Ciao Amico! Thinking of renting a car and cruising the Cinque Terre, or zipping through Tuscanyâs rolling hills? Bravissimo! Driving gives you freedom. But before you leave home, there are a few things you need to sort out so your Italian road trip doesnât turn into an expensive headache.
Do you need an International Driving Permit?
If your license is from the EU or EEA, youâre good to go. For everyone else (like Americans, Canadians, Australians, Brits), most rental companies require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license. Itâs not expensive, but you must get it before you leave, you canât apply once youâre in Italy. Without it, the rental counter may simply hand back your passport and say âmi dispiaceâ (sorry).
Renting a car
Book your rental in advance, especially in summer when cars disappear quickly. Stick with big names or well-reviewed local companies. Make sure your credit card allows car rental holds, which can be a hundred euro or more.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance or credit card covers car rentals. Italian rental desks love to sell you extra coverage, and saying yes on the spot can double your bill. Knowing whatâs already covered before you leave helps you avoid pressure.
A few pro tips from your Italian Amico
- Book a smaller car. Narrow streets and tight parking spots make driving a big SUV a nightmare.
- Highways (autostrade) require tolls, so keep cash or a card handy.
- Carry all your documents with you at all times.
- If you’re not an experienced, or patient driver, donât plan on driving much in big cities like Rome or Florence. Traffic is wild and parking is nearly impossible. Use cars for countryside adventures.
In conclusion
Before you leave, get your IDP, book your rental, and brush up on the ZTL rules. With that sorted, youâll be ready to hit the road Italian-style, windows down, music up, and plenty of âaperitivoâ (non alcoholic if you’re driving) stops along the way.