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Rent a Car Athens – #30 Smart Ways to Save Money [GUIDE 2023]

Rent a Car Athens. Smart Ways to Save Money

Explore the city of Athens in style by renting a car with our comprehensive guide!

Discover the best deals and tips for a hassle-free experience.

 

You don't need to be a millionaire to rent a car in greece, you can save money by doing this, and also avoid people freaking out when they see ...

 

Rent a Car Athens on your next road trip, and use these tips to earn additional awards, save money, and insure your rental car

  1. “Where can I rent a car in Athens, Greece?”
  2. “What are the best car rental companies in Athens?”
  3. “How much does it cost to rent a car in Athens?”
  4. “Can I rent a car at Athens International Airport?”
  5. “What documents do I need to rent a car in Athens?”
  6. “Are there any age restrictions for renting a car in Athens?”
  7. “Can I rent a car with a debit card in Athens?”
  8. “What types of cars are available for rent in Athens?”
  9. “Are there any additional fees when renting a car in Athens?”
  10. “Can I rent a car and drop it off at a different location in Athens?”
  11. “What is the driving experience like in Athens?”
  12. “What are the traffic rules and regulations in Athens for renting a car?”
  13. “Are there any special deals or discounts for renting a car in Athens?”
  14. “What are the insurance options for renting a car in Athens?”
  15. “Can I rent a car and drive it to other cities in Greece?”
  16. “What are the most popular rental car pick-up and drop-off locations in Athens?”
  17. “What are the operating hours of car rental companies in Athens?”
  18. “Can I rent a car with a manual transmission in Athens?”
  19. “Are there any restrictions on where I can drive a rented car in Athens?”
  20. “Can I rent a car with a GPS device in Athens?”

 

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Many people would take their own car on such a trip.
If you want to save money on rental or get a car that’s larger or better than your own, try renting.


Here are ten things to do when renting a car to obtain the best rate, receive extra points or cash back, and be insured in case of an accident.

 

1.Rent a Car Athens – Avoid airport locations

When renting a car in Athens, it’s important to consider where you pick up and drop off the vehicle. While airports may have a wide selection of rental shops, they also tend to have additional costs imposed by the car rental companies. This can add up quickly, especially if you’re planning a one-way road trip and need to drop off the car at a different location than where you picked it up. To avoid these extra fees, it’s best to start and finish your rental at the same location, or budget for the added cost. Keep in mind that renting a car in Athens at Airport location may come with additional cost compare to rental office located in city center. It’s important to compare the prices and location before finalize the deal.

 

2. Comparison shop – Rent a Car Athens


Make sure you’ve looked around before deciding on a certain solution.
Sites like Kayak and Priceline, which can aggregate costs from many firms, should be your first visit.

 

You could also go at Autoslash, which is a fantastic tool for finding car rental prices, tracking your reservations to see if you can get even better deals, and applying any discounts you may be entitled for.


Once you’ve discovered options that fit your budget and schedule, go straight to the car rental agency’s website to check whether the pricing you found is the same.


But before you press the “Rent” button, there’s one more thing to consider.

 

 

3.Rent a Car Athens Detail-check

Car classifications might be perplexing.
There are economy, compact, intermediate, standard, full-size, premium, and luxury cars, as well as small SUVs, large SUVs, and extra-capacity SUVs, as well as a range of vans.


To choose the ideal car for your requirements, pay attention to specifications such as the number of people and luggage it can easily transport, basic equipment such as power windows and an entertainment system, and, most significantly, whether it has an automatic or regular gearbox.


Failure to exercise due diligence may result in you being stuck with a car that you are unable to drive or that is unable to accommodate all of your passengers and luggage.


Fortunately, this information is given with car ads, so take a moment to read it and you should be OK.

 

4. Score bonuses and discounts through partnerships

Rental agencies collaborate with a variety of other businesses, including airlines, hotel chains, and credit card issuers, to provide incentives and other special discounts to members of their loyalty programs.

 

If you’re a AAA member, you may also be eligible for a 10% discount at Thrifty and an 8% discount at Dollar. Costco also provides discounts to members. In certain circumstances, membership in AAA (or other organizations like as AARP or USAA) enables you to register a second driver for free, rather than paying an additional $10 to $15 each day.

