The allure of Amsterdam cannot be understated – with its charming canals, historic architecture and picturesque scenery, the city has long been a favourite among travellers. Netherlands is more than just its capital city however, beyond the bustling streets of Amsterdam there are many enchanting destinations waiting to be discovered. That’s where we come in!

Public transport in the Netherlands is excellent, especially within the city. However, if your plans take you beyond the urban sprawl, a Rental car can quickly become a necessity. Car Hire can seem quite daunting to first-time travelers, but with our guide, we can make sure you rental experience is as smooth and seamless as possible!

Step 1 – Preparation!

Determine your needs. The first and most important step is deciding on what sort of car you need and where you are going to go. Are you just going for a small weekend getaway with your partner? Then a small economy city car is likely your best bet. Going on a European Road Trip with the whole family? Perhaps a large SUV would be your best option then. Do you need an automatic transmission, or any extras such as child seats or GPS? Obviously cost always plays a part but if you have a basic outline in mind then we can provide you with a few options to choose between.

Check your documents. When flying in and out of the airport, the ID required is really quite simple. You would simply just need your licence, passport, payment card and just some proofs of your flight, like a boarding pass for example. An IDP (international driving permit) is only required if it’s not an EU licence or clearly legible in English, so UK / US / AU licences are all perfectly fine for example. The main thing to bear in mind though is the type of payment card – do you have a credit card or only debit card? If it’s a debit card then we can certainly still help, just make sure you contact us directly for a debit card quote so we can ensure you’re with a supplier that can accept it.

Understand the rental policies. Make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions, especially when it comes to things like insurance, mileage limits, fuel policies and age / licence requirements. If you have any questions at all regarding them, or have any special requirements, such as wanting to rent as a young driver, or needing to cross border, then just get in touch with us directly and we’d be happy to walk you through the terms and options available.

Book in advance. Booking as far in advance as you can guarantees the most competitive rates. Similar to when booking flights, car hire rates are on a live system that increase as availability reduces, so the nearer to the date it gets the higher the cost will be. As a general rule we would recommend trying to book at least a month in advance, though nearer can be fine too as long as you don’t leave it completely last minute.

Step 2 – Arrival and Collection

Arriving at the airport. Almost all of our car rental suppliers at Amsterdam Airport have desks based straight in terminal, which thankfully makes finding the desks very straightforward. As you disembark from your flight, follow the signage leading to the car rental area, guiding you directly to Schiphol Plaza, where you’ll find the desks for all the major multinational rental companies. In the rare event that you’ve made a reservation with an off-airport rental provider, you will receive additional instructions on how to reach the branch via a shuttle bus.

Reviewing the vehicle and finalizing paperwork. Once at the desk you can go through the documentation and sign the rental agreement, but just make sure you carefully scrutinise the agreement closely before signing. Verify that all the specified inclusions and prices align with your expectations, as additional charges might inadvertently creep in, especially in situations involving language barriers. Of course if you do want any additional extras, such as additional drivers or satnavs, these can be added on here as well. After that the agent will take you to the vehicle, and just make sure you have a quick inspection of the vehicle too before setting off, notifying the agent of any damage that’s not marked down already.

Step 3 – On the Road

Navigating Dutch roads. Get acquainted with the Netherlands’ own traffic rules and road signs, as they may differ from your home country. Like most of Europe, they drive on the right as well, which can certainly take some time getting used to if you’re travelling from the UK! Be mindful of any toll roads and parking regulations too – the last thing you want after returning from a well earned break is to be hit with a bunch of traffic fines!

Make the most of your rental. Remember that the real joy of renting a car is the flexibility it affords you. Enjoy the freedom to stop at charming villages, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, and soak in the scenic beauty at your own pace. Consider taking some of the longer scenic routes to fully appreciate the Dutch landscape!

Step 4 – Conclusion

Preparing for return. Give a bit more time than necessary when returning, just to avoid any stress or delays, especially in peak periods. A majority of rentals also have a full to full fuel policy, so take advantage of this extra time to top up the fuel at the nearest petrol station before returning it. If you picked up the car with a full tank and return it half empty, there’s a high risk of incurring additional charges.

Handing the keys back. Follow the signs to the car rental returns area, park up and hand the keys back over to the staff. We also recommend giving the vehicle another quick inspection as well when returning. You’ll then be provided with a final invoice and any deposit held will get released straight back into your account within a few working days. Double check all your personal belongings too – recovering items from a lost and found in another country can be a pain to say the least! Most car rentals of course end without a hitch, but if you do have any issues or charges that you’re unsure of we are always on hand to help.

And thus your journey is concluded! We hope that this guide has been valuable, especially for first time hirers, but if you need any assistance at any point during the rental then Indigo is of course always on hand to help – just give us a call on +44 (0) 113 2899 281!

Have any special requirements? Here are some of the unique services we can offer from Amsterdam Airport:

• Debit Card Car Hire
• Young Driver Car Hire
• Low Deposit Car Hire
• Car Hire with a Maestro Card
• Cross Border Car Hire

Take a look at some of our road trip ideas below for further inspiration too:

• Switzerland Road Trip – an Alpine Adventure!
• Alongside the Adriatic – A Road Trip Through Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
• Amazing Cyprus Road Trip!

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