Richard1148

After reading various posts, it sounds like it is a good idea to rent a car in Rhodes. Do I need to get some sort of international drivers license or is my Florida license sufficient?

bg_collier

This isn't going to be much help, but...

While I rented a car for a day in Rhodes, I do not remember if this was one of the trips where I bothered to get an Int'l Drivers License or not (I rarely drive abroad). However, my advice is to get one regardless. It only takes a few minutes at your local AAA (no test, just bring your current FLA one and a small fee). It's better to be safe than sorry, IMHO. You might also inquire here:

http://www.travel-rhodes.com/

The car is only needed if you plan on touring the whole island or if your excursions take you all over. If you're going to be spending most of your time in Rhodos Town, DON'T get a car as it is difficult to find parking. If your only excursion is going to be Lindos, you might consider a bus (it's a popular destination).

Sorry this isn't doesn't help much.

Bruce
Greece Travel Photos -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm

MyriamC

Rhodos is a fairly small island. A scooter is the perfect way to tour the island. We thought it was much more fun and something different, and you won't have the driver's license problem.

Richard1148

Thanks Bruce and Myriam. I didn't want a car for the entire time, so getting a scooter for a day or two sounds like a good suggestion, especially if I won't need the international drivers license.

Hania

I have rented cars in Greece several times and I have done so in Rhodes. I have never got an International Driver's license. It is not needed. They take the information down from your license. I rented in Rhodos town and drove the loop around the island. The roads were in good shape with not too steep of inclines and a scooter would work better in Rhodes then on some of the other islands. I prefer the safety of a car. An open top one is great and you have somewhere to store your souveniers.

bg_collier

Rhodes is actually quite large (largest in Dodecanese), so getting around on a scooter would be impractical. It took me a full day in a car to circumnavigate it and I ended up having to cut out the southern-most section. If it's just to get around Rhodos Town, yes, a scooter is a much better choice. But I don't think I would feel comfortable on it, say, for a trip to Lindos. Way too far and the road, fast.

Hania has the latest info on Int'l Drivers License necessity for a car. But I've seen some funny rules applied on different islands. In Santorini, for example, I didn't have one. Without the Int'l permit, they would NOT let me rent a scooter but would let me rent a car! They said it was due to the many accidents on scooters. On Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos, scooters were no problem with my Oregon license (and I had an accident...). Your mileage may vary.

Regards, Bruce
Greece Travel Photos -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm

MyriamC

We went to Lindos on a scooter (stayed in Rhodos old centre)! No problem at all, even almost no traffic at all (month of May). Must admit that we were somewhat younger at the time. ;-)

Heimdall

Adrianna188 joined Fodor's to revive this 8 year old thread, and another that is 1 year old. Looks like advertising to me!

clausar

Adrianna188 is obviously the disguised version of George..... owner of george cars ......

Heimdall

Just to correct erroneous information in this outdated thread: If you have a US driver's license you <i>WILL</i> need an International Driver's Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece. The IDP is required for the police and for insurance purposes, not for the rental agency. Quote from the US State Dept website:

"Tourists and temporary residents who will stay in Greece for fewer than 185 days, and plan to drive, must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems."

See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1127.html