 

Additionally, consider where you have airline miles or hotel points and the car rental providers with whom they partner. Avis, Budget, Payless, Alamo, National, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty are just a few of American Airlines’ car rental partners. The benefits vary per partner, but you may anticipate savings of up to 35% on some rentals and the opportunity to earn up to 500 additional American AAdvantage miles every rental.

 

5. Boost credit card category bonuses and Rent a Car

If you have a credit card that earns bonus points or miles on general travel expenditures or car rentals, be sure to use it to pay for your rental to optimize your earning potential.


For example, for hotel stays and car rentals booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns a whooping 10 points per dollar as of August 16, 2021.


It’s also a good idea to have a credit card that generates extra points or cash back on petrol purchases since you’ll definitely need to refill a few times, including before returning the car to avoid expensive fuel costs.


Fortunately, many excellent credit cards include extra points at petrol stations.


For example, the American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card gets 3% cash back on purchases at petrol stations in the United States (terms apply), while the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations.

 

6. Make sure you’re insured.

Car rental insurance is one of the most confusing, unpleasant, and costly aspects of the process.
Your existing house or auto insurance may cover car rentals.
Check your policies to discover what’s covered.


Many credit cards also provide secondary car rental insurance, which covers theft and damage up to a monetary limit, but only after you’ve used up any other insurance.


Some credit cards provide main rental car insurance.
So you don’t have to buy a costly rental agency policy or rely on your own insurance in case of an accident.


One of them, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, reimburses damages up to the value of most rental cars in the US and overseas.


File a claim with Chase’s benefits administrator rather than your own insurance adjuster.

 

7. Consider roadside help.

Some credit cards also provide roadside assistance, which might come in helpful if you suffer a flat tire or need a tow. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers a free dispatch line to assist cardholders in locating emergency roadside assistance, such as towing and locksmith services, however you will be charged for any services given.

 

8. Rent a Car Athens – Receive status updates

Some rental agencies provide free elite status to customers using premium travel credit cards.


Examples of advantages include cheaper pricing on full-size or premium classes of automobiles, guaranteed upgrades, speedier methods to earn free rental days, and a dedicated customer care line (enrollment required).


Platinum cardholders may also participate in Avis Preferred and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards for comparable benefits.

 

9. Rent a Car Athens – BYO extras

Rental car companies will attempt to upsell you on anything from GPS systems to kid and infant car seats, which may cost up to €15 per day.

Bring any of your own gadgets or instruments if feasible. This will save you the trouble of deciding whether or not to sanitize such objects, as well as money on lengthier leases.

 

10.Rent a Car Athens – Test the tires

You go to pick up the car, confirm the information, and receive the keys.
Before leaving the dealership, examine your car for dents, dings, and blemishes.


As long as the dents aren’t larger than a quarter, don’t be afraid to alert the rental agent.
Make sure to photograph any defects before leaving the lot in case you need to submit a claim later.


Renting a car may be unpleasant and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be.


By planning ahead of time, you can save money on your rental car and other fees, locate amazing rates for your trip, and rest easy knowing that you are covered in case of an accident.


It might cost you time and money that could be better spent on your road trip.

 

11. Ten Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a Rent a Car Athens

Rent a Car from the comfort of your own home.

Car rentals in Greece are often more expensive than those in other European nations, with airport rentals being particularly costly.

Keep in mind that if you’re exploring the Greek islands, you’ll find fewer selections and less availability than on the mainland.

Rent a car as soon as you arrive in Europe.
It will be less expensive to rent a car in the United States before you go.
The sooner you book your car, the higher your chances of getting a good bargain since you can keep an eye out for price decreases.

 

12. An International Driving Permit is required.


To drive in Greece, citizens of the United States must get an International Driving Permit.
Not only is it a good idea to have an IDP, but it’s also the law from May 2018. This document, which may be acquired from the AAA, is merely a translated version of your state-issued driver’s license.
Allow yourself enough time to apply before departing on your vacation.


13. You’ll be driving on the right side of the road.


Greece is one of the majority of nations in which people drive on the right side of the road, just as they do at home.


14. Pay in euros for the rental.


Although it may seem to be more convenient to be paid in dollars rather than euros, this alternative will end up costing you more money in the long run.


To avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion costs, pay in the local currency.
The rental car provider translates the purchase amount from the local currency on your behalf if you want to pay in US dollars.
However, because your credit card issuer will execute the transaction in any currency, this step is unnecessary, and you will pay a high price for the inconvenience.


