In a country known for cycling, most of us don’t concern ourselves with cars on a daily basis. But there comes a time in all of our lives when we’ll need a set of wheels. Perhaps you’ll have to help a friend move or take the kids to the Efteling. No matter what your purpose is, here is everything you’ll need to know about renting a car in the Netherlands.
Regulations
Before you begin your search for a rental, make sure that you meet the requirements. Though it may vary depending on the model, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the Netherlands. The driver must also have held their license for at least 1 year prior to the date of the rental. You may need an international driver’s license or translation of the license depending on the country of issuance so be sure to check with your provider. Depending on the company, it’s possible that drivers under the age of 25 may incur a surcharge fee.
If you plan to bring your children with you, make sure you are properly complying with the Dutch laws. They must be wearing seat belts at all times. Once children reach the age of 12 or a height of 135 cm, they are no longer required to use a child seat or booster. They are also legally to allowed in to ride in the front seat under these circumstances.
Rental Companies
There are plenty of rental companies for you to compare in the Netherlands. Review their policies to see which best suits your needs:
How To’s
If you’re flying into one of the airports in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven there are rental locations on site. There are plenty of also rental locations scattered around the country. To be sure the proper vehicle is available in the timeframe that you need it, it’s best to reserve online first.
Car Sharing
If you’ll need to rent a vehicle on a regular basis, the most cost-effective option for you may be a car sharing service. Dutch car rental service My Wheels has both non-subscription and subscription-based models. The non-subscription based model charges by the hour.
If you spend time between Germany and the Netherlands, Green Wheels is a company with the same concept operating in both countries. Both car sharing services have an app and both allow you to drive abroad so long as you return the vehicle to one of the countries of operation.
Tips and Tricks to Save Money
Renting a car in the Netherlands can be costly. It’s not just the vehicle you pay for. There are tolls, parking, insurance, and of course gas fees to factor into your budget. We’ve got some supportive tips to help you navigate them all.
Luckily, gas prices have been dropping since the Fall. Though, they are still quite high in the grand scheme of things. There is no magic coupon to lower your gas prices, but you can be sure to refill the tank yourself. The rates you get from the gas station will be lower than the ones the rental company charges you.
Rental prices vary between the on and off season. Depending on the time of rental along with make and model, prices range from as low as 30 euros with an economy option to as high as 450 for larger vans. Certain sites like BookingCar offer sizable discounts on all brands.
Depending on how the universe unfolds, paying for insurance will either make you save or lose money. Though there’s no way to forecast which scenario will unfold, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and pay for the insurance. When you pick up your vehicle, be sure to take a 360 video of any existing bumps or scratches to the car for some extra insurance of your own.
If you are in a city, another potential cost is the one you’ll have to pay to park your vehicle. You can find everything you need to know about parking here.
There’s no need to retire your bicycle just yet. But for those unique moments when you need more convenience and flexibility, renting a car in the Netherlands is the perfect solution. Now armed with all your options, you are ready to hit the road! Buckle up and drive safely.
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