Highway vignette question
Apr 11th, 2012, 10:09 AM
#1
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Highway vignette question
We will be craving through a few European countries this summer, and I know that some of them need a highway vignette. I am trying to figure out where do we buy this from.
Czech Republic – we’ll rent in Prague, so I assume the car will already have it. Is this assumption correct?
Austria – do we buy the vignette after we cross the border? Where?
From Austria, we’ll do a day trip to Germany – do we need a vignette? Where do we buy it from?
Slovenia – same questions
Croatia - we only need to get to the Zagreb airport, from where we are flying back home. Do we need a vignette?
Thanks
Czech Republic – we’ll rent in Prague, so I assume the car will already have it. Is this assumption correct?
Austria – do we buy the vignette after we cross the border? Where?
From Austria, we’ll do a day trip to Germany – do we need a vignette? Where do we buy it from?
Slovenia – same questions
Croatia - we only need to get to the Zagreb airport, from where we are flying back home. Do we need a vignette?
Thanks
Apr 11th, 2012, 10:12 AM
#2
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When I crossed from Germany to Austria I bought it just after the border. I didn't think Germany required a vignette but I'm not sure.
A few posters have mentioned not being able to take a rental car from the EU into Croatia so please check this out.
A few posters have mentioned not being able to take a rental car from the EU into Croatia so please check this out.
Apr 11th, 2012, 10:22 AM
#3
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P_M,
In Austria, did you buy it at the border, or further down the road/highway? Do they have special kiosk that sell it?
As for the car, the rental is already confirmed. We had no problem renting in Prague and returning the car in Croatia. We are using Budget.
Thanks
In Austria, did you buy it at the border, or further down the road/highway? Do they have special kiosk that sell it?
As for the car, the rental is already confirmed. We had no problem renting in Prague and returning the car in Croatia. We are using Budget.
Thanks
Apr 11th, 2012, 11:02 AM
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No vignette required for Germany.
Austria and Slovenia require vignettes for driving on major highways. They are available at the gas stations along the highway near the borders. I recommend you buy the vignette BEFORE you enter the country and you get one unless you absolutely know you will not be on any roads that require one.
No vignette is required for Croatia. You won't need a car in Zagreb and can take public transportation or a cab to the airport. You could save some money and turn your rental car in early.
You may also get lucky, some rental cars come with vignettes.
Also, please note, each country has specific requirements about what safety equipment is required in the car. Your rental car may be properly equipped for the Czech Republic (where you pick it up) but it may not meet the requirements for the countries you will visit.
Austria and Slovenia require vignettes for driving on major highways. They are available at the gas stations along the highway near the borders. I recommend you buy the vignette BEFORE you enter the country and you get one unless you absolutely know you will not be on any roads that require one.
No vignette is required for Croatia. You won't need a car in Zagreb and can take public transportation or a cab to the airport. You could save some money and turn your rental car in early.
You may also get lucky, some rental cars come with vignettes.
Also, please note, each country has specific requirements about what safety equipment is required in the car. Your rental car may be properly equipped for the Czech Republic (where you pick it up) but it may not meet the requirements for the countries you will visit.
Apr 11th, 2012, 03:18 PM
#8
As for Austria, we always buy the Vignette in Germany BEFORE entering Austria. They are soild at gas stations, convenience stores, etc. Can't miss the signs (with a picture of the sticker) advertising them for sale.
http://goeurope.about.com/od/austria...te-austria.htm
http://goeurope.about.com/od/austria...te-austria.htm
Apr 11th, 2012, 04:45 PM
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Michael,
You are correct, our basic itinerary is N-> S from Prague to Ljubljana. In Austria we are staying for a few days in Hallstatt, with a day trip to Jenner and Konigsee and another day trip to St Gilgen. Do we need a vignette?
All,
Thanks for the recommendation to buy the vignettes before entering the respective country.
Wanderfrau,
We will not reach Zagreb, only its airport – we could not find a convenient flight out of Ljubljana, but only out of Zagreb. Considering the short distance, we decided to fly out of Zagreb. Do you have any specific safety requirement that might not be necessary in the Czech Rep, but necessary elsewhere? Other than the regular seat belts?
pja1, thanks for the picture – now I know what to look for.
You are correct, our basic itinerary is N-> S from Prague to Ljubljana. In Austria we are staying for a few days in Hallstatt, with a day trip to Jenner and Konigsee and another day trip to St Gilgen. Do we need a vignette?
