Tomorrow I’ll be on the StarMegaDo with a bunch of other frequent flyer junkies. I’ve been on several MegaDo trips in the past, and they’ve always been so much fun, so I’m really looking forward! This year, the trip ends in Athens, so I thought it would be fun to plan a family trip to Greece using a 5-night Marriott certificate from a Flight & Hotel package redemption.
My family and kids will be meeting Dad and I in Athens at the tail-end of the MegaDo, and we’ll be spending a few days in Athens, and then 5-nights in Crete at the luxurious Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Resort, with day trips to other islands in between.
Photo credit: Marriott.com
Since we plan to explore much of Crete while we are there, it made sense for us to rent a car. I’ve rented a car previously abroad on a recent trip to Sardinia, Italy, and did not have to provide proof of an International Drivers Permit, but the car rental agency we’re using in Crete states that it’s necessary for those who live outside the EU.
More research on my end supported the fact that Greek rental agencies require an IDP, and I didn’t want to be denied a car, especially since we’re a party of 6 with lots of luggage and strollers!
Other than the potential for fines, driving in Greece without an IDP most likely will invalidate any insurance coverage if an accident should occur. We all know that insurance companies generally like to make things difficult and will find reasons to not pay out claims if they don’t have to. If you are driving without the required documentation and have to file a claim, they can deny you under the condition that you have broken the law.
Even if you’re paying by credit card that offers amazing car rental insurance such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or United Mileage Plus Explorer, they still follow the procedure and can reject claims based on those driving illegally abroad. And if the police are involved, I can only imagine that a foreigner would immediately be found at fault for failing to show an IDP (with a possible detainment in a Murphy’s Law scenario).
With that being said, I headed straight to AAA and paid the $20 fee to get an International Drivers Permit that’s valid in many countries for 1-year. You don’t need to have a membership and the whole process took less than 15-minutes. You can save yourself an extra $15 if you come prepared with your own passport photos.
The fee is well-worth the peace of mind and the avoidance of a headache in the case of an unfortunate situation abroad.
How’s your experience been driving abroad with or without an IDP? Any car rental stories from hell?
Thats a snorer ! Sorry this has been a well known fact for a very long time
I didn’t know so thanks for the info Angelina!
Same here. Never knew about IDP and I’m a AAA member. Mainly use it for discounts on my travels.
Been using AAA for our IDP for over 4 yrs. We go 1-2 x yr for 2-4 mos. Using family vehicles when in Japan, so not necessary to rent car. Works fine. Last time we went they post dated the date a month later because our current one was still in effect. They only need a start date put on the IPD. It does not have to be the day you get the IDP. Good info for someone who doesn’t drive a lot internationally.
I constantly have to get the AAA IDPs. Most Japanese rental car companies require an IDP plus your US license otherwise no dice for the rental. Getting an IDP once in a while is fine, but I am sick of going to AAA and paying them $20 a year for this stupid permit. It’s a money making gimmick for AAA. They should lower their fees or work w/ State to amend the treaty to allow for longer periods of validity.
Over the past 7 years I’ve paid at least $175+ for the IDP. ($20 for IDP, plus sometimes $15 for passport photos when I don’t have time to go to Costco first). Such a pain!
I spent our summer vacation last June in Greece and I also got an IDP at AAA. When the Sixt agent in Athens asked for my driver’s license I asked if he wanted the US driver’s license or the IDP. He said:”Oh, if you have the IDP it is better.” Thus, I don’t think it is required but for $20 it is a piece of mind. I agree that it is a stupid piece of paper that is hand written by the AAA agent and does not look that good but whatever!!!
Talking about Greece, we spent couple nights at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens and then drove to the Peloponese area where we stayed at The Romanos (http://www.romanoscostanavarino.com/) which is a fantastic Luxury Collection hotel where you can use SPG points. If you are looking for an amazing authentic Greek restaurant in Athens go to O Tzitzikas Ke O Mermigkas (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d799151-Reviews-O_Tzitzikas_Ke_O_Mermigkas-Athens_Attica.html). It is cheap and kids friendly.
Crete and Sardinia are in my top priority list for next vacation. Do you have a trip report about your trip to Sardinia? Where did you stay? Enjoy Greece!!!
Amex Platinum offers amazing car rental insurance? I thought they only offered secondary insurance.
It is secondary but they are almost painless to work with. I had two accidents (neither were my fault) and my AMEX card came to the rescue. I avoided most of the fees but was still hit with a < $300 administration fee in the end. Second time was due to a house fire and the fire dept damaged the car. I wasn't asked to pay any fees.
Both cases, I just sent in my police or fire dept report and they take care of everything else with the rental company.
Perfect timing. We’ll be in Crete shortly and I had not even thought about getting an international driver’s license. Thank you for the reminder. Did you find a good company to rent from?
Good to know. I had no idea about any of that. Thanks for sharing.