Greece - Korina Miller [606]
Bring Your Own Vehicle
EU-registered vehicles are allowed free entry into Greece but may only stay six months without road taxes being due. A green card (international third-party insurance) is all that’s required. Your only proof of the date of entry – if requested by the police – is your ferry ticket if you arrive from Italy, or your passport entry stamp if entering from elsewhere. Non-EU-registered vehicles may be logged in your passport.
Driving Licence
Drivers with an EU driving licence can drive with it in Greece. If your driving licence comes from outside the EU, Greece requires that you possess an International Driving Permit, which should be obtained before you leave home.
Fuel & Spare Parts
Fuel is available widely throughout the country, though service stations may be closed on weekends and public holidays. On the islands, there may be only one petrol station; check where it is before you head out. Self-service pumps are not the norm in Greece, nor are credit-card pumps, so it is always advisable to keep the reservoir level up just in case. Petrol in Greece is cheaper than in most other European countries, but by American or Australian standards it is expensive. Prices are generally set by the government, but can vary from region to region. Super (leaded) and amolyvdi (unleaded) is always available, as is petreleo kinisis (diesel).
Spare parts for most Japanese and European cars are available everywhere, although you may need to wait for them to be ferried to the islands.
Hire
CAR
Hire cars are available just about everywhere, but it’s best to hire from major cities where competition offers better opportunities to bargain. All the big multinational companies are represented in Athens, and most have branches in major towns and popular tourist destinations. The majority of islands have at least one outlet. By Greek law, rental cars have to be replaced every six years and so most vehicles you rent will be relatively new.
High-season weekly rates with unlimited mileage start at about €280 for the smallest models, such as a Fiat Seicento, dropping to about €200 per week in winter. These prices don’t include local tax (known as VAT). There are also optional extras such as a collision damage waiver of €12 per day (more for larger models), without which you will be liable for the first €295 of the repair bill (much more for larger models). Other costs include a theft waiver of at least €6 per day and personal accident insurance. The major companies offer much cheaper prebooked and prepaid rates.
You can find better deals at local companies. Their advertised rates can be up to 50% cheaper, and they are normally open to negotiation, especially if business is slow. On the islands, you can rent a car for the day for around €30 to €50, including all insurance and taxes.
Always check what the insurance includes; there are often rough roads or dangerous routes that you can only tackle by renting a 4WD. If you want to take a hire car to another country or onto a ferry, you will need advance written authorisation from the hire company, as the insurance may not cover you. Unless you pay with a credit card, most hire companies will require a minimum deposit of €120 per day. See the Getting Around sections of cities and islands for details of places to rent cars.
The minimum driving age in Greece is 18 years, but most car-hire firms require you to be at least 21, or 23 for larger vehicles.
For current rates of some of the major car-hire players in Greece, see the following websites:
Avis ( 210 322 4951; www.avis.gr)
Budget ( 210 349 8800; www.budget.gr)
Europcar ( 210 960 2382; www.europcar.gr)
Hertz ( 210 626 4000; www.hertz.gr)
MOTORCYCLE
Mopeds, motorcycles and scooters are available for hire wherever there are tourists to rent them. Most machines are newish and in good condition. Nonetheless, check the brakes at the earliest opportunity.
To hire a moped, motorcycle or scooter you must produce a licence that shows proficiency to ride the category of bike you wish to rent; this applies