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Car rental in Eastern Europe
A great holiday starts with good preparation, without it turning into a chore. That’s why we’ve put together what you need to know here, always with the source.
With a Dutch driver’s license, you do not need an international driver’s license in any of our 18 countries, according to the ANWB; for Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia, the ANWB recommends it anyway. With German driving license you check this at the ADAC. Rental companies have their own rules (age, credit card, deposit), and you may not just cross the border.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · Sources are in the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this page
Most readers drive their own car. A rental car is convenient if you fly (for example to Tirana, Split or Sofia) or your car is not suitable for mountain roads.
Driving license: Do you need an international driving license?
The table applies to Dutch driving licences (according to ANWB), also for rental cars. Source: ANWB For German driving licences, see the ADAC country list. Source: ADAC: International driving licence
| Country | International driving licence (NL driving licence) |
|---|---|
| Slovenia | Not required |
| Croatia | Not required |
| Hungary | Not required |
| Czech Republic | Not required |
| Poland | Not required |
| Slovakia | Not required |
| Montenegro | Not prescribed; the ANWB recommends an international driving permit (IDP, model 1949/1968) due to possible language problems |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Not required |
| Serbia | Not prescribed; the ANWB recommends an international driving permit (IDP, model 1949/1968) due to possible language problems |
| Nordmazedonien | Not required |
| Albania | Not required |
| Kosovo | Not mandatory; the ANWB recommends an international driving permit (IDP, model 1968) because of possible language problems |
| Romania | Not required |
| Bulgaria | Not required |
| Moldova | Not mandatory; the ANWB recommends an international driving permit (IDP, model 1968) because of possible language problems |
| Estonia | Not required |
| Latvia | Not required |
| Lithuania | Not required |
Age and driving practice
Rental companies can set their own conditions, such as a minimum or maximum age or a minimum number of years holding a driving licence. Ask about the conditions beforehand. Source: ANWB
Deposit and credit card
- Almost always the rental company blocks a deposit; the amount depends on the car. Source: Sunny Cars (NL)
- You usually need a credit card in the main driver’s name, with a PIN and enough available credit. A partner’s or parent’s card is usually not accepted. Source: Sunny Cars (NL)
- Sometimes the deposit goes by debit card or cash; this is in the rental conditions of the car.
With the rental car across the border
- You must request permission for any border crossing when you book. Otherwise, or if it is not allowed, you are not insured. There is often a surcharge. Source: Sunny Cars (NL)
- Kosovo is not part of the Green Card system: when entering, you take out border insurance (liability). Ask the rental car beforehand if Kosovo is allowed. Source: Kosovo Insurance Bureau / AMRKS
- Albania recognises the Green Card, but it is not mandatory there. Source: ANWB: Albania
Search for a rental car
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Tolls, vignettes and traffic rules per country can be found at Traffic rules and equipment and on each Länderseite.