Renting, driving, parking in Tuscany

After a few emails regarding this I thought I would share what I know regarding renting a car in Italy…So here is the good news…yes-they drive on the same side of the road as in the States. Bad news-No..they do not drive the same speed…actually speed limits are more like guidelines. They also beep to communicate -not to offend. Learn to beep without getting stressed-it’s fun really. They tail gate-they don’t mean to tailgate, they don’t even have a word that means tailgating-so don’t get worked up about it-they will eventually pass you!

I have used several online rentals-you MUST rent in advance-they don’t have oodles of cars sitting around available. I have tried Argus rentals which I didn’t love. I also have used carhire3000.com which I have had great experiences with. You will get a confirmation which you should print and take with you. Do you need a special license???hhmmm..well, the first time we went I ordered one for hubby from AAA for 20 bucks (plus cost of a passport size photo). It came back in mail quickly but looked like something we could have made in arts and crafts…very basic! Next several times I have driven without an International license. No one has ever asked me at the rental desk…although I think they are supposed to??? I printed pages of information of driving from the many expat websites (tuscan homes, auto europe, slow travel,tripadvisor,goitlay )-great information on how to drive,how to read the signs, where and how to park, etc.

We usually rent at the Pisa International Airport-after grabbing your luggage exit the airport and walk to the left and wait by the sign marked car rentals for the shuttle.

If flying into Rome, again get your luggage and follow transportation signs and walk over the cross walk..

Make sure you have a credit card with raised numbers-and not a debit card!

I HIGHLY recommend (which I have mentioned many times) to pay the extra money for an automatic and a larger car than you think you will need. IF YOU ARE FROM the States-what they say will fit 4 people will…fit 4 people…NOT 4 people and luggage!

I have pictures below of the last one we rented which was the largest and perfect for the four of us-with one carry on bag and a personal item each. ps-if you have to check luggage you are taking wayyyy tooo much. but that’s another post…

I recommend you take pictures of the car before you drive off-of every scratch and dent. and there will be lots! These narrow roads and non existant parking areas make for rough conditions for the vehicles. I have been charged later for a dent that I did not do-300 bucks! and they will not reply when you call to complain. ..so take 2 seconds to take a few pics…

Please also remember -even the automatic cars offer the manual drive feature(odd)-this feature was new to me and I kept accidentally putting the car in manual and about killed my kid and I several times…not fun!

Also just turn the key gently-you don’t actually have to hear it “crank” as we are used to ..these cars are so quiet.

Now-once you have your car follow the sign either…to the Piazza of Miracles (Tower of Pisa) or the exit signs. I love Italian towns-you follow the blue arrow signs to exit most any town-it helps you from driving around in circles.

The autostrada… ahhhhh…the autostrada, is like our interstate system except at warp speed! Now…HEAR ME…just because they are driving 180 miles an hour doe not mean you have to. They know where they are going, you do not. They know which lane to get into when it’s time to pay your toll, you do not…etc etc.(get in the lane with the picture of the outstretched hand holding money-when you get ON the autostrada push the red button and take a ticket,when you get OFF the autostrada-you pay!)

Take your time or you will miss the rolling hills, hilltop towns, sunflower fields..and who knows what else.

Don’t focus so much on street names, hwy #’s, exit #’s-as much as the town you are trying to get to. The directional signs are usually town names. There are multiple signs at round abouts-sobe careful here.

Again-do some research regarding parking. There is little to no parking in large towns-I suggest you take trains into large towns rather than driving. When you must park-do NOT do as the “Romans” do and park on sidewalks, ditches, etc-Look for carpark lots -they are easy, after you park-you look around for a pay stand…put in some coins and out pops a ticket with the time you should return-place this in your car window. IF YOU must park in a single spot on the side of the road make sure you are allow to park there. Some small towns have little men who walk around and you pay them to get a ticket! odd…but true..I always worry they are not honest but they have always produced a ticket! again-place slip in your car and don’t be late. What happens if you get a parking ticket? Usually nothing-but they can track your rental car and your credit card could be charged. Now if you get towed-call the nearest police station for help…and find a translator.

TIP-LOTS of towns do not allow cars-therefore they have car parks (like in my hamlet) where you park and walk to your destination. When booking lodging make sure you know where and how to park and if it is included in the rate.

TIP#2-Always keep 1 and 2 euro coins in your pocket for parking meters and paying tolls.

TIP #3-Review parking signs-this will save you money, hassle and worry.