All,
Thanks for the recommendation to buy the vignettes before entering the respective country.
Wanderfrau,
We will not reach Zagreb, only its airport – we could not find a convenient flight out of Ljubljana, but only out of Zagreb. Considering the short distance, we decided to fly out of Zagreb. Do you have any specific safety requirement that might not be necessary in the Czech Rep, but necessary elsewhere? Other than the regular seat belts?
pja1, thanks for the picture – now I know what to look for.
Apr 11th, 2012, 06:17 PM
#10
Just my opinion... whether you may or may not need the Austrian Vignette, it's only 7.80 Euro. Never know if you'll end up on or just prefer to take the highway. We get it no matter what when visitng/driving in Austria. Cheap "insurance" at the very least.
Apr 12th, 2012, 10:28 AM
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If you follow the "best" aka fastest routes according to Google maps you will need a vignette in Austria.
In addition, you will pay for tunnels on your Halstatt- Ljubljana leg.
But as you will enter Austria from Czech on regular highways that require no motorway toll you don't need to worry about buying the vignette before you cross the border if you don't pass a sales point for those. But do so at any gas station once you got into Austria.
In addition, you will pay for tunnels on your Halstatt- Ljubljana leg.
But as you will enter Austria from Czech on regular highways that require no motorway toll you don't need to worry about buying the vignette before you cross the border if you don't pass a sales point for those. But do so at any gas station once you got into Austria.
Apr 12th, 2012, 11:35 AM
#12
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pja1 and Cowboy,
Thanks - we'll just get the Austria vignette, just ot be onthe safe side.
Regarding tolls in all the countries listed above...do they take credit cards? Or should we make sure we have cash? Do we need exact money?
Thanks - we'll just get the Austria vignette, just ot be onthe safe side.
Regarding tolls in all the countries listed above...do they take credit cards? Or should we make sure we have cash? Do we need exact money?
Apr 17th, 2012, 02:15 AM
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Make sure you carry at least some cash at all times. You never know when you will be in need of it, especially in smaller towns and at family operated inns and restaurants. When traveling I always carry plenty of cash. I even prefer to carry cash here in the USA.
Apr 17th, 2012, 03:20 AM
#15
In Slovenia we bought a vignette almost immediately after we crossed the border (this was coming from Italy). There was a small shop that sold them, the seller did not speak English but I had read up what we needed and just pointed at the sign. You stick the vignette on to the windscreen.
We hired a car in Trieste and drove in Slovenia and Croatia. We had to tell Hertz we were going into those countries, I can't remember the details but it was something to do with insurance or registration.
Kay
We hired a car in Trieste and drove in Slovenia and Croatia. We had to tell Hertz we were going into those countries, I can't remember the details but it was something to do with insurance or registration.
Kay
Apr 17th, 2012, 05:30 AM
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ok, we'll make sure we have some cash on hand (we generally use credit cards).
LittleVicky,
Yes, the one-way fee was high (higher than the actual rental fee for 10 days), but we were willing to accept it for the convenience. When you can only go for 2 weeks, you try to use every second of it. I understand this is not an option for everyone, but we preferred it to back-tracking. Plus, we needed an automatic car, which added to the price, too
I just read the fine print of the rental agreement, and it states: " If your licence was issued outside the European Community you must provide an International Driving Licence." We rented before in Europe, and never needed in international driving licence...is this something new?
LittleVicky,
Yes, the one-way fee was high (higher than the actual rental fee for 10 days), but we were willing to accept it for the convenience. When you can only go for 2 weeks, you try to use every second of it. I understand this is not an option for everyone, but we preferred it to back-tracking. Plus, we needed an automatic car, which added to the price, too
I just read the fine print of the rental agreement, and it states: " If your licence was issued outside the European Community you must provide an International Driving Licence." We rented before in Europe, and never needed in international driving licence...is this something new?
Apr 17th, 2012, 06:46 AM
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No, needing an IDP isn't new. You need it in Italy and Greece also. Car rental agencies don't demand it, but it's good to have if you get stopped by the police.
If you're in North America, an IDP is easy to get at your local AAA/CAA office, costs about $25 including photos. They're only good for a year. We got ours yesterday!
If you're in North America, an IDP is easy to get at your local AAA/CAA office, costs about $25 including photos. They're only good for a year. We got ours yesterday!
