Cars in Germany: Rent Now, Says Expert
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Current car rental rates in Germany are "the lowest of the century," says Bob Bestor, publisher of
Gemutlichkeit
, the go-to electronic newsletter for travel to German-speaking Europe. Rates for rentals beginning by April 1, including tax, now start at $151 a week for a four-door compact such as a VW Golf. Even summer prices are good, so Bestor suggests reserving now and locking in a good rate—which you can cancel for no charge if you change plans.
Bestor's site arranges rentals at good rates, or you can go through individual companies,
AutoEurope
, or try one of the opaque booking sites.
No matter how you arrange it, however, try to avoid picking your car up at a "premium" location. In Germany and Switzerland, you pay an extra 20 percent of the entire rental (including tax) when you pick a car up at an airport or rail station office. Instead, arrange for a downtown office pickup and cut your costs by a bundle.