Switching German rental car for French car. How's this done?
Mar 13th, 2003, 06:51 AM
#1
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Switching German rental car for French car. How's this done?
Hi all,
I have read ,on this site, that I can pick up a car in Germany then exchange it in Strasbourg without incurring drop-off charges. Just how is this done? I have contacted Europcar via email and they have failed to respond. Thanks for any help. Tim
I have read ,on this site, that I can pick up a car in Germany then exchange it in Strasbourg without incurring drop-off charges. Just how is this done? I have contacted Europcar via email and they have failed to respond. Thanks for any help. Tim
Mar 13th, 2003, 07:48 AM
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I think that the short answer is that you make two reservations: one that starts somewhere in Germany and ends at Strasbourg airport, and a second rental that starts there and ends somewhere else in France.
I have done the first half of this strategy (renting in Munich) with no problem. I can't see any problem with the second part.
FWIW, we got a cheap flight onward to Nice from SXB, and thus did not originate a rental there (in Strasbourg).
Best wishes,
Rex
[email protected]
I have done the first half of this strategy (renting in Munich) with no problem. I can't see any problem with the second part.
FWIW, we got a cheap flight onward to Nice from SXB, and thus did not originate a rental there (in Strasbourg).
Best wishes,
Rex
[email protected]
Mar 13th, 2003, 08:38 AM
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We did this with AutoEurope. In fact, they suggested it. We actually had the same car for both legs of the trip, only doing the necessary paper work in Strasbourg. Check out www.autoeurope.com. Look for their phone number on the site and phone them for the details.
I understand there's a 12% surcharge on the whole rental for renting at airports, so you might want to check out returning your car in downtown Strasbourg if the charge applies for your particular circumstance. Ask AutoEurope to price it both ways.
I understand there's a 12% surcharge on the whole rental for renting at airports, so you might want to check out returning your car in downtown Strasbourg if the charge applies for your particular circumstance. Ask AutoEurope to price it both ways.
Mar 13th, 2003, 09:35 AM
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Thank you Betsy. Our entire rental will only be for six days, so I'm rather certain that two short rentals might equal or be more expensive than a one week rental. If traveling longer- I would try the other method. Tim
Mar 13th, 2003, 08:23 PM
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Mite, it might work out to be less expensive to rent for a week than for six days. Also, your combo of days/countries may not matter to AutoEurope. They may allow you to swing through Strasbourg and "exchange" your car anyway. Check it out. Let us know what you decide to do.
Mar 31st, 2003, 07:54 AM
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Well we are back from our whirlwind tour of Europe. Europcar ,at Frankfurt/Hahn, switched our car from a VW Golf wagon to a Fiat Stilo. The Stilo was a little crowded for three people with 4 pieces of luggage, but I loved that little car. Shame that we can't even get them here in the states. Europcar reduced our rate by 100 euros, so I didn't put up much of a fight, I just applied the extra money towards really good insurance coverage. We honestly did not have time to try and switch cars at Strasbourg or Milhouse France, but what was the point since our 6 day rental with total coverage cost a mere $390 inclusive of one-way drop off charge and all taxes.
One more point. My goodness but don't they drive fast in Germany. It was certainly very exhilarating trying to keep up with those Mercedes, BMWs, and Audis. I would also enjoy going back to Heidelberg and spending some time there. It seemed like a very charming city. Bon Voyage all. Tim
One more point. My goodness but don't they drive fast in Germany. It was certainly very exhilarating trying to keep up with those Mercedes, BMWs, and Audis. I would also enjoy going back to Heidelberg and spending some time there. It seemed like a very charming city. Bon Voyage all. Tim
