Consisting of cathedrals, beautiful buildings, affluent culture and friendly people, Italy is every tourist’s dream come true. From great wines, to painting, books and food – this city is an explorer’s true delight.

Planning vacations in southern Europe has its perks. The places have a lot to offer than just a fancy vacationing spot. The museums, the art galleries and the great sculpture; all have a great and rich history that follows back to mesmerizing and enthralling history of this ancient country of Europe – Italy.

Luckily, the country is comparatively less expensive than its Northern counterparts and there is a lot that you can photograph and explore while you are at it. Every city of this country has its specialty and lore about the artwork of the famous painters and artists.

Since there can’t be just enough time in the world to explore all the places and cities of Italy, it is ideal to make the most out of the time that you have on hand. Renting a car would be an ideal option if you want to visit as many places you can, and don’t want to waste time on getting a ride every time.

Hiring a Car in Italy

Renting a car in a foreign country is not very easy if you do not know the language or the right place or dealer in town. It is advised that you do some research beforehand and ask your travel agent to list recommend a few car rental services in your destined city.

Like many other countries with high tourist turn over, Italy also has the facility to rent a car from the airport. You can hire a car as you arrive on your destination. However, if it is the peak of the season, you would be disappointed due to the last minute reservation going in vain.

According to the reviews and the accumulative research, car hiring is extremely inexpensive in Italy. The only thing you would probably feel expensive will be the fuel. Some car rentals might also charge you on the mileage of the cars per day. Ask your dealer to inform you about any policy they have regarding the car and its usage to save yourself from any discomfort later on.

Prices of Car Hiring

You can easily get a car at a rate as low as €60 per week and onwards. It strictly depends upon the type of the car that you have booked for yourself. Most of the car rentals do not charge much on rental services but they do on the additional services that you opt for.

To say the least these additional services alone costs you more than the amount charged as rent per day. Choose your services wisely.

Fuel policy in Italy

There is no special fuel policy in Italy for the tourists. The only hassle that you may find during your stay is to get the fuel in your car. It is not really difficult, but of course, it is time consuming. Due to the exchange rate and the different fuel rates than your country, you might find it a bit expensive.

Fuel Policy by the Car Dealers

The only fuel policies enforced are the ones by the rental service providers. In Italy, the car fuel policies are similar to the ones available anywhere in the world. Full/Full tank policy and Full/Empty tanks policy. Additionally, there are a few more options available like; Fuel up Front, Pay on Return and Bring Back Full policies.

  • Fuel up Front

In the Fuel up front facility, you get your tank filled by the dealer. This  saves you the time and hassle of getting the tank filled from the station. However, the dealer might then charge on its rates for the fuel and they can be comparatively higher than the rates available anywhere in the country.

  • Pay on Return

This option also serves as convenience for those who didn’t get the chance to refuel the tank. In this case they can pay for the fuel instead.

  • Bring Back Full

This policy is very similar to the Full/Full Tank policy. You have to bring the tank refueled at your convenience.

Popular destination in Italy

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The abundance of art, culture and romance makes this country so appealing to all the tourists. If you are on foot, you would barely be able to explore much of what you have planned. A ride at your convenience would save a lot of your time.

Out of the several most famous and worth visiting tourist’s spots to visit will be:

  • Medici Chapel

  • Florence Cathedral

  • Colosseum

  • St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Uffizi Gallery

  • Piazza San Marco

  • Vatican Museums

  • Sistine Chapel

  • Saint Mark’s Basilica

  • Milan Cathedral

  • Ponte Vecchio

  • Arena di Verona

Italy Road Rules

The driving rules in all of the Europe are somewhat similar except for a few regulations. The rules and safety tips mentioned below would come in handy during your trip.

  • You must be 18 years or above of age to be legally able to drive in Italy.

  • Drive on your right. If need be, overtake on the left.

  • Wearing the seatbelts is a must for the ones in the front seat.

  • While driving, use of hands-free is allowed. Talking on mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited.

  • If you are a tourist, you must carry your identity card, driving license, passport and your necessary paper work for a hassle-free experience.

  • Attach a telepass on your ride so the amount will be deducted from the listed account on passing through the tollgate.

  • Important signs are written with different colored texts.
    Motorway: White text on a green board.
    Main Road: Black text on a white board.

Penalties & Fines

Italy and rest of the Europe is taking effective measures to ensure the safety of the drivers and to reduce the number of accidents and mishaps. The point system works in all of the Europe is not specifically country bound. If a person loses all of its points, the driver can face the suspension of his/her driving license for a considerable amount of time in Italy, for instance, a year.

Whereas, speeding in Italy is considered as a serious breach and violation of traffic rules and can result in termination of driving license.

The limit determined for Blood alcohol level for drivers in Italy is 0.5 g, but if you have been driving for less than 3 years then there can’t be any amount of alcohol in your system while driving. There is no fortitude policy for such drivers to ensure safety on road.

Speed Limit

Ask your dealer to provide you with a handbook on the rules and regulation while driving in Italy. Ideally, the speed limit will be defined on the sign board. It is, however, advised to do the research beforehand.

Urban/Metropolitan/Downtown: 50 km/h

Secondary/Out of station small lanes:  90 km/h

Extensive/ Out of station extensive lanes: 110 km/h

Motorways/Highways/Underpass:  130 km/h

In case of adverse weather condition: 110 km/h on highways and 90 km/h on block roads.