Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Hersonissos? You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license was issued in an EU/EEA country, the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, or Liechtenstein and uses the Latin alphabet. An IDP is required if your license uses a non-Latin script, such as Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Arabic. Greece follows the Vienna and New York Conventions on road traffic, so the IDP must be issued in your home country before you travel; Greece does not issue them on arrival. Some local agencies may still ask US drivers for an IDP, but this is usually a company policy rather than a legal requirement. What's the minimum age and how much extra do young drivers pay? The minimum age is typically 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience, and drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge of €5–€10 per day. For example, a 23-year-old renting a Fiat Panda priced at €30/day during the off-peak season can expect to pay a total of €35–€40 per day with the surcharge applied. Note that renting an SUV or a premium vehicle often requires the driver to be at least 23 or 25 years old. What's the typical deposit hold and how long does it freeze on a debit card? The standard pre-authorization or security deposit for car rental in Crete is between €500 and €1,500, depending on the vehicle category and insurance package you select. A hold placed on a debit card typically takes 10–15 business days to be released after the rental period ends, whereas a hold on a credit card is usually released immediately upon the car's return. A few agencies advertise "no deposit" rentals, but they often still freeze a smaller amount (€200–€300) on your card, so it is important to get the exact terms in writing. What does "Full Insurance Zero Excess" actually cover and exclude? Even so-called "Full Coverage" or "Zero Excess" policies often exclude damage to the clutch, undercarriage, tires, glass (windscreen, windows, mirrors), and the vehicle's interior. A burned clutch from poor gear use on steep roads is usually treated as improper use, not a collision, and can result in a large charge to the renter. Some agencies sell a Full Damage Waiver (FDW) upgrade that specifically covers wheels, the