Driving abroad: car hire rules, documents and tips

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for road trips, but it requires attention in historic centres, motorway tolls, restricted traffic zones and parking areas.

• ZTL zones: many cities have restricted traffic zones monitored by cameras. Entering without authorisation can lead to fines after the hire.
• Motorway tolls: toll motorways are common. Keep tickets and receipts until the trip is over.
• Historic centres: parking and access can be difficult. Consider staying outside the centre and using public transport.
• Islands and ferries: confirm whether the supplier allows the vehicle on ferries to places such as Sicily, Sardinia or smaller islands.
• Vehicle choice: compact cars are often easier in towns, while longer road trips may justify a more comfortable category.

Before booking, check whether your route crosses city centres, mountain roads or ferries, and make sure the supplier conditions allow the planned use.

Spain is generally straightforward for car hire, but city restrictions, parking rules and long-distance routes need planning.

• Low-emission zones: major cities can have access restrictions or environmental rules. Check before driving into central areas.
• Motorways: some routes use toll roads while others do not. Plan payment and keep receipts where relevant.
• Islands: Balearic and Canary Island rentals may have specific ferry and island restrictions.
• Parking: tourist areas and city centres can have strict paid parking zones.
• Heat and luggage: in summer, air conditioning and boot space are practical priorities, not extras.

If you plan to drive from Spain into Portugal, France, Andorra or Gibraltar, confirm cross-border permission before booking.

Portugal is popular for coastal routes and city breaks, but electronic tolls are one of the main points to understand before driving.

• Electronic tolls: some roads use electronic systems rather than traditional toll booths. Ask the supplier how payment works.
• Transponder options: a toll device may be offered at the desk. Check the daily cost and what it covers.
• One-way routes: Lisbon to Porto or Algarve routes are common, but one-way conditions should be checked.
• City parking: older districts can have narrow streets and limited parking.
• Cross-border Spain trips: verify permission if you plan to enter Spain.

For Portugal, the best booking is often the one with clear toll instructions, not only the lowest base price.

Germany has excellent roads, but environmental zones, motorway behaviour and vehicle category conditions deserve attention.

• Environmental zones: many cities use Umweltzonen. If you hire in Germany, ask whether the car has the correct sticker.
• Autobahn driving: speed differences can be significant. Choose a car you feel comfortable controlling at motorway speeds.
• Winter travel: check seasonal equipment requirements if travelling in colder months or mountain regions.
• Cross-border routes: trips into Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Poland may need supplier permission.
• Premium cars: higher categories may have stricter deposits, card rules or territorial restrictions.

If you are driving into cities, confirm environmental-zone requirements before entering restricted areas.

Austria is common for mountain holidays and cross-border routes, but motorway vignettes and winter conditions are key checks.

• Vignette: motorway use may require a vignette or electronic equivalent. Ask whether the hire car already has it.
• Mountain roads: weather, gradients and parking can make vehicle choice important.
• Winter equipment: check tyres, chains and supplier rules for the season and route.
• Cross-border trips: Austria often sits inside routes involving Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland or Croatia.
• Tunnels and special roads: some routes may involve separate fees.

Do not assume a car collected in a neighbouring country already meets Austrian motorway or winter requirements.

Belgium is easy to reach from nearby countries, but rules can vary by region and city.

• Low-emission zones: cities may require registration or compliance checks before entry.
• Regional rules: signage and restrictions can vary between areas.
• Urban parking: central Brussels, Antwerp and other cities can be easier with public parking outside the centre.
• Cross-border driving: many trips combine Belgium with France, the Netherlands, Germany or Luxembourg; list every country in the route.
• Short hires: do not skip the inspection just because distances seem small.

For city trips, check low-emission and parking rules before choosing accommodation inside the centre.

The Netherlands is generally well organised, but urban driving, cycling infrastructure and parking costs can surprise visitors.

• Cyclists: expect dense cycle traffic and give extra attention at junctions, roundabouts and door openings.
• Parking: city parking can be expensive and highly regulated. Park-and-ride facilities may be easier.
• Environmental rules: check city restrictions before entering urban areas.
• Automatic cars: if you prefer automatic transmission, filter for it clearly before booking.
• Cross-border routes: Belgium and Germany are common additions, but supplier permission still matters.

A compact vehicle is often more practical than a large one for Dutch cities and parking areas.

Switzerland is ideal for scenic routes, but motorway vignettes, mountain roads and cross-border conditions should be checked carefully.

• Motorway vignette: ask whether the car has the required vignette if you plan to use motorways.
• Mountain conditions: weather and gradients can affect route choice and vehicle suitability.
• Winter equipment: check tyres and equipment if travelling in winter or alpine regions.
• Cross-border hire: many trips involve France, Italy, Germany or Austria. Permission and equipment may differ by country.
• Parking and fines: keep receipts and follow local signage carefully.

If you collect outside Switzerland and drive in, do not assume the vignette or required equipment is already included.

France is a common destination for UK travellers and is often used for road trips, ski holidays, city breaks and ferry or Channel Tunnel itineraries. The main checks are tolls, environmental zones, cross-border permission and route planning.

