I always get an international driver's license at AAA before a trip. Once in Europe, you'll need your U.S. driver's license. Avoid renting from Europcar. I rented from them once and the car didn't even have a radio. I've rented from Hertz and Avis. Almost all the cars in Europe are standard. You can find automatics, but at double the price. Also ask for diesel, which is much cheaper than gasoline. If you're going to rent a car for a long trip, leasing is a cheaper alternative. I haven't done it, but it would be easy to do.

Be careful to drive on the correct side of the road, if that means on the opposite side!

If you book online and/or via the US side of the company, follow up with the local office from which you'll be picking up. The Hertz location I rented from in France pretty much laughed at me when I said I'd booked an automatic (and had gotten confirmation from the Hertz central reservations line I would be getting), because they only rarely have any automatics of any size around. Renting in a bigger city might have been different.

Also, if you're going to France for more than two weeks, it can be cheaper, or at least comparable, to do a lease - by which I mean, actually purchase the car with an agreement for the car to be repurchased by the dealer upon your departure. Here is one explanation: http://www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa/ [it seems you can actually pick up outside France as well now]

Only rent from American rental car companies in Europe. European rental car companies don't clean their cars between customers.

You can't use a credit card to cover insurance in Ireland. Buy as much supplemental insurance as you can afford. Once you start driving on those narrow roads, you will understand why you need it. I've never been asked for anything other than my US license when renting a car there. Much cheaper to rent a standard if you know how to drive one.

Nova and Dan Dooley sometimes have good deals on cars, but they tend to be a bit more worn that what you get from Avis, Hertz, etc.

Had no problem in Scotland, Belgium, and France with passport and US license. If you don't drive stick, be aware that automatic transmission cars are harder to come by and usually more expensive.

I just got an international DL for driving in Italy this fall. Super easy. $15 for two passport photos at Kinkos, then brought it to AAA in Tysons. I'm getting it for the just-in-case of an accident, etc. though (fingers crossed) I don't expect to actually have to use it.

Don't use EuropeCar! The car they gave us was disgusting. There were cigaratte buts in a plastic container laying on top of the center console. I do know that Hertz Rent-A-Car is in Western Europe. Hertz is always good.

Ireland is one place where I think you definitely need to get supplemental insurance (as your credit card will probably not cover you at all).

We rented a car in France this past January (rented it out of CDG). All we needed was our passports and a credit card.

Anonymous wrote:In most countries, you do not need an international DL. The experience is actually very similar to renting in the US, but be forewarned - most of the rental cars in Europe are standard transmission, so you will need to know how to drive a stick or request an automatic.

Actually, in most countries you do need a international DL, but the rental agencies won't ask you about it, so it only becomes an issue if you get stopped by the police (or have an accident). I usually get one to be safe (it costs about $15 from AAA, maybe less if you bring your own passport photo) but I admit it's not usually needed.

There are some priceline-type services-- such as autoeurope -- or local agencies that can be cheaper than just trying hertz.

Another thing that's different is you might need/want to get the supplemental auto insurance.

But I don't need to do anything special? I was specifically thinking Ireland.

It works exactly the same as here. Make a reservation on the internet/phone, show up, give them your driver's license and sign a contract. I can't think of anything that is different.
Good luck. I love driving around in Europe from country to country!

In most countries, you do not need an international DL. The experience is actually very similar to renting in the US, but be forewarned - most of the rental cars in Europe are standard transmission, so you will need to know how to drive a stick or request an automatic.

Anyone done this? How does it work? Do I need an international driver's license?