15. Automatic transmissions are more difficult to come by and more expensive.


In Greece, the majority of people still drive manual automobiles.
As a result, Greece’s car rental businesses have a relatively restricted variety of automated cars to rent.


The car will have a manual gearbox unless you expressly request an automatic transmission.
If you need an automated car, renting one from an airport location may be more convenient.
An automated car will almost certainly incur an extra cost.

 

16. Check your insurance coverage again.


Before you go for Greece, check with your credit card issuer to see whether it provides any collision coverage on international car rentals.


Fire insurance and third-party liability are usually included in a car rental contract in Greece.
These extra charges will be automatically applied to the total cost of your rental.


17. Expect difficult terrain.


Driving in Greece is not for the faint of heart, whether you’re exploring the hills of the countryside or navigating the busy streets of Athens.
There are steep slopes and one-way roads in many rural locations.
However, if you’re a calm and confident driver, you’ll be able to explore sections of Greece that most people have never seen.
Just be careful and take frequent pauses.


18. In Athens, having a car is a pain.


For starters, finding a parking spot in Athens might be challenging.
If your hotel does not have private parking, you will need to locate a private parking lot to keep your vehicle secure from theft or damage.


Schedule your car pickup time for when you’re ready to leave the city if you require a car for touring the countryside.


19. Don’t take a rental car on a ferry.


It’s tempting to attempt to drive your rental car aboard a ship bound for Santorini or another of Greece’s stunning islands.
However, your rental car company’s contract will almost certainly prohibit you from doing so.
If you are found moving your rental car off the mainland, you will be fined heavily due to the tight maneuvers onboard the boat and the potential of loss or damage.


20. Before driving the car from the lot, give it a thorough inspection.


Every nick, scrape, or dent should be documented.
Narrow, twisting roads in Greece little villages are infamous for causing car damage, so be sure you aren’t held responsible for any dents left by prior tenants.

 

21. The Most Economical Way to Rent a Car

Avoid the airport whenever possible.

When travelling into a new location, renting a car at the airport is a simple option. However, due to airport fees, this convenience may come at a cost.

Surcharges are sometimes offered as set cash amounts, referred to as “Customer Facility Charges.” You may also find them as a percentage of your total rental payment — and you may owe both.

These fees are usually a few dollars each day, but depending on the duration of your stay, they may easily reach three figures.

Compare prices at several rental outlets in the city to what you can obtain at the airport. If you rent a car further from the airport, be sure to add in the cost of a cab or rideshare to and from your rental site.

 

22. Rent a Car – Do some research on the internet.


Compare your alternatives and get the best rate by going online to sites like discovercars.com TAP HERE for best online offers
Then browse to the website of the car rental business.


You may be able to get an even better deal this way, especially if you choose the “Pay Now” option.
Just bear in mind that most rentals are nonrefundable if paid in advance.
Continue shopping even after you’ve made your reservation.


If you didn’t reserve a nonrefundable rental, you may cancel it if a better price becomes available.


23. Discount brands are an option Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget aren’t the only options.


Discount rental firms such as Advantage, Payless, Thrifty, and Dollar Rental are all fighting for your business, sometimes at a cheaper price than the big-name corporations.


Our investigation revealed that, depending on the city, the cheapest Advantage, Dollar, and similar rental was at least $5 lower than the cheapest premium brand rental on any given day.


Over the course of a longer journey, this discount adds up.


24. Take advantage of memberships

Do you have a Costco membership?
Make use of it to save money on your next car rental.
Clem Bason, CEO of the travel website goSEEK.com and previously of Hotwire.com, says,

“I find that Costco frequently outperforms full-price car rentals on online travel companies.”

25. Go for low-cost vehicles.

Economy automobiles are usually the cheapest and, as a result, the most popular.
Brett Graff, a family financial specialist and author of the syndicated column The Home Economist, thinks you may take advantage of this.


“I reserve the tiniest, most cheap vehicle possible when renting a car, knowing there’s a possibility it won’t be on the lot and I’ll receive an upgrade,” Graff explains.


Just make sure you don’t reserve a car that’s too tiny for your group, or you’ll end up squeezing five people and their baggage into a two-door coupe.


26. Only use one driver.


To add an additional driver, most rental car companies will charge you a daily fee.
This price is usually $12 per day with Enterprise and National Car Rental, and $13 per day with Budget and Avis, however it varies depending on the area.


However, there are methods to avoid paying the cost.Some businesses, like as Enterprise, may eliminate the extra driver price for a spouse or domestic partner, but both of your driver’s licenses must have the same address.


Others, like as National, waive the price for wives, partners, and close family members if you join their program.
Other memberships, such as USAA, AARP, AAA, or Costco, may also be used to gain a free extra driver with some rental car providers.

27. Get your own insurance.


If you own a car, your main insurance will most likely cover you when renting one.
Millennials that don’t own a car: Request that your parents enroll you as a driver on their insurance.
It is unlikely that it will cost you anything more if you have a solid driving record.


If you use your credit card to pay for your rental, many of them have basic insurance coverage.
As a result, you may skip it and save up to $30 per day on your rental.
Some cards even go above and above with their coverage.

 

28. Forgo the extras

Don’t bother with the extras If you buy extras like roadside help, satellite radio, and GPS navigation, the rental agency makes more money.


If you ignore their pitch, you’ll save money.


A Garmin gadget or comparable GPS navigation gear will set you back $15 or more each day.
Save money on petrol by using the GPS system you carry in your pocket.


“Why rent a GPS when you can use your phone’s Waze or Google Maps?”


If you’re traveling outside of the United States, plan your journey ahead of time and download instructions when you have access to Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, you may go old school and get a paper map.


29. TRANSPONDER FOR TOLLS

Rental car companies charge a daily cost for the transponder, which is in addition to any tolls.
While tolls are necessary, there are less expensive options.


“In South Florida, car rental firms often charge $25 per day for the SunPass, regardless of whether you use it or not,”

Instead, get a Florida SunPass for $19.99 at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Publix Super Markets across South Florida and pay only for what you use. Car IN THE CARThis one could be unavoidable.


After all, your child’s safety is more vital than a few money saved.
However, if you have friends in the area where you’ll be going, you may utilize their network to obtain a car seat to use for the duration of your vacation.
You’ll save $10 or more every day if you do this.

 

30. Calculate the cost of prepaid petrol.

Use a site like GasBuddy to find local gas stations and current gasoline rates, which you can compare to the rental car company’s prepaid rate.


Consider how probable it is that you will return with an almost empty tank.


You may just need to fill up your tank before returning the car for a short day or weekend vacation.
Longer journeys may enable you to arrive on fumes and save a few bucks.

31. Take a walk or take a ride


While these suggestions can assist you in finding a low-cost rental car, there is one more definite method to save: Don’t bother with the rental.


Most big cities have walkable downtowns and robust public transit systems, not to mention a plethora of cabs and ridesharing applications.


So, if you can, avoid the headache of traffic and frequently exorbitant parking fees by purchasing a weekend metro ticket.


Consider using a nontraditional rental car provider such as Turo or Getaround.


Some rent in the same way that Airbnb does for automobiles, with individuals renting out their own vehicles.
Others, such as car dealerships, are run by associated firms in the automotive industry.


However, many of them are less expensive than a conventional rental car, and many of them enable you to book by the hour, allowing you to avoid paying for hours you aren’t driving.


You could even be open to trying out other wheels.
For short travels, don’t neglect rideshares.


Finally, although it may seem luxurious, if you won’t be driving for the most of your vacation, a limo may be less expensive.

 

 


Do you want to rent a place in another country?
Even if you have coverage via your main car insurance and/or your credit card, you may be compelled to buy insurance.
Make this a priority in your budget.

 

While the following deals were accurate at the time of publishing, they may have changed or ceased to be available.

 

Rent a Car in Greece Q & A

What are the conditions of renting a car?

Valid driver’s license with a minimum age of 21 years old that has been valid for at least three years.
To make the payment and retain the deposit, you’ll need a credit card.

Am I covered by my car insurance when I rent a car?

When you hire a car, you’re liable for any loss or damage to the car and third-party property. (You’re already covered for injuries to other road users via the hire car’s registration, which includes compulsory third party (CTP) insurance.)

Is renting a car in Greece a wise idea?

Greece is one of Europe’s most beautiful nations, and renting a car in Greece is one of the greatest methods to see everything. We strongly advise hiring a car in Greece so that you may go at your own leisure and see all the nation has to offer.

