International Driver's Permit For Greece
 

I am traveling to Greece next week and we are planning on renting scooters. Will we need to obtain IDP's in order to rent? I have heard mixed information about this, and I want to make sure we are properly covered in the event of an accident. What is the turn around time for an IDP?

Thanks in advance!

I would get it, and it takes 15 minutes to get one at a AAA office.

If your driving licence isn't issued by an EU country then it's a legal requirement to have an IDP

Thank you for the assistance. As a follow up to my question, I have heard from some people that it can be dangerous to rent scooters. What are your thoughts? We are going to Athens, Mykonos, Paros and Santorini; which location is best/safest to rent and operate a scooter?

Thanks!

> it can be dangerous to rent scooters
If you're not an experienced biker it's an "insane" idea.
You do have a motorbike license, right? If not, you're limited to 50ccm and 50kph max. If you rent a bigger scooter, you're driving without licence.

The danger is from being overly-cautious on a road with lots of traffic. The tendency is to go slow, which frustrates the local drivers who are trying to go about their daily business when there are tourists slowing down to look at the scenery or just because they're not confident. Those in more of a hurry will take chances passing in tight spots to get around the 'slowpokes' which can panic someone not used to the scooter or the situation. Be VERY careful and be prepared to pull over often if you're not confident and if traffic is heavy.

Don't rent scooters at all unless you are really experienced on them. As a rule I would think 4-wheeler would be more stable anyway.

SANTORINI - I have seen SO many people on crutches, with full leg casts etc ... from Thira to Oia is particularly tricky and twisty without guard rails, and fast drivers. NO to santorini

MYKONOS - if you stick to the beach roads and don't drive after drinks, maybe 4-wheelers.
PAROS - Flatter, as a whole, 4 wheelers, with care. Beware of speeding locals.
ATHENS -- Not unless u want to die.

I agree with travelerjan on the following: "ATHENS -- Not unless u want to die." Seriously, that's no joke.

" Not unless u want to die."

I suppose this can happen in any urban city ... most will not fare as well as this lucky motorcyclist in Greece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tth9krDtxII