Car rental in Puglia: 25 tips to avoid scams and headaches! - MEL365.com - Travel and Photography (2023)

Car hire in Puglia can be an exciting part of your trip to Italy. You will be able to experience much more than with public transport.

But I totally get it. The whole hiring process can be so intimidating.

From understanding insurance policies to avoiding scams and from choosing the right vehicle to knowing local driving behaviour, there is a lot to consider.

In this guide, I'll take you through the 25 essential things you need to know about renting a car in Puglia, helping you avoid potential headaches and ensure a smooth, enjoyable, scam-free trip.

Whether you're visiting for the stunning architecture, delicious cuisine or the warm Mediterranean sun, these tips will help you make the most of itTrip to Apulia.

Driving license requirements

Understanding the type of driving license required to rent a car in Puglia is vital.

EU and UK residents only need a standard driving license to rent a car in Puglia. Just show it to the rental office and you're good to go!

Non-EU travelers, however, also need their regular permit and permitInternational Driving Permit (IDP) for Italy. The IDP serves as a language translation guide for global license recognition.

To obtain an IDP, contact your local automobile manufacturer.

For the US, Canada and Australia, you can apply for an IDP nearbyAmerican Automobile Association (AAA)position,Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)IAustralian Automobile Association, this is.

Online applications are available and the IDP is delivered in a few days. The process is simple and the price ranges between $20 and $40.

Having the right license isn't just a matter of legality. it is also for your safety.

Also, no one wants to start their vacation with fines, or even worse, legal trouble, because they don't have the proper permit.

Although some companies can rent a car in Puglia even without an IDP (and without a European license), insurance issues can arise when necessary. Therefore, IDP is highly recommended.

The driver's side

This part is not relevant for those who know how to drive on the right (go straight to the next session).

For those used to driving on the left, there may be a bit of a learning curve at first. However, trust me, it won't take long to adjust.

Here are two quick tips:

• Follow other cars as a reference for the first few days of driving on the "wrong" side.
• If you are not sure which way to drive, stop and wait for other cars. You're probably on the wrong side.

Considering an automatic car can reduce anxiety and make the transition to right-hand drive easier.

However, automatic cars tend to be more expensive to rent in Puglia and options can be limited.

Regardless of your choice, manual or automatic, you'll conquer the winding roads of Apulia in no time.

And trust me, the amazing views you'll experience will make every moment of adjustment worth it.

My advice for adjusting to driving on the right is to plan your route in advance. Familiarize yourself with the general layout of the roads and any major intersections you may encounter. Using a GPS app like Google Maps helps a lot.

Car rental and rental terms you need to know

The terms and conditions may seem tedious, but it is important to review them before booking a car and starting your journey.

TheThe minimum age to rent a car in Puglia is generally 21 years, although this may vary between rental companies. If you're under 25, expect a "young driver surcharge".

And now for the car itself.

The options are usually different. From compact, eco-friendly cars perfect for city exploration to larger, more rugged vehicles for off-road adventures, you've got a wide range to choose from.

However, popular car models tend to book up quickly, especially during peak season. It is therefore recommended to book in advance, especially if you are visiting Puglia in July and August.

The terms and conditions of the rental agreement may not be the most exciting read, but they are worth reviewing.

Search for key terms such as 'additional driver', 'fuel policy' and 'mileage limit'.

An "extra driver" charge applies if you want to share driving responsibilities, a "fuel policy" indicates whether you must return the car with a full tank, and a "mileage limit" states the mileage limit.

If you plan to leave your car elsewhere, expect additional costs.

Check for hidden fees such as cleaning fees, late return fees or toll fees.

Also, be sure of the "overinsurance" clause. It sets the maximum amount you have to pay if the car is damaged. You can often reduce this amount by paying additional daily insurance.

Finally, you don't want to incur unnecessary cleaning costs. Keep it nice and tidy and you should have no problem.

Here is a short table summarizing most of the terms.

I usually rent cars fromDiscoverCars, an aggregator site that works like AirBnb for cars with rental agency reviews submitted by real customers. Any score above 7/10 is a good indicator of service quality (including the absence of fraud).

DiscoverCarsalso compares prices online providing the best deals from global companies as well as local rental agencies.