• Drive on the right: allow time to adapt, especially at roundabouts, junctions and motorway slip roads.
• Motorway tolls: many long-distance routes use toll roads. Keep payment receipts and understand any electronic toll device offered.
• Low-emission zones: some cities and temporary pollution zones may require environmental classification or restrictions.
• Mountain and winter trips: ski areas and alpine routes may involve seasonal equipment requirements or weather-related restrictions.
• Ferries and tunnel routes: if you collect in the UK or another country and drive into France, confirm that the supplier allows the route.
• Cross-border routes: trips into Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy or Luxembourg should be declared if required by the supplier.

For France, choose a vehicle that fits the route: compact for cities, more comfort for long motorway drives, and enough luggage space for ski or family travel.

Greece can be very rewarding by car, especially on islands and mainland routes, but the supplier's ferry and road restrictions are essential.

• Islands and ferries: never assume the hire car can be taken on a ferry. Ask before booking.
• Road conditions: some rural or island roads can be narrow, steep or uneven.
• Parking: busy ports, beaches and historic centres can be difficult in peak season.
• Vehicle size: smaller cars can be more practical on islands, while mainland trips may need more comfort.
• Insurance exclusions: check whether unpaved roads, beaches or tracks are excluded.

If the trip depends on a ferry, get permission clearly before you rely on that route.

Croatia is well suited to coastal road trips, but routes can involve ferries, borders and seasonal traffic.

• Coastal roads: allow extra time for winding roads, views, stops and summer traffic.
• Ferries and islands: check whether the car can be taken to islands.
• Border routes: itineraries may involve Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Italy or Austria. Permission varies by supplier.
• Parking: old towns and coastal resorts often have limited parking.
• Vehicle category: balance luggage space with ease of parking in coastal towns.

If the route crosses non-EU or non-Schengen borders, check documents and supplier permission with extra care.

Slovenia is small but strategically important for trips between Italy, Austria, Croatia and the Balkans.

• E-vignette: motorway use may require a valid electronic vignette. Ask whether it is included.
• Transit routes: even short crossings count as country use for the supplier.
• Mountain roads: check weather and seasonal equipment for alpine routes.
• Border planning: Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia are common combinations.
• Vehicle choice: compact cars work well for towns, but luggage and mountain comfort may justify a larger category.

Always confirm every country in the route, including Slovenia if it is only a transit country.

Norway is ideal for scenic driving, but distances, weather, tunnels, ferries and toll systems require planning.

• Long distances: routes can take longer than expected because of fjords, tunnels, ferries and weather.
• Tolls: electronic tolls are common. Ask the supplier how charges are handled.
• Ferries: ferry use may be part of ordinary routes, but the supplier's conditions still matter.
• Winter driving: check equipment, road closures and comfort with snowy or icy roads.
• Electric vehicles: Norway has strong EV infrastructure, but charging still needs route planning.

For Norway, focus less on daily mileage and more on realistic driving time, weather and the return plan.

The United States is a classic car hire destination, but rules, toll systems, insurance options and one-way fees can vary significantly by state and supplier.

• State-by-state rules: driving rules, road signs and insurance expectations can vary.
• Tolls: electronic toll systems are common. Ask how tolls are charged before leaving the desk.
• Distances: journeys that look simple on a map can be very long. Choose a comfortable category for road trips.
• One-way fees: returning in another state or city can add substantial cost.
• Insurance options: read what is included and what is optional before accepting desk extras.

If you are planning a US trip, also see our car hire in the United States guide.

Morocco can be excellent by car, but it requires care around road conditions, city traffic, mountain routes and supplier restrictions.

• Road type: check whether tracks, desert routes, unpaved roads or remote areas are allowed.
• City traffic: driving in busy centres can be intense; allow time and avoid rushed pick-up or return.
• Mountain routes: choose a suitable vehicle and check weather and road conditions.
• Documents: confirm licence and ID requirements before booking.
• Cross-border travel: do not assume driving into another country is permitted.

For Morocco, supplier restrictions on where the vehicle can be driven are just as important as the daily price.

Japan is highly organised for driving, but documentation and navigation require preparation before booking.

• Documents: requirements can be strict. Check whether an International Driving Permit or official translation is needed.
• Drive on the left: UK drivers may find this familiar, but signs, road layouts and local habits still differ.
• Tolls: expressways often involve tolls or electronic systems.
• Navigation: ask whether the car has English-language navigation or plan your own route tools.
• Parking: city parking can be limited and expensive.

Do not book Japan car hire until you have confirmed document requirements for your licence.

Australia is a driving destination where distances, heat, remote areas and wildlife risks can matter more than city traffic.

• Long distances: plan fuel, rest stops and realistic daily mileage.
• Remote routes: check whether the supplier allows the vehicle outside sealed roads or into remote regions.
• One-way hires: long-distance one-way returns can be useful but may carry fees.
• Vehicle choice: a small car may suit cities; longer or remote routes may require more comfort or a different category.
• Roadside assistance: understand what is covered, especially outside major cities.

For Australia, the route and road type should drive the booking decision more than the example model photo.

Brazil can involve very different driving conditions depending on the region, from large cities to coastal roads and rural areas.

• Route planning: check road conditions and distances carefully before choosing the vehicle.
• City traffic: major cities can be demanding, so allow extra time for pick-up and return.
• Documents: confirm licence, ID and any translation requirements before booking.
• Security and parking: use secure parking where possible and avoid leaving luggage visible.
• Restricted use: check whether rural roads, unpaved roads or remote areas are excluded.

In Brazil, supplier conditions and route realism are more important than choosing only by the lowest headline price.