Car Hire in Germany at the best rates

Auto Europe has over 60 years of experience in the car rental industry with over 24,000 service locations across the planet, making it the ultimate choice for booking your car hire in Germany. This beautiful country has so much to offer you, whether you´re visiting on business, leisure, vacation, or with your family. There is a rich and enticing history to discover, amazing landscapes to explore, as well as the German cuisine, which is an unforgettable culinary experience! We at Auto Europe particularly recommend the breath-taking cathedral in Köln, and the delightful Hofbraühaus in Munich!

Traffic Rules and Driving Tips

• Like most cars in Europe, cars in Germany drive on the right-hand side of the road and safe overtaking occurs on the left.
• The driver and the passengers must all wear seat belts while the car is in motion.
• If a child is aged 12 years old or younger, and measuring less than 1.5 metres in height, they must use a child seat as appropriate.
• In most cities and towns, the majority of petrol stations will accept credit cards as a form of payment. This may not be the case, however, in smaller towns.
• There are no speed limits on German Autobahns, but the "suggested" speed limit is 80 mph or 130 km/h.
• The speed limit for cars that are fitted with snow chains is 31 mph or 50 km/h.
• The legal limit for blood alcohol in Germany is 0.05%, which is the same as it is in Ireland. For drivers younger than 21 years old and drivers who have held their licence for less than two years, the legal limit is 0%. Auto Europe strongly recommends that you do not drink and drive.
• During the months of October/November to the month of March, vehicles supplied by car hire companies are fitted with winter tires in compliance with German laws. In some cases these are provided with the charge of a "Winterisation Fee", but in other cases this is included in the overall price of the car rental. This information will be provided in the Product Information when booking, in addition to the Terms and Conditions in your voucher.
• Germany is very concerned with its environment, which is why it has set up "Green Zones" in many towns and cities. In these areas, only vehicles with a green badge can circulate. If you book your car hire in Germany, chances are that your car will have this badge already. However, if you hired your car in a neighbouring country, you should know that it is illegal to drive in these Green Zones. You know that you´re travelling in one of these restricted areas if you see a white sign with a red circle which contains the words "Umwelt Zone".
• Please have a look at our additional information regarding traffic regulations in Germany.

Road Tolls

You will not be charged a toll for travelling on German Autobahns.

Age Restrictions

If one wishes to hire a car in Germany, they must be at least eighteen years old and have held their driving license for at least two years. Both parts of your driver´s licence must be presented when you pick up your car. In addition, drivers under 25 years old may be charged a young driver´s fee. Information regarding age and driver´s license requirements can be found on the Terms & Conditions page.

Currency

Germany is part of the eurozone, and so the euro is the official currency. The euro replaced the Deutschmark in 1999, three years ahead of Ireland. Cash can be withdrawn from any cash machine or Geldautomat, but you may be charged a transaction fee. If you use your debit or credit card when paying for goods and services, you may also be charged this fee. Some restaurants and shops accept foreign debit cards as a form of payment, but others do not. Similarly, some places in Germany will not accept cash cards at all so it would be wise to keep cash on hand at all times.

Time Zone

Berlin is GMT+1, which makes it one hour ahead of Ireland. Germany also uses Daylight Savings Time, which is in operation from the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday in October, where it returns back to Standard Time.

Language

German is the official language of Germany. However, most of the population, in particular, young people, speak English as well. If you ever find yourself in need of help or directions and are not fluent in the German, there should be someone with a smattering of English who can assist you. You will have more luck finding English-speaking Germans in more densely-populated areas than you would in rural areas.

Electricity

The electrical voltage in Germany ranges between 220-240 Volts, which is typical in mainland Europe. As opposed to the three-pronged plugs that are generally used in Ireland, Germany uses the two-pronged type C Europlug and the types E and F Schuko. It would be advised that you bring a plug adapter with you to Germany if you wish to use your own appliances.

Visa Requirements and Embassy

A visa is not a necessary requirement when travelling to Germany, but you will need to bring a valid passport with you. You should be aware that German police officers are known to ask for your identification at any given time so it would be wise that you keep your passport on your person at all times.

In the case where you require any kind of assistance from the consulate, you can find the Irish Embassy in Berlin. The contact information is listed below:

Embassy of Ireland
Jägerstraße 51
10117 Berlin

Phone (General):
+49 (0)30 220 720

Phone (Visas):
 +49 (0)30 220 72 110

Opening Hours (by appointment only):
Monday to Friday
09.30-12.30

Telephone Hours:
Monday to Friday
9.30-12.30
14.30-16.30

Visa line:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10.00-12.00

Motorhome hire in Germany

Hiring a motorhome is the ideal way to see Germany. The vast network of roads and motorways ensures easy access to all parts of the country, be it the island of Sylt, the Alps or the cities you wish to explore. Great rates and pick-up locations in major cities including Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin, ensure that you will enjoy your motorhome holiday in Germany!

Useful Links

Motorway Rules and Luxury Cars

Winter Tyres Regulations