Car rental insurance in Puglia

Insurance is a key part of car hire anywhere in the world and Puglia is no exception.

Standard insurance usually covers liability, theft and collision damage. However, it often includes an additional (deductible) fee that you are responsible for paying in the event of a claim.

To avoid this, many people choose to take out additional insurance such as excess collision damage waiver (SCDW) or zero excess insurance (also known as comprehensive insurance). They will cover the excess so you don't have to pay anything in the event of an accident. It is very practical when you haveitinerary of 7-10 days in Apuliaand you don't want to waste time on potential problems like minor damages.

However, please note that comprehensive insurance may not cover the interior of the car. Avoid, for example, sitting wet after swimming in the sea. This can easily leave a white halo on the seats.

My advice:Get full insurance (no excess) when you book your car atDiscoverCars. It costs less than 8 euros/day, a real opportunity for a carefree experience!

The size of the rental car in Puglia

When renting a car in Puglia, it's important to choose the right size vehicle for your travel needs.

Compact cars like the Peugeot 108, Opel Karl and Fiat Panda are usually at the smaller end of the range, ideal for navigating the narrow streets of historic Apulian towns like Ostuni or Locorotondo and for easy parking in tight spaces. However, these compact vehicles may not be suitable if you are carrying a large amount of luggage or if you are a tall person.

Then you have your economy and compact cars. They are slightly larger and offer more space in the trunk, ideal if you plan to buy souvenirs or local products in the famous markets of the area. They are still relatively small, which makes them suitable for maneuvering on the roads of Puglia.

For family or group travel, or if you just like more space, full-size cars are the way to go. These vehicles offer more legroom and boot space, making them a comfortable choice for longer journeys such as driving from Bari to Lecce.

If you're looking for luxury and comfort, consider high-end cars like BMW and Mercedes. It is perfect if you are on a business trip or want to have fun during your vacation.

Finally, you also have the option of renting an SUV.

They are ideal if you plan to drive on unspoilt roads or want to explore the Apulian landscape. However, keep in mind that finding parking for these larger vehicles can be difficult, especially in busier city centers.

Where do you decide to stay in Puglia?it can also affect your choice of car size.

If you're in a busy city like Bari or Lecce, a compact car might be the best option.

On the other hand, if you live in a smaller city orplans to visit Puglia extensively, a larger vehicle may be more practical.

Type of roads in Puglia

Puglia's road network is as diverse as its stunning landscapes, ranging from modern motorways to charming country lanes.

TheAutostradait is the main traffic artery in the area with a toll collection system. This road offers the fastest way to get from one place to another, usually with smooth asphalt and clear signs. Unfortunately, there is only one Hway and it only covers a few cities/towns/regions. You can easily drive from the Gargano border (in the north of Puglia) to Bari and up to Taranto and that's about it.

TheHighwayis a two-lane road that connects the south of the area. It is very similar to the Hway, but not as well maintained. But the advantage is that it is free. The Superstrada is categorized as aHighway.

Then you haveState Roads (SS)that is, state roads. They are shorter than highways and are often single lane. They can take you through some of Puglia's most picturesque landscapes, but they can also present challenges with tighter turns and slower speed limits.

They are even smallerProvincial Roads (SP), i.e. country roads. These local roads may vary in quality. Some are well maintained, while others are worse. However, they offer the opportunity to discover Puglia's hidden gems off the beaten track.

Driving in urban areas can be difficult due to narrow roads, especially in older cities. In addition, some city centers have ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) areas where driving is restricted.

Finally, rural and mountain roads tend to be narrow, winding and sometimes unpaved. These routes are best driven by an SUV or car with good ground clearance. These roads offer some of the most scenic routes in Puglia, taking you through olive groves and vineyards.

Speed ​​limits

In short, this is a table of standard speed limits.

I want to add one simple thing. Don't drive over the limit for your safety, but also because there are a lot of themSpeed ​​cameras(speed cameras) in the area and a lot of police, especially in the summer, who control the speed of cars.

Don't be fooled by locals who drive over the limit. There is no point in competing on public roads.

Tolls in Puglia

Most of the area is toll free which is great.

The A14 motorway is the only toll road in Puglia and connects the region with other parts of Italy.

