When planning a trip to Italy, surely you’re not planning to stay in only one city. With so many sights to see throughout the country, you’ll need transportation. Renting cars in a foreign countries and driving through unfamiliar territory with unfamiliar laws can be overwhelming or intimidating. By following a few simple steps, you’ll alleviate any worries and enjoy an amazing journey through the Italy.

When shopping for an auto rental, it’s important to remember a few tips allowing you to stick to your budget and make this part of your vacation go smoothly. When booking, make sure quotes are in U.S. dollars and not in Euros. Many credit card companies charge extra fees, usually no more than 3% of the transaction’s total, to cover currency conversion. Before completing booking, know what is included in the package; many rates will include obligatory insurance and taxes. It’s wise to make sure to read car descriptions accurately. What you think is a medium sized car, may be someone else’s compact. It’s best to shop for the exact make and model you’re looking for to avoid any surprises.

Driving in Italy is similar to driving in the States in many ways. Italians drive on the same side of the road and require seat belts any time vehicles are in motion. Most Italian cars are manual transmission, so if you’re not educated on how to drive one, you may want some training before hopping in an Italian rental. Italy’s laws also prohibit cell phones use while in motion, but an ear piece is okay. Many of the highways are toll roads that can be paid with a credit card. Don’t fret if you didn’t bring one, you may ask for an invoice to be sent to you. It is illegal in Italy to drive slower than the person behind you, so if another driver is behind and flashing his or her lights, it’s time to move over. These simple tips can help keep your Italian adventure from becoming a nightmare.