Renting a Car
In general the more photo ID the better for renting a car or motorcycle. The International Driver License/Permit is required for non EU nationals for driving in Greece, sometimes you can get away with moped-scooter rental without it. Your countries Automobile Club (AAA) will provide more information on obtaining one. Price @ $20. Within Greece, their AAA is called: ELPA: Tel: 7791-615-9. I have been in situations where no one asked for it and the complete opposite as well. For moped rental some sticklers want you to have a motorcycle permit also, especially during high season.
Harry's Note: I drive all the time but defensively. You can drive and be just fine if you drive defensively too!
Greece, after Portugal, has the highest death and accident rate in Europe. The Greek government recently announced a major national awareness campaign to try and remedy this situation. Long weekends, with their resultant mass exodus from cities; to return to villages or visit country homes represent the most danger.
Greek Holidays are the worst times to drive on the roads, especially the National Roads or big roads. Saturday night is the next most dangerous time to drive on Greek roads.
Although large amounts of money are being poured into the road system through EU grants, many roads remain 3 lane with the passing lane in the middle. There are also, what we would call, the breakdown lanes, which slower vehicles are expected to travel in full time. So there is no breakdown lane. Caution is recommended especially on curves.
If a Greek has a better car than you or a new sexy sports car, he/she is obligated to prove their superiority by driving to impress and endanger. Tailgating, passing on the right, speeding up just to gain a few meters...... very childish ......extremely dumb!! Not all of them of course but 95%. Its part of their mentality. I annoy my Greek friends and they call me frightened. Yes it is frightening!
Excuses such as: " But this is the fast lane" and "everyone else is doing it" are common. Wearing seat belts and cycle helmets are required by law but no one does. The Police never enforce any traffic laws. If you get in a fender bender, call them immediately on your cell phone and don't be intimidated by the blustering and posturing of the other driver who will try to make you look stupid and take advantage of your lack of Greek language skills. Call 100 or 171.
Athens is choked with traffic and pollution and parking in central Athens scarcer than Crocodile tears. Because you cant go very fast in Athens due to the traffic its safer to drive in. This past Easter, on major highways several hundred people were killed in this country, the size of Alabama or Scotland, and many more injured. Summer time many Greeks are away already so its a bit less intense on the roads. Weekends look out! Update for Katheri Deftera 3 day weekend or the beginning of Lent 2001: 53 dead, 243 injured.
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