Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Check your license. For EU countries, you can drive in Spain with no problems. U.S. driver's licenses are usually valid for one year, and must then be swapped for a Spanish license. However, this does depend on your state, so check with your attorney.
Check your insurance. Some insurance companies include European insurance, and so you would be able to use this to drive in Spain. If yours does not, you'll need to get separate insurance. It is usually easiest to get this from the same place you lease the car. Carry your insurance documentation with you at all times.
Compare car prices. There are plenty of websites that compare dealer prices, but these sometimes aren't the final price because of hidden taxes and charges.
Ask the car rental company what exchange rate will be used. Some will use the rate on the day of booking, and others will use the rate on the first day of hire. Also find out whether the rate will be competitive.
Work out how much the car will cost in total, factoring in the exchange rate. Decide if it would be cheaper to convert the money yourself, and pay in Euros.
Ensure the car is legal. It must have seat belts for everyone, and children under 12 are not permitted to sit in the front seat. They require an approved safety seat in the back. Check if the rental company will provide this.
Read up on the laws applicable to Spanish driving. The drunk-driving regulations are much stricter, at 0.05 percent. Talking on cell phones is completely prohibited, and you may not park where there are signs advising otherwise or where the curb is painted yellow.
Take your insurance documents, proof of rental and full driver's license with you, and make sure you have these on you at all times when in the vehicle.
Check the car on arrival, and document any damage and how much fuel the car has.
Review any documents about what is required on the car's return. This will include whether the car needs to be returned with a full tank of petrol, and what charges will be applied if there is any damage. Ensure you are happy with these and understand all clauses before you hand over a deposit.