car hire in italy

Choosing your Car hire in Italy

If you're just planning a jaunt around the local resort area, a compact car with basic features will probably do just fine.

If, however, you're looking to tour a little and take in cities such as Rome, Venice and Milan then you might like to consider something a little more spacious. Oh, and air conditioning too.

Car hire locations across Italy

gosimply.com provides Italian car hire at hundreds of locations across Italy. Here are just a few where you can pick up a hire car for your own Italian adventure:

Towns and Cities	Airports
Rome - Roma, Venice - Venezia, Florence - Firenze, Turin - Torino, Milan - Milano, Naples - Napoli, Bologna, Perugia, Geno - Genova, Padua - Padova.	Milan Malpensa International Airport, Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) International Airport, Venice Marco Polo International Airport, Trieste International Airport, Southern island of Sicily Palermo International Airport or Punta Raisi

Driving in Italy

Driving a hire car in Italy is an experience to say the least. With a mix of official and some 'unofficial' road rules (not to mention some questionable hand signals), it's best to keep a cool head.

We've all seen the Italian Job, but in reality driving down stairs and sewer networks just won't do - so here are a few important things you should know about driving in Italy:

• Children under four cannot travel unless they use a suitable restraint system. Children between 4 and 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitable restraint system.
• On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine.
• A First-aid kit is advised, but not compulsory.
• Horns are widely used to warn other vehicles of your approach, although they are officially banned in built-up areas.
• Lights - dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility, and in all tunnels at all times. They must also be used when on motorways, dual carriageways, and on all out of town roads. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
• Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted.

Speed Limits in Italy

The major road networks in Italy are generally of a high standard. Speed limits vary depending on which road types you travel on:

Road Type	Dry Speed Limits	Wet Speed limits
Motorways	130 km/h	110 km/h
Dual Carriageway	110 km/h	90 km/h
Open roads	90 km/h	80 km/h
Town	50 km/h	50 km/h

Limited Traffic Areas in Italian Cities

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zones) are found in many Italian cities and towns. It is critical in Florence to be aware of the ZTL signs and restrictions. Failure to adhere will cost 82 euros each time you enter one of these areas. Often the tourist will not be aware of having crossed this line until several weeks later when:

1. a ticket arrives in the mail or
2. the car rental agency places a charge on your credit card. There is always a sign telling that a restricted traffic area lies ahead. Look up and you will see two cameras mounted high above the street. One will take your picture as you enter the area and the other will take a picture of your rear license plate.

Fun Facts

• Italy is slightly larger than Arizona.
• The famous children's story, Pinocchio , was written by an Italian.
• The city of Naples gave birth to the pizza.
• Famous Italian explorers include Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, John Cabot, and Amerigo Vespucci.
• The automobile, Fiat, is one of Italy's greatest products.
• With almost 40 million visitors, Italy is the fourth most visited country in the world.