Germany is a unique beautiful country. Explore all of it by driving when you get your International Driving Permit
Germany is one of the top places with top-notch tourist attractions that is a must-visit when traveling around Europe. This country offers a variety of distinct experiences to meet all kinds of expectations and suit all possible tastes. Whatever you are looking for: great architecture, a scenic view, glamorous events, exciting nightlife, amazing and delicious cuisine, and the best beer ever – Germany has it all.
The best way to tour comfortably and enjoyably around Germany is to have your own source of transportation. But first, you have to have an International Drivers Permit for Germany to rent a car. Explore and read about it below to find out more about the country, the dos and don’ts when driving in Germany, the requirements for renting a car, and also the top iconic tourist destinations you can enjoy while experiencing Germany.
How Can This Guide Help You
Going on a trip to a country you are not familiar with can be hard and exhausting. But with the help of this guide, you will know important information about Germany that every tourist must know when visiting the country. The driving rules in Germany and the driving requirements will be discussed further. Aside from that, facts about Germany and the country’s top tourist destinations will also be introduced.
General Information
Germany has always been the heart of Europe. From the distinctive culture shaped by historical influences, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, a lot of things are available to enjoy during a trip to this country. Thus, making it a country that is a must-visit for tourists exploring Europe.
Geographic Location
Germany is in Western and Central Europe. The country is bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and France on the west; the Czech Republic and Poland on the east; Switzerland and Austria on the south; Denmark on the north; and the Baltic Sea on the northeast. It is a country with a landscape of forests, rivers, mountain ranges, and North Sea beaches. Germany’s geographic location has shaped its history both for good and bad.
Languages Spoken
German is the official language of Germany, with most of the people in the country speaking it as their first language. Other languages spoken by the Germans are Sorbian and North Frisian, Danish, Romani, Turkish, and Kurdish. English also is widely spoken in the country, having 56% of the country’s population being able to speak the language. With this, you won’t have to worry about the language barrier when you visit this country since most of the Germans do know how to speak the English language.
Land Area
Germany is the seventh-largest country in Europe. It covers an overall area of 349,360 square kilometers (data retrieved as of 2018) with a population of over 83 million. Most of Germany’s lands are used for Agriculture.
Agriculture remains the biggest land user in the country, with over 52 percent of the land area. With that, Germany is also a leading producer of food and agricultural products. It is Europe’s second-largest agricultural producer behind France, with agricultural production amounting to 53.1 billion EUR in 2017. Furthermore, it is not just tourist attractions that Germany can offer but also good quality products. Since Germany has a lot to offer, it is best to plan ahead of your tour and make the best out of your time in the country.
History
Being Europe’s largest economy, Germany played a big role in the continent’s economic, political, and defense organizations. After Adolf Hitler lost in WWII, the emergence of the Cold War has paved the way for two German states to be formed in 1949, namely the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). As France was heavily defeated in the Franco-Prussian War and Napoleon III being overthrown by the french rebellion, the events caused southern German states to support Prussia and somehow brought about the reunification of Germany.
The reunification brought problems, especially in Germany’s economy. Some problems were due to the structural problems in the European economy. And others to the costs and consequences of unification itself. Despite the problems in the past, Germany is now one of the most visited countries due to its rich culture and aesthetic tourist attractions.
Government
Germany practices the federal system. It is made up of 16 states. Each of these states has its own parliament and state leader, known as a Minister-President (the city-states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen have mayors). Every state has its police force, health, and education system. This is due to the fact that Germany grew out of the highly decentralized roman-German Empire, in which small fiefdoms had their own councils and could even coin their own money.
Tourism
Known for not just its scenic tourist attractions but also for its delicious cuisine, about 39.6 million people visited the country in 2019 only. With its culture, natural beauty, historic sites, and small towns, riches of forests and mountains, this country does not disappoint.
The combination of old charm and modern German cities makes it an ideal destination for travelers. With a wide array of food, accommodations, and drink options, Germany is traditionally less expensive to travel to than its other European counterparts.
International Driver’s Permit FAQs
International Driver’s Permit IDP or mostly known as an International Drivers License, is a document that allows the owner to drive or rent a motor vehicle. An International Driver’s Permit for Germany is significant to ensure your safety and avoid getting in trouble when all you want to do is enjoy and get the most out of touring Germany. It serves as an official translation of your home country license. Other important information found below is for you to know about using an IDP in Germany.
Is an International Driving Permit Required in Germany?
You must be asking yourself, “Do I need an International Driver’s License in Germany”? The answer is yes. An International Driving License in Germany is not necessarily required when driving in the country when your local driver’s license is in the English language. But in most rental car agencies, an International Driver’s License in Germany is required when you are to rent a car from them. That is why it is highly advisable to get one so as to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications that will hinder your trip to Germany.
What Countries Accept International Driving Permit?
An International Driver’s Permit in Germany today serves as your ticket to exploring the roads of over 150 countries. But it does not replace your valid driver’s license. It is just a translation document that translates your own driver’s license to 12 of the UN-recognized languages that you can use when driving in foreign countries. Furthermore, you can easily obtain an IDP as you can apply for it online through our website.
Can I Use My Driver’s License in Germany?
Driving with a local driver’s license is valid in Germany for six months as long as it is not expired. If it is issued by a country outside the European Union or EA/ European Economic Area or EEA and you wish to stay in Germany for more than six months, you have to obtain a German driving licence. You also have to bring your International Driver’s License to drive in Germany together with your local driver’s license and other driving in Germany requirements for you to avoid getting in trouble with the authorities.
