Ionian Islands - Greece - page 1454

Driving Licence EU driving licences are valid in Greece. Drivers from outside the EU
may require International Driving Permits, which should be obtained before you leave
home.
Fuel Available widely throughout the country, though service stations may be closed on
weekends and public holidays. On the islands, there may be only one petrol station;
check where it is before you head out. Self-service and credit-card pumps are not the
norm in Greece. Petrol in Greece is cheaper than in many European countries, but ex-
pensive by American or Australian standards.
Petrol types:
» Super leaded
» amolyvdi unleaded
» petreleo kinisis diesel
Hire
CARS
» All the big multinational companies are represented in Athens, and most have branches
in major towns and popular tourist destinations. The majority of islands have at least one
outlet.
» By Greek law, rental cars have to be replaced every six years, so most vehicles you rent
will be relatively new.
» The minimum driving age in Greece is 18 years, but most car-hire firms require you to
be at least 21, or 23 for larger vehicles.
» High-season weekly rates with unlimited mileage start at about €280 for the smallest
models, such as a Fiat Seicento, dropping to about €200 per week in winter. These prices
don't include local tax (known as VAT). You can often find great deals at local companies.
Their advertised rates can be up to 50% cheaper than the multinationals and they are nor-
mally open to negotiation, especially if business is slow.
» On the islands, you can rent a car for the day for around €30 to €50, including all insur-
ance and taxes.
» Always check what the insurance includes; there are often rough roads or dangerous
routes that you can only tackle with a 4WD.
» If you want to take a hire car to another country or onto a ferry, you will need advance
written authorisation from the hire company, as the insurance may not cover you. Unless
you pay with a credit card, most hire companies will require a minimum deposit of €120
per day.