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Tips to rent a car in Romania

If you’re planning a trip to Romania, you might be considering renting a car to get the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. However, before you hit the road, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth rental experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you easily rent a car in Romania. Whether you’re an experienced driver or new to the road, our guide will assist you in navigating the rental process.

Requirements for car rental in Romania 

Renting a car in Romania is a simple procedure, similar to other European Union countries. Have the following documents on hand to be fully prepared:

  • A valid ID card or passport 
  • Driving license and at least one year of driving experience 
  • A credit card (some companies might accept debit) 

To save time during the car rental process, it’s a good idea to email copies or photos of your documents to the rental company beforehand. If this isn’t possible, the company may take scans of your documents when you pick up the car. 

Check Age and License Requirements 

You must be 21 years old to rent a car in Romania. If you’re under 25, some companies might ask you to pay higher fees as a young driver. Better check with the rental company for any additional age restrictions or fees. 

Non-EU citizens: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before coming in 

Citizens of the United States, Canada or any other country outside the European Union will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive in Romania. An IDP is basically a translation of the license, and it’s a small piece of paper that you will carry around with your license, so make sure to obtain one before you leave for your trip. Even if you find a rental company that doesn’t check the IDP, it’s illegal to drive in Romania without one. 

EU citizens can circulate on Romanian roads with a valid driving license issued in the European Union. 

What is the best car to drive in Romania?

Romania has a diverse landscape that has to be factored into your car rental choice. By considering how you’ll use the car – whether it’s for leisurely sightseeing, off-road adventures, or city commuting – you can select the most suitable vehicle for a smooth and enjoyable journey. 

If you plan to drive on rough terrain or in mountainous regions, an SUV or crossover with a four-wheel drive may be a good choice for a country trip.

However, a smaller car may be more practical if you plan to stick to the cities and highways. This can make navigating through heavy traffic and narrow streets easier. Additionally, smaller cars are generally more fuel-efficient, which can save costs during a long trip. 

How to get the best offer and protect your money? 

Choose a reputable car rental company

One of the most important things to consider when renting a car in Romania is to choose a reputable car rental company. There are many rental companies in Romania, but not all offer the same level of service and quality of vehicles. If it’s too cheap, it might be a catch. 

Research and read reviews from previous customers before choosing. Look for a company with a good reputation, reliable vehicles, and reasonable rental rates. Type the company name on Google followed by “Romania” or the city where you rent. You’ll find Google reviews about all the rental companies this way. 

You’ll find big global car rental companies in Romania, like Hertz or Avis. Maybe your favourite rental company is also present in the Romanian market? 

Check for hidden fees 

When you rent a car in Romania, check for hidden fees. Some companies may add extra charges for things like insurance, additional drivers, or GPS. Before you sign, ask them to break down all the fees so that you know exactly what you’re paying for. 

Book the minimum 

When making a reservation for a rental, it’s advisable to book the minimum type of car you need. This is because if the rental company doesn’t have the exact vehicle available, they may offer an upgrade to a higher category without additional cost. Once the reservation has been made, it’s not possible to downgrade to a lower category.

Book in advance 

If you want to save money and ensure that you will get the car you want, book in advance. This is especially true if you plan to rent a car during peak travel season in Romania, from June to September. By booking in advance, you can also avoid the stress of searching for transportation at the last minute. 

But don’t pay in advance 

Unless you have rented from a company before and trust them, don’t pay any advance online before signing the contract. If you change your mind or can’t make it on time, you might lose the money you’ve paid upfront. 

Be extra careful about insurance 

If you rent often and prefer to have insurance, maybe full-year insurance is a better option for you. You can buy one for around 40-50 euros. 

Avoid being scammed when renting a car in Romania

Read before you sign 

Always ensure you rent a car with a valid contract signed by the rental company. 

Make sure the VAT is included in the price you agreed on and clearly stated. Otherwise it might be added later to your bill. VAT for services in Romania (TVA) is 19%.  

If you opt for an “all-inclusive” rental, ask to see all the specific charges: rates, damage cover, extra mileage, CDW, TP, liability insurance, full fuel policy, local taxes, airport fee, breakdown assistance, out-of-hours charge, and more. 

Double-check the condition of the car 

Inspect the car yourself thoroughly when you receive it.

You should note any scratches, dents, or other damage to the sheet metal or interior upholstery in the rental report to avoid disputes later. Rental companies often scrutinize the car more closely at return, which can lead them to discover damage that was present when you picked up the car.

To avoid this, it’s crucial to meticulously document any pre-existing damage at pick-up, including tire and rim damage and even minor window chips. Use good lighting and your mobile phone flashlight to provide reflective light, allowing for accurate detection and documentation of all damage.

Take photos of the rental car when you receive it and report any irregularities right away. When taking photos, check the location privacy setting to show the location in the pictures. Even if the pictures are not entirely trusty proof of the car’s state, this might discourage the renter from trying to scam you. 

Avoid any other kind of issues car rental-related 

  • A reservation made online becomes valid only after a representative from the rental company confirms it with you. 
  • If you have any issues with the car the rental agent brings, you can cancel the rental right away. 
  • It’s recommended to have the contact information for one or two other companies as a backup in case the car you picked doesn’t meet your expectations and you want to cancel the rental. 
  • To protect yourself in the event of a traffic incident, ask the rental agent for all the necessary information. This includes what steps to take and what documents you need to present to avoid being held liable. Having all the right documents is essential to prevent the cancellation of your warranty due to a lack of information.

Have you considered other forms of transportation?  

Driving in Romania can be a bit stressful, especially if you’re not used to the local traffic laws and customs. One of the biggest issues facing drivers is the underdeveloped highway network, with less than 1000 km of highway in the country. This can lead to congestion on national roads, particularly during weekends and public holidays when traffic is at its heaviest. On rural roads, it’s not uncommon to come across horse-drawn carts or other animals, so drivers need to be extra careful.  

To be honest, the aggressive driving of Romanians has gained notoriety. Romania has the highest rate of traffic fatalities in the European Union, with 92 road deaths per million population. Indeed, this number has been decreasing due to safety initiatives implemented in recent years. All in all, while driving can be a great way to explore Romania, it’s important to be aware of these challenges and plan your journey accordingly. 

If you’re seeking a more relaxing vacation, you might want to consider alternative forms of transportation, such as buses, trains, or domestic flights. These options may also be more affordable and less hassle than renting a car.  

I suggest reading this article about How to travel in Romania on long distances, to make an informed decision that best suits your needs. 

Consider renting a car with a driver

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in Romania or if you simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, consider to rent a car with a driver. This option may be more expensive than renting on your own, but it can be a great way to see the country without the stress of driving. 

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