Where to Get an International Driver’s License in Germany?
Our website’s homepage is where you can get an International Driver’s License in Germany. As an International Driving Permit is required in Germany, obtaining one before traveling to Germany is highly advised. Once you have submitted your application, the IDP team will review it, and if it’s approved, the digital copy will be emailed to you in 2 hours. Since IDP does international shipping, you can avail yours even if you’re already in Germany or not.
A lot of tourists ask themselves, “Do I need an International Driver’s License in Germany? And what are the requirements?” Anyone who has a local driver’s license and is 18 years old and above can apply for an IDP wherever you are across the globe. Applying for an IDP will not be stressful as it is very easy and less hassle. You just need to apply online and submit a valid copy of your current driver’s license and a passport size image of yourself.
Can I Use My Digital Copy if I Lost the Physical Copy of My IDP?
No, the authorities in Germany do not acknowledge digital copies of your International Driver’s Permit in Germany today. Once you lose it, you have to quickly apply for its replacement to continue driving in Germany. We process replacement requests within 24 hours after you submit your application for replacement and ship the physical copy in no time.
Renting a Car in Germany
Have you ever imagined exploring Germany in your own comfort? Like driving along the German roads and witnessing the picturesque view that comes along with it? But the question is, do you have a car already? If not, then here is some useful information for you on renting a car in Germany.
Car Rental Companies
Visiting Germany will be less hassle and more enjoyable if you have your own source of transportation. Most tourists opt to rent a car for their own convenience and comfort during their trip. You can find a lot of car rental companies online, such as Europcar. They have this loyalty program with customers who regularly rent with them that attracts tourists to rent with them. Other car rental companies that you can choose from are listed below.
- Autoeurope
- Kayak
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Rentalcars
You can also opt to rent a car after you land in Germany. There are a lot of car rental booths near the airport. The downside of renting a car at car rental booths is that prices can be much higher than the ones found online. But the good news is that you can rent a car whether you are in Germany already.
Documents Required
The important documents you need to rent a car in Germany are your local driver’s license and your government-issued document such as your passport. It is also necessary for you to have an International Driver’s Permit while driving in Germany today, as many car rental companies look for it when you rent a car from them. It can come in handy as a complement to your local driver’s license and your passport.
Vehicle Types
Different rental companies offer different vehicles for rent that you can choose to assure you to get the most out of your trip to Germany. You have the usual choices of a diesel or gas model, plus various sizes (compact, medium, SUV, etc.) and models. Automatics are more expensive and may only be available if you choose to rent a bigger and pricier car.
It is advised to rent the smallest and least-expensive manual “stick-shift” transmission of a car not just to save money but because smaller cars are easy to handle in Germany’s winding and narrow roads. If two adults or even more are traveling, it can be worth it to move up to a larger class of European cars.
Car Rental Cost
Basic rental rates can vary from company to company and country to country. The cheapest car rental fee you will find in one country can be the most expensive one in another country. Basic rates mostly include unlimited mileage, Value-Added Tax (VAT), legally required third-party liability insurance, and other add-ons. Emergency roadside assistance is usually at the cost of your rental to cover mechanical failure.
Some car rental companies usually charge extra if you plan to drive in the winter season for the snow tires. Other add-ons such as child seats, GPS, and drop-off and pick-up can influence the rental fee you have to pay. Aside from the rental fee, you also have to consider other driving costs such as fuel, toll, and parking when budgeting for your trip.
Age Requirements
Some rental companies require a minimum age of 18 for you to rent a car from them. Some also would require a minimum age of 21 or even older. Age is just one of the requirements in renting a car. Another is having a local driver’s license. There are some rental companies that require Underage Driving Free for all drivers under 21 years old. Violating the age requirement is a criminal offense that can result in an expensive fine.
Car Insurance Cost
The strongest possibility of the extra cost when renting a car is insurance. It is very important to rent a car with insurance in Germany. Your rental contract includes third-party liability insurance fees in the rental fee. This means that the rental agency will pay any claims to other parties in case of an accident. Other car insurance costs will be discussed by the car rental company.
Car Insurance Policy
Different car insurance has different purposes. By availing of car insurance, you are ensuring yourself for liability protection in cases where you experience accidents on the road. Read further below to know car insurance and what they cover.
- Collision Damage Waiver –The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers the costs of the damages the car you rented endured while using it.
- Theft Protection Insurance –This car insurance covers the damages of the car you rented if it is attempted to be stolen or it is stolen.
- Third-Party Liability Insurance –The Third-Party Liability Insurance covers the costs of the car you collided or damaged during a road accident.
Other car insurance that is available for you to avail of will be further discussed by the car rental company.
Other Tips
When traveling to a foreign country, it is important to know and learn some key tips. A tip about how to get an affordable rental car deal is discussed below.
How Can I Get a Budget-Friendly Rental Car Deal?
First things first, you have to set your budget. Before renting a car for your trip, you have to calculate the possible rental fee and extra costs that you have to spend. Then compare prices from different car rental agencies. Comparing different rates can give you an idea of what to choose that will satisfy your estimated budget.
You may also rent a car in airport car rental locations. However, airports charge rental agencies concession fees to operate on their property, and those costs get passed along to you. It’s super convenient on your part to hop off the plane and go right away to the rental car agency, but that your convenience comes at a price.
The Road Rules in Germany
It is very important to know and understand the driving rules in Germany and also in other countries you are about to visit. Doing so would ease your trip and prevent any troubles with the authorities. Here are some important must-know rules while driving in Germany: