petrol. In the Netherlands, most petrol stations use uniform colour codes for different types of fuel. In other countries, petrol stations may use different colour codes. In the US, for example, green stands for diesel! Exactly the other way around.

6. Insurance

With us, you are required to take out car damage insurance when you rent a car. But that is not the case in all countries. In some countries, your own car insurance covers damage to a rental car. So don't forget to bring your insurance certificate. A copy is often not acceptable.


Have you ever rented a car in a 'foreign' country? What were your challenges? Share your tips with our readers! A rent a car in the Stein region? That's possible at Adrem! 

Leave a comment





Related Posts

Until what age do you need a car seat?

Until what age do you need a car seat?

It is extremely important for the safety of your child that you transport him or her in the correct manner…

Read more "

top up oil

How many liters of oil does your car use?

How many liters of oil does a car hold? This is a question many drivers ask themselves, especially when…

Read more "

fill out damage form

Tips for completing a damage claim form after an accident

If you have an accident, you want to be reimbursed for the damage caused by your car insurance, especially if it is your fault…

Read more "