This road runs from Bologna in the north to Taranto in the south, passing important Apulian cities such as Bari and Foggia.

It is a modern highway maintainedMotorways to Italy.

When you enter the toll booth, you will get the ticket from the machine. Keep this map safe as you will need to show it when you exit the motorway to calculate the toll.

Charges depend on how far you drive on the motorway. You can pay the toll by credit card or cash.

To give you an idea of ​​the cost, here is a summary of the toll table in and out of Puglia with the main exits:

These costs are approximate only and may vary depending on your departure station (distance traveled) and any changes during the year.

You should check back for the most up-to-date informationAutostrade website in Italyor use a navigation app like Google Maps that includes toll information.

GPS and navigation systems - How to drive in Puglia

Sailing in Puglia can be an adventure in itself, with winding roads and picturesque landscapes waiting to be explored. Using a GPS or navigation system can make this experience much easier.

While most rental cars in Puglia are equipped with a GPS system, it's always a good idea to double check when booking your vehicle. If not, you can always pay extra for it.

However, based on my experience, I recommend using Google Maps or Waze. The maps on the rental GPS are usually outdated, at least most of the time.

Just be aware that they use data from your data plan, so make sure you have a roaming contract or buy a local SIM card, which is usually cheap.

You can always download maps and use GPS offline.

The internet connection helps with traffic and real-time information such as traffic accidents or road closures.

Avoid ZTL areas

ZTL stands for "Zona Traffico Limitato" or Limited Traffic Zone. These zones are common in many Italian cities, including some in Puglia, such as Bari and Lecce, to reduce congestion and pollution.

You cannot drive inside the ZTL or you will likely be fined (most ZTLs have cameras). Be sure to check local regulations and signs for these zones, as sometimes they may only apply at certain times or on certain days.

If your property is within the ZTL, please contact them first. They may be able to arrange a temporary permit for you to unload your luggage or even park inside.

Here below is a typical ZTL badge

Parking u Pugliji

Parking in Puglia depends on the location. In larger cities like Bari or Lecce, parking can be more of a challenge, especially in the city centers.

Look out for paid parking zones, marked with blue lines, and don't forget to buy a ticket at the nearby parking machine.

In smaller towns and rural areas, parking is generally easier and often free.

However, it is important to check for signs of restrictions.

White lines indicate free parking, blue lines are paid areas and yellow lines are reserved for disabled drivers, residents or delivery vehicles.

Download the EasyPark app on your mobile and you will only pay for the time you park your car. No more stress about reducing or extending parking time.

Petrol and fuel stations

Gas stations in Puglia are many and you will find both self-service and full-service. Note that many self-service stations are closed on Sundays, but automated pumps accept credit cards and are available 24 hours a day.

When you rent a car, check if it uses petrol (full) or diesel (diesel). It is usually written on the cap. Don't fill it with the wrong fluid, it can be expensive to fix the mistake.

Gas stations offer 2 types of services:

• It is served: they come to help you with the gas. They fill the tank and you can pay directly to the person providing the service. You don't have to get out of the car.
• Super Market: do everything yourself and save about 10% on the fuel price

Zones

Seat belts are mandatory in Italy, both in the front and back seats. Children under 12 years of age or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

In Puglia you may see some people and children who do not follow these rules, however, do not be tempted to do the same for your safety and a healthy penalty if you are stopped by the police.

It is also worth noting thatillegal driving in flip flops. This may seem like an unusual law, but it is taken seriously in Italy and can lead to fines if broken.

Drinking and driving

The legal blood alcohol content limit in Italy is 0.05%. This is lower than in most countries in the world.

For example, you are likely to exceed the limit after the second glass of wine or beer (if you are not eating).

If your driving license is more than 3 years old, do not drink any alcohol because the limit drops to 0%.

Penalties for drink driving are severe in Italy, including large fines, driving bans and prison terms in serious cases.

So drink driving is not a real option.

If you plan to visit a winery, it might be a good idea to join an organized experience for a carefree time or arrange a guide who should limit your drinking

Child safety and car seats

Italian law requires all children under the age of 12 or shorter than 150cm to use an appropriate child safety seat.

Child seats must be EU approved and children under the age of 4 cannot travel unless they are in a child seat.

