Driving in Greece

If you plan to visit and travel around Greece as an independent traveler, whether we plan your itinerary or not, we recommend renting a car. Public transport is available and reasonable, but you’ll spend a lot of time waiting, transfering, and traveling on a bus.

Hertz, Enterprise, National, Alamo, and other European chains are available on major cities cities that have international airports. A vehicle with AWD or 4×4 capabilities is recommended.

Make sure you have an IDP (International Driving Permit) along with your valid state DL, and your passport. You can drive up to a van of 9 people, i.e. driver + 8 passengers.

In the USA, the only two official agencies authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Renting a car

Most car rental companies do not require the IDP; however in case of an accident, irrespective whether you are at fault or not, the insurance company (which is not the same as the car rental company) can deny paying out.

The typical rental agreement is similar to the US, especially if you rent from a US car rental. The main difference is that 

By law it should include:

  • daily rate & mileage charge (usually unlimited)
  • TPI (Third Party Insurance) is always included in the daily price.
  • Refueling terms and cost, if they refuel.

 

Optional coverages:

  • PAI (personal Accident Insurance) that usually covers only the driver.
  • TWP (Tires/Winshields & windows) protection, also covers undercarriage damage. Must buy CDW first.
  • CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) that covers damage to car, usually with a high deductible. It doesn’t cover items that TWP covers.
  • SCDW Supplementary CDW with less deductible, in addition to CDW.
  • FCDW Supplementary CDW with no deductible, in addition to CDW.

 

Many credit cards cover these optional coverages, when you use them to charge the rental. These optional coverages can be substantial, depending on the rental agency.

All car rental agencies also put a deposit hold, in addition to the rental charges. Make sure you know the cost beforehand. The hold should be released in acouple of days, after returning the vehicle.

Road Signs in Greece

Signs are similar to other European countries, with very limited use of words. Here is a list from Wikipedia.