SuntrustSome of the tips below will help you find your best deal as well as being safe when you hit the road and start exploring Karpathos island. For anything more do not hesitate to contact Suntrust!
Book in advance
When you book online in advance you will almost always get a better deal than at the counter. And it’s easier and quicker. The last thing you want to do after a long flight is deal with rental car companies at the airport and negotiate a deal. Be sure to take all your documents with you as proof of hire and your rates to avoid any hassles (scan and save in your email account).
Check prices frequently
Just like when you search for flights it pays to check prices frequently as they do change – different days and months can have different rates. If you use an aggregator site that searches all the major rental car companies at once it’s fairly quick and painless. And compared to flights, the great thing about renting a car is that reservations often times can be cancelled and re-booked.
the RIGHT vehicle
Think carefully about what type of vehicle you need. Sure it might be tempting to go for the big or the fancy car, but always think fuel consumption and the practicalities of your car. Being comfortable and safe is important so you enjoy your road trip. Don’t go small and cheap if you are crammed in like sardines.
DRIVING ON AN ISLAND
In the mountains and rural areas, driving can be treacherous due to narrow roads, blind curves, and unprotected embankments sometimes on the edge of 1000 foot cliffs that fall to the sea, or even worse, the ground. Watch out for people parked in unbelievably places like when you come around a mountain bend and someone is relieving himself or taking a picture of his girlfriend while his car is parked halfway in the road.
ROAD SAFETY, LIMITS
Always wear your seatbelt. If you have toddlers ask the rental agency for a car seat before you leave home. Kids under 18 years old are not allowed to drive. Children under 10 must sit in the back seat. Speed limits are 100-120 kmph on highways unless otherwise posted and 50 kmph in residential areas unless otherwise posted. Most road signs are pretty self explanatory. When driving to a place you have never visited before, ask for directions as you drive and make sure you have a map with you.
ReNTING A CAR, FINES
To rent a car in Greece you only need a valid license and a proof of identity from your home country. Fines are high and strict for breaking traffic laws in Greece. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign is 700 euros. Not using a seatbelt in a car or wearing a helmet on a motorbike is a fine of 350 euros. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit is 100 euros. Driving under the influence depends on how you score on the breathalyser and can be from 200-1200 euros. Most of these fines also come with a loss of license for 10 days to 6 months.