Car rental in Greece without deposit
Being a popular tourist destination, Greece welcomes guests with amazingly beautiful nature and an abundance of ancient sights. Travelers will enjoy a pleasant stay in a resort country endowed with a mild climate and amazing landscapes.
Understanding what you need to know about renting a car in Greece will allow tourists to avoid many problems and guarantee themselves a pleasant vacation. The main thing is to get the necessary information about the conditions for renting a vehicle, as well as to analyze all the subtleties associated with driving on the roads of Hellenic resorts.
At first glance, there is nothing difficult in this, but it will not be superfluous to have an idea about the essence of a car rental agreement, traffic rules, prices, fines and parking lots.
International company or local rental
The choice of a reliable and safe way to rent a vehicle is the prerogative of car travelers. Tourists are offered several options for renting a car. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Almost all the major international car rental companies with an extensive car fleet are located in Greece. You can book a car in advance on a specialized website. This will help to carefully study the terms of rental and insurance, as well as compare the best value for money.
Most of these firms use airport terminals as the point of delivery of their services. The client receives the car immediately upon arrival in the country.
Payment is made upon the conclusion of the contract, while the rental company requires a certain amount on a bank card for a guaranteed deposit. This standard procedure covers the minimum risks of the landlord. With careful operation of the car, the company returns the amount of the deposit to the client.
The most popular car rental option is to contact a local Greek company. When choosing an office, it is advisable to pay attention to the prestige of the organization, work experience, and the presence of its own website. It is also worth reading reviews about the company.
Tourists have the opportunity to see the car with their own eyes and optionally get a test drive. Landlords do not require a cash deposit, but democratic prices are likely to hide their “pitfalls”. This may be incomplete insurance coverage or the provision of a defective vehicle.
It is recommended that you carefully read the terms of the lease agreement, mastering each paragraph of the document. It is worth remembering that Greek companies have a rather modest selection of cars, so popular models may not be available.
Car rental in different regions
There are a lot of rental car companies in Greece. Locally, they are located in major cities and individual regions – Athens, Thessaloniki, Haldikidi, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, etc.
A rented car in the island territories is sometimes the only means of transportation. Regular local buses ply along the coast without going deep into the islands, which abound in natural and historical attractions.
The roads here are winding, mountainous, narrow and represent an extensive transport network. The conditions for car rental on the islands are not much different from those offered on the mainland of Greece.
Prices – what do they depend on?
It is quite difficult to determine the exact daily price unambiguously. The average cost ranges from 30-70 euros and it depends on several factors that can affect the final amount:
There are organizations that in the contract indicate a limit on the daily mileage of vehicles as a separate clause. This is the daily distance allowed for travel. Over it can charge a considerable amount.
Moving around the country
Getting to know the country is much more convenient and comfortable, having your own or rented vehicle. Travelers can enjoy a scenic drive along excellent roads free of potholes, cracks, potholes and open manholes.
The driving culture is quite acceptable – cutting, cursing and persistently honking is not accepted here. Although local drivers do not deny themselves the pleasure of getting drunk, which is strictly forbidden for visiting guests.
Safe driving in compliance with all local laws should be the main foundation of road trips. Tourists are expected to travel along modern highways, winding and narrow mountain roads, as well as travel through numerous island territories that are connected to the mainland by ferry crossings.
Traffic Laws
Making an exciting trip around Greece, motorists in the rules of the road will not discover anything new for themselves. Along the roads there are signs according to the international standard. Driving at intersections is carried out according to traffic lights or according to the unspoken law of the right hand.
The main requirements of the Greek traffic rules are: the mandatory fastening of seat belts for all passengers in the car, the prohibition of talking on the phone while driving without a headset, compliance with the speed limit, parking only in the right place, the use of dipped beam is allowed only in conditions of poor visibility of the road, finding children before 3 years in special chairs.
fines
Greek police officers mostly speak English. They are quite loyal to tourists and do not stop motorists for no reason. Abuse of a friendly attitude will lead to inevitable punishment.
Traffic violations are punishable by heavy fines. The local police are not allowed to accept cash. Inspectors issue a receipt, which must be paid at the bank of the region where the offense was recorded.
It is important to remember that for the prompt repayment of the fine (within 10 days), the amount is halved. If payment is delayed, a penalty fee will be charged. For ignoring road signs, traffic lights, as well as crossing a double solid line, you will have to pay up to 700 euros.
Drivers who dare to drive while intoxicated will face a fine of 300-2000 euros with possible imprisonment. If a tourist has violated the speed limit, then he can be fined from 40 to 350 euros. For refusal to use seat belts, the lack of a child seat and for talking on a mobile phone without a headset, you will have to pay about 100 euros.
Speed mode
Traveling safely in Greece depends on drivers respecting the speed limit on the highways. According to the established rules, speeds up to 50 km/h are allowed in populated areas, up to 90 km/h outside the city limits, and up to 130 km/h on highways. On some sections of the highway, additional road signs inform about speed limits. Control is carried out by surveillance cameras and law enforcement officers.
Gas stations, parking lots and toll roads
It is impossible to imagine a comfortable trip by car without gas stations, which are plentiful in large Greek cities, and are rare along the highways. Service at gas stations complies with the pan-European standard – customers are fully served by the working staff of the gas station. When traveling around the Greek provinces, you should be aware that local gas stations are open until 19:00, and many do not work on Sundays. Transportation of gasoline in canisters is prohibited.
The Greek Highway Patrol strictly monitors the correct parking of cars. In order to avoid trouble, tourists are advised to leave the vehicle only in a special designated place. It is better to walk from the parking lot to the main attractions a few hundred meters on foot than to find a receipt with a large fine or no license plates.
In the central Greek cities, travelers will spend more effort, time and fuel than finding a free free parking space. The average cost of parking is 3-4 euros per hour.
Greece has six toll highways that completely pierce the mainland. Most of the roads run along the coast. Payment is collected for every hundred kilometers in cash in front of the barrier. The fare for a passenger car varies from 2 to 4 euros.
Ferry crossings
The uniqueness of Greece lies in the fact that its part of the territory is spread over the islands that form the largest archipelago of the Mediterranean Sea. The main transport link between the mainland and the islands is the ferry fleet, which connects all regions of the country.
When planning a trip to a certain island, it is important for tourists to know that without the written permission of the lessor, leaving the car from the mainland is prohibited. The cost of transporting a car by ferry can be much higher than a one-day car rental directly on the islands.
Lease contract
When planning an overview of Greek beauties and attractions by car, tourists should first find out the terms of the lease. Companies providing cars put forward the following minimum requirements for the execution of the contract:
In order to avoid possible misunderstandings, you should carefully analyze and discuss each clause of the car rental agreement. Inattentive reading of the document may cause problems in relations with the landlord. Pre-ordering a car via the Internet will allow you to scrupulously and slowly study all the nuances of the rental.
An important point when concluding a contract is to clarify the insurance risks and payment criteria in case of unexpected circumstances. All companies include in the final rental amount a mandatory minimum insurance, in accordance with the laws of Greece. For an additional fee, the client can improve the terms of insurance, thereby protecting himself from liability for car breakdowns.
Many organizations do not guarantee that a specific machine model will be provided to a customer. There is a possibility that at the time of the tenant's arrival, just such a car may not be available. In this case, the office can offer a model of a similar class with identical technical characteristics, according to the approved contract.
Do not forget about the fuel policy of car rental companies. The customer can order a car with a full tank. The level of gasoline is fixed in the contract. At the end of the lease, the transport is returned with the same amount of fuel as upon receipt.
Before paying the rent, the client is advised to conduct an external and internal inspection of the vehicle together with an employee of the company. If damage to the body, scratches, defects and inoperability of electrical appliances or other parts in the cabin are revealed, then all these malfunctions must be included in the lease agreement.
Such a precaution will save you from possible disputes at the end of the rental period. It is worth paying attention to the presence of the ordered options in the car (air conditioning, radio, navigator, alarm).
Types of insurance
No rental company will provide a car to a client without insurance. In Greece, there is a wide range of insurance kit options, the cost of which will be included in the total amount of the contract. Basic insurance is Third Party Insurance (similar to OSAGO). It includes only compensation for damage caused to third parties, and the liability for the damaged car lies with the tenant in full.
The most popular type of insurance for rental companies is Collision Damage Waiver, which is purchased separately. Here, tourists are faced with such a concept as a franchise. It indicates the maximum amount of the deposit that the client guarantees to pay in the event of damage to the car.
Companies offer tourists to take out more expensive, but with advanced insurance options. This is a full-fledged car insurance – Full Insurance.
Damage coverage is provided for even the most unlikely risks – earthquake, rockfall, flood, collision with animals. It is important to know that this type of insurance does not cover damage for broken windshields and rear windows, damage to the bottom and breakdowns of the wheels.
Payment
Tourists can pay the rental amount in cash on the spot or by bank card. It is recommended to pay for services only after a careful study of the contract and a visual inspection of the car.
International companies and some local firms require a security deposit from clients, which is temporarily blocked on the card. This global practice that has developed over the years is acceptable only for reputable companies with an excellent reputation. If the pledge initiative comes from less well-known firms, then you should contact another organization.
Separate features of insurance
For an additional payment, it is possible to add formally optional separate types of insurance to the car rental agreement, which are not included in the standard package. Various unforeseen circumstances arise on the roads, and precaution will not be superfluous.
The client has the right to insure the car against theft, fire, theft of parts, against damage to the headlights, bottom, rims, windshield and rear window, as well as purchase insurance for himself and passengers. Damages are not subject to compensation if the driver was driving while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotic substances.
Fuel prices in Greece
The price of fuel is quite high due to high taxation. In the island territories, gasoline is slightly more expensive. It has to do with transportation. The average cost of gasoline is 1.5-1.7 euros per liter AI-95 and AI-98. The cost of diesel fuel is cheaper – about 1.1-1.4 euros. Rental companies offer a wide range of small cars.
The best rental companies
An independent trip around the country by car will leave unforgettable impressions and many vivid emotions in your memory. Traveling by car allows you not to be limited to popular sightseeing routes and not to depend on public transport. Tourists can go to any place they like, stopping by picturesque bays and small villages to admire the charming nature and sights.
Such a dream vacation is helped by many companies offering car rental around the world. For the convenience of choosing trusted organizations with an excellent reputation, it is recommended to use online services for booking cars. They present a comparative analysis of all reliable and high-quality rental companies in a particular region.
myrentacar.com
Myrentacar.com is a handy site that will give you information about all local car rental companies in Greece that have been operating in this area for decades. According to the preferences of the client, the system will quickly find the best car rental deals.
The advantage of this resource is that travelers can book a specific car that will definitely be waiting for its owners. The service provides full pricing transparency, excluding hidden fees and unexpected nuances. To place an order for a car, it is enough to pay an advance payment of 15-20% of the contract amount.
View car rental prices in Greece
Auto Europe
One of the leading European vehicle rental brokers is Auto Europe. The company offers customers the opportunity to choose a machine from a large number of models in 135 countries around the world. The company does not have its own fleet and negotiates directly with international and regional rental offices.
By going to the Auto Europe website, the client indicates the exact date of the reservation, the place of receipt of the car and its class. Then several lessors will be offered with information on prices and terms of rental contracts. It is noteworthy that the service is an independent and objective organization, without advertising anyone. The ordering process is as simple as possible.
rentalcars.com
Rentalcars.com is one of the largest intermediary services in the world that organizes car rental. Using this system, the client can choose from a large list of offers of landlords the most profitable for himself in terms of the terms of the contract and pricing policy. An impressive range of cars will pleasantly surprise travelers. On the site you can read in detail all the conditions for renting a car.
What to see in Greece by car
Greece impresses with the beauties of nature, architectural monuments, original culture and unique sights. Traveling by car along the amazing land will not leave anyone indifferent. Road routes run through mountain serpentines, picturesque coastal areas, green endless fields framed by hills with dense vegetation.
Being in Athens, you can get acquainted with the oldest city in the world, which is the cradle of European civilization. It is important to know that traffic in the capital of Greece is chaotic and it is difficult to find a parking space on the streets. Tourists should see the Acropolis, where the remains of ancient temples rise on a rocky hill.
An obligatory point of visit is the mysterious place of Meteora, which is a majestic boulders, directed to the sky. A narrow winding road leads to bizarre pillar-rocks, on top of which monasteries are located. Massive hulks of bizarre shape amaze with their appearance.
The center of the ancient world is located in the sacred city of Delphi. This is a historical reserve located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, which reaches a height of 2,457 meters. Here you can see the ruins of the temple of Apollo, the stadium and the amphitheater. Walking through the ruins among the rocky landscape and cypresses, travelers can imagine how ancient priests in chitons lived here and performed religious rites.
The majestic Mount Olympus deserves its attention. Tourists are expected to rise by car to a height of 1100 meters. Leaving the car in the parking lot, a walk through the mountain range, saturated with rich flora, begins. The most enduring will reach the highest point in Greece (2918 meters).
On the island of Crete is the Samaria Gorge, during the passage of which the landscapes will change from rocky to wooded landscapes.
The island of Rhodes is famous for the Petaloudes Valley, where tourists will see a truly stunning sight – tens of thousands of bright butterflies that fly to the local territory during the mating season. Nearby is the town of Lindos with a picturesque bay where you can swim in the warm radiant water.