Everything you need to know about renting a car abroad

When picking up the vehicle at the rental station, the main driver is required to present the following documents:

1. A valid Israeli driver's license (plastic card)

2. A valid international driver's license

3. A physical international credit card with sufficient credit limit, issued in the main driver's name only

4. A passport in the main driver's name

Please ensure in advance that you have the credit card's PIN code.

Before leaving the rental location, it is advisable to:

1. Read the rental agreement in full

2. Check that the vehicle's condition matches the details on the form

3. Photograph the vehicle from all angles

4. Verify that the fuel level matches the agreement

5. Check that the vehicle contains the mandatory equipment required by local law

Keeping records can prevent future disputes.

If you anticipate arriving late at the rental station, it is important to contact the rental company or us as soon as possible to provide updates regarding any flight delays and the expected time of vehicle pickup.

In the event of a flight change or a switch to a different flight, please notify the station of the updated landing time and the new flight number.

Typically, the vehicle will be held for a limited period of two hours past the original pickup time; failure to provide advance notice may result in the cancellation of the reservation or a "no-show" fee.

Rental companies allow cancellations subject to the booking terms.

A full or partial refund may be available if the cancellation is made several days prior to the scheduled pickup time.

Please check the cancellation terms when making your booking.

Choosing a vehicle depends on several factors:

1. Number of passengers

2. Amount of luggage

3. Type of trip

4. Road conditions at the destination

A small, fuel-efficient car is suitable for city trips, whereas a larger, more powerful vehicle is preferable for family trips or driving in mountainous areas.

Yes. Booking in advance allows for better prices and a wider selection of vehicles—especially during peak tourist seasons.

In the event of a breakdown:

1. Contact the rental company or roadside assistance immediately.

2. Do not attempt repairs yourself without authorization.

In the event of an accident:

1. Report the incident to the local police if necessary.

2. Photograph the scene and the damage.

3. Collect the other party's details.

4. Notify the rental company as soon as possible and obtain instructions from them.

Different countries use various methods for paying road tolls:

1. Manual payment at toll booths

2. Automatic billing via license plate recognition

3. Special road stickers or vignettes

4. In-vehicle electronic device

It is advisable to check in advance how the system works in your destination country.

Some rental companies allow a grace period of up to 29 minutes beyond the scheduled return time. If the vehicle is returned more than 29 minutes late, the rental company will charge the driver for an additional day at the local rate plus local taxes. It is recommended to return the vehicle by the time originally specified in the booking and rental agreement.

Rentals based on a prepaid voucher cannot be extended or shortened. No refund will be issued by the rental company or AI Booking Travel for unused rental days. If a customer wishes to extend the rental period, they must contact the rental company directly to obtain approval and pay for the additional days at the local rate, plus applicable local taxes.

The rental company may forward the driver's details to local authorities and sometimes charge an additional processing fee.

The fine can be paid according to the instructions printed on it—usually via a website or bank transfer.

In most cases, this involves only a hold on the credit limit.

The amount is typically released within a few business days after the rental ends, subject to the policies of the credit card company and the rental agency.

If you are charged an excess fee for damage to the rental vehicle and purchased "full coverage" at the time of booking, please email us the payment receipt and any additional documents received from the rental company—including the booking number and the main driver's name—and we will arrange a full refund of the excess amount paid.

Charges from rental companies typically stem from local add-ons—such as extra equipment, an additional driver, cross-border fees, one-way rental fees, traffic fine processing fees, fuel charges (if the vehicle was not returned with a full tank), or any other coverage or services purchased when picking up the vehicle. If you did not purchase any extras at the rental location and are unsure what the charge is for, please contact us by phone or email, and we will be happy to look into the matter with the rental company.

Yes. In most countries, the minimum age is 21, though in certain countries and with specific rental companies, it is possible to rent a car at a younger age.

Rental companies usually charge an additional fee for young drivers. You should check the cost when making the reservation.

Yes, if the reservation does not include an additional driver, you can add one at the rental station; however, this usually incurs an additional fee and requires presenting the additional driver's documents at the rental location.

It is usually possible, though not always. You should check the rental company's terms in advance to see which countries you can drive the vehicle into and whether there is an additional fee for crossing the border.

For most rentals, the vehicle is provided with a full tank and must be returned full. If the vehicle is received with a less-than-full tank, it must be returned with the same fuel level as when it was collected, as indicated on the vehicle handover form.

Failure to return the vehicle in accordance with this policy may result in high refueling charges and additional fees

Not always. In Europe, for example, manual transmission cars are more common, so it is recommended to book an automatic car in advance.

Rental companies sometimes offer:

1. Child safety seats

2. GPS

3. Wi-Fi

4. Winter equipment

5. Snow chains

6. Additional driver