Most car rental companies in Puglia offer child seats as an extra, but it's a good idea to book them in advance to ensure availability.

Driving and safety tips

The roads in Puglia are generally well maintained, but you may encounter some difficult driving situations, especially on smaller roads or in rural areas. Here are some tips for safe driving in Puglia:

• Always yield to vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated.
• Watch out for scooters and motorbikes that can sometimes appear out of nowhere. There are many scooters in Puglia!
• Use your horn sparingly and only to alert other drivers of your presence.
• Observe the speed limit. Please note that they may change depending on weather conditions.
• Never drive or talk on a cell phone

As I mentioned before, locals may not follow all the driving rules, like talking on your cell phone while driving, but don't assume you can. Healthy punishments are always around the corner.

Roadside assistance and emergency numbers

The rental company will probably give you a phone number to call in case of roadside assistance.

Here's a full table of other useful numbers, including ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia), Italy's official roadside assistance.

Public transport vs car rental in Puglia

Puglia has a decent network of trains and buses connecting most towns and cities.

You can easily navigate from A to B if they are major destinations, but this may take double or triple the time you need with your car.

If they are not the main destinations, then you will have a hard time finding your way.

Public transport can be a good option if you are staying in a city like Bari or Lecce and planning day trips.

It is also a great choice if you plan to spend most of your time on a beach, for example, Gallipoli.

What you will miss is the beautiful scenery and the stops along the way in small villages where you will experience more than just local life.

Below is a table comparing the pros and cons of the two options

9 scams to avoid when renting a car in Puglia

"No car available" scam.: Some rental companies may claim that the car you reserved is not available and will offer you a more expensive one. Always insist on your reserved car or equivalent, and if they refuse, consider taking your business elsewhere.

Excessive insurance: Rental companies often try to sell their own expensive insurance policies. Before you go, make sure your credit card or individual car insurance policy covers the rental car, and if so, you can politely decline the rental company's offer. Also consider full insurance (no excess) with DiscoverCars for less than €8/day. A real opportunity for a worry-free experience.

Hidden charges: Always read the fine print to understand any fees associated with the lease. Some companies may charge extra for satellite radio, GPS, and more. Just discard them if they are not needed

Claims fraud: Some rental companies may charge you for damage you did not cause. Always inspect the vehicle before leaving the parking lot and take pictures of any previous damage and all sides of the car. I also suggest taking photos from the inside.

Fuel policy fraud: Some companies will charge you for a full tank of gas and ask you to return the car empty, but it is almost impossible to return the car completely empty. A better option is a full-to-full policy where you return the car with the same amount of gas it had when you picked it up.

Expensive return fees: this isn't really a scam, but more of a warning that you should expect high return fees elsewhere. Try to always close the loop and leave the car where you picked it up

Fees for additional drivers:Again, more of a warning than a scam. Some companies will charge you additional fees for each additional driver. Always check the company's policy on this before renting.

Tire and windshield cover: Some rental companies may try to sell you separate tire and windshield coverage. Check your insurance policy to see if these parts are covered to avoid paying unnecessary insurance. Full insurance (no excess) with DiscoverCars usually covers this too (check at booking stage).

GPS rental scam: Some rental companies may insist that you rent their own GPS system. However, you can usually use your smartphone's GPS, which is much cheaper and often more reliable. Just be sure to download offline maps before your trip to avoid using up too much data.

Amazing scenic routes to experience in Puglia

Coastal drive from Bari to Leuka: This scenic route takes you along Puglia's Adriatic coast, passing historic seaside towns such as Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, the stunning town of Ostuni and the picturesque Trulli houses of Alberobello before ending up at Puglia's southernmost point, Santa Maria di Leuca.

Dolina Itrias: This route takes you to the heart of Puglia, famous for its ancient olive groves and Trulli houses. Start in Martina Franca and head towards Locorotondo and Cisternino, before finishing in Alberobello.

Gargano Peninsula: Start from the fishing village of Rodi Garganico and drive along the coast to Peschici and Vieste. The route offers beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and the rugged cliffs of the Gargano National Park.

Salento room: Start in Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South', and head south to Otranto, then west to Santa Maria di Leuca, before heading north to Gallipoli. This trail showcases the diverse beauty of the Salento region, from baroque architecture to beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea.