Does anybody know if I have to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Rome, Italy?

Question

We have our country driver's license, but I need to know If we need an International Driving Permit (IDP), because we already rented a car in advance. Thanks.

Answer 1

You don't need one.  I drove around Italy for three years while living in Switzerland with a USA drivers license and it is perfectly fine.

Answer 2

You do not need one. Please see my comment about driving in Italy in general under the question asked a short time ago in this section. Briefly, don't drive in any large city in Italy.

Buono Vacanza!

Answer 3

you don't if it's only for a vacation's time. You do if you plan to live here.

Answer 4

we rented a car when we visited back in march.  i dont know so much if you have to, but i recall everything i read strongly recommended having the IDP.  it was really fast and easy to get one at AAA.  it was $10 for each and the real benefit is it is in many languages, so should you need to use it there is no language issues or concerns for being a legal driver.  we never needed it during our trip, but the piece of mind was worth it.  

as for renting a car, we loved it and the freedom it provided!  we were able to explore little towns out in the countryside, stop at places along the road, and see things we might not have if we had taken a tour or the train.  but be warned, you must have a ton of patience when driving in the cities, they can be crazy and so difficult to find your way.  we looked at our maps for the parking areas that were marked and found the ones closest to a major place we could remember at the end of the day.  and even if you think you are prepared, be flexible.  we ended up driving in a mini-snow storm through perugia and assissi.  get the smallest car possible that will still be what you need.  we rented the smart forfour and it was perfect for the two of us.  if we had the smart fortwo we wouldnt have gotten our luggage out of the airport.  another thing, when in doubt, do not leave the car there!  its better to find a marked parking area.  

have fun, be prepared to get lost, and exercise the patience, you cant have enough of it!  take the autostrada if you can, it was so much fun zooming along with no speed limit.  oh, and the white/blue arrows that you see will eventually get you to the highway.  and there really is only one sign for what you are looking for, you dont see it then you miss it.  make sure you know what kind of fuel your car takes so you are ready when you get to the fuel station.

a good resource, we bought an italy map, marked it all up, and mapped out major routes from city to city with the michelin website.  it was a good indicator of time, distance, fuel amount, and toll fees.  and it had options for changing your route.

Answer 5

You do if you don't have a EU driving permit.