In Greece, is it difficult to rent a car?

Because car rental companies in Greece are not subject to the same stringent regulations as those in other countries, drivers should enjoy a smooth rental experience. However, certain car rental businesses in Greece have limits for specific drivers, and drivers should familiarize themselves with a few of the country’s regulations before hitting the road.

To drive a rented car in Greece, what documentation do I need?

In order to rent a car in Greece, you’ll need a passport and a credit card.

Renting a car in Greece is how much does it rent?

Renting a car in Greece normally costs between €18 and €50 per day, depending on the kind of car. SUVs and minivans may cost upwards of €200 per day to rent.

Is a car required in the Greek islands?

All of the islands have buses, but Naxos has so many interesting locations to see that you’ll want to rent a car. In my experience, buses make it simpler to go about Paros and Santorini. However, there will be no car in Athens!

Can US citizens rent cars in Greece?

U.S. citizen tourists/temporary residents with stays less than six months must have a driver’s license from the United States and an international driver’s permit (IDP) issued by American Automobile Association (AAA) OR the American Automobile Touring Alliance to drive or rent a car in Greece.

Do I need an international driving license to rent a car in Greece?

In Greece, even in Aegina, you must have an IDP.
It is sometimes feasible to rent a car just by presenting your passport and a valid driver’s license.
It’s no issue.
If you are involved in an accident and do not have the IDP, you may face harsh consequences from the Greek police.

What should I know before hiring a car?

Before you rent a car in Calgary, there are a few things you should know.
1. Requirements for a driver’s license
2. Car rentals for minors
3. Additional driver.
4. The Cost of a Car and the Different Ways to Pay for It
5. Locations for Pick-up and Drop-off
6. Car Seats for Children
7. Protections and Coverages
8. Mileage and Fuel Policy

What happens if your rental car gets a ding?

The Damage Waiver covers minor damage to a rental car, such as scratches, dents, or a cracked windshield. Damage Waiver is an extra protection policy that you may add to your car rental agreement.

When renting a car, what questions should I ask?

The next time you need to rent a car, start with these five key questions.
1. How much does the rental cost in total?
2. Is it necessary to return the car with a full tank of gas?
3. Is there a daily mileage restriction?
4. How Does the Return Process Work?
5. What Happens If the Car Is Involved in a Collision?

Can I hire a car in Greece with UK licence?

All UK drivers should be aware that new rules for car hiring in Greece now demand the use of a photocard license.
Anyone who still retains their old paper driver’s license should be aware that it is no longer valid.

How do I get a VE103 form?

Before traveling, drivers should contact their car rental or leasing firm to get a VE103 vehicle on hire certificate.
Members of the BVRLA may purchase certificates here.
Drivers who do not have the proper documents may face lengthy waits at the border or, worse, risk having their car seized.

Is Uber available in Greece?

Prior to the introduction of Uber in Greece, the majority of people relied on local taxis, which were fairly prevalent. Unfortunately, Uber is no longer available in Athens, and you can only use Uber Taxi, which is somewhat more expensive than ordinary Uber.

In Greece, how can I get an international driver’s license? How do I acquire my IDP?

1. Fill out an online application. Begin the process of obtaining an international driver’s license. Obtain the IDP.
2. Photographs should be uploaded. Make sure you submit a current picture with the proper settings.
3. Obtain approval. You’re good to go now that you’ve received your confirmation!

Do I need an international drivers license in Santorini?

The short answer is that if you reside outside of the EU, you will almost certainly require an international driver’s license.
If you are stopped by the authorities in Santorini without an international driving permit, you will be fined heavily.
A ticket will also be paid by the shop that leased to you.

When renting a car, do you need additional insurance?

Because not all credit card and travel insurance plans cover car rental, it’s strongly suggested that you get car insurance when you rent a car. Additional drivers may be added for a fee, however this will guarantee that you are covered if a couple of you take turns driving during the journey.

What is the best way to get around Crete?

Car travel is the most convenient method to move about Crete.
Visitors may take public buses to the main cities of Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos.

Is it a good idea to rent a car in Greece?

Greece is one of Europe’s most beautiful nations, and renting a car in Greece is one of the greatest methods to see everything.
We strongly advise hiring a car in Greece so that you may go at your own leisure and see all the nation has to offer.

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