Driving a Rental Car in France or Europe...TIPS!

Things are a wee bit wacky here in France and Europe so you should be a little prepared for renting a car and driving over on this side of the pond. Downloading a large data file map with a GPS app on your Apple or Android smart phone BEFORE you leave home just makes sense. I was going to buy a $250 world GPS unit in Canada...but I found this nice cheaper solution. I like to pride myself on not using GPS back at home, but sometimes you have to use it here in Europe, as the labyrinth lay out of some of the cities are confusing.

While I am using Sygic, I do not know if this is one of the best examples on the market. I do know from using it that it works fine and does a great job in reminding me of the constant speed zone changes (they go from 50-90-110-70 kilometers within 3 minutes sometimes here in France!!)

Oh, and don't cheap out on the insurance. I got a "top tier" walk away and pay nothing policy for an extra 100 bucks or so per week. If you can't afford that then you probably should not rent a car. Just saying.

It is nice to sleep at night and not worry if I smoke the Fiat Panda and kill a few nice Europeans in the process...(not that I want to do any of that!).

So heed my warnings. Only the rental company and my credit card knows how many French speed radar tickets I have gotten so far...lol. USE THE APP!

Oh, and 112 is the European emergency number! English speaking operators are available, along with about 40 other languages.

In the meantime...keep your wheels on the ground!!

[robertphillips]

Thanks for the tips. And thank you for taking time on your trip to make these videos. I appreciate you putting in the time to take us along.Merci.

[Desertfox]

The French road system sounds like a nightmare come true! Hwy numbers constantly changing, speed traps, narrow roads! Good luck to you Sir!

[rosieokelly]

Very interesting Andrew..and I drive a stick :)

[hvwees]

Sygic rules I've got it too and use it a lot....

[blackturtleshow]

Interesting info! Automated tickets! Hope we don't see that here anytime soon!

[horseplop]

Is there alot, of Traffic?? I cant stand Speed traps..

[ChristaErika]

haha.. I never drove an automatic until my 30's.. and I had the bronco on two wheels.. lol. I sat on left leg the rest of the trip.. lmao.. dumb .. right?? . I miss my 5-speeds..

[norcaldave]

wow, auto fines...right to your credit card...what a rip...lol. Have fun

[CITAP]

What will the authorities do for revenue when self driving cars are prevalent and nobody speeds. Don't worry your little brain, they'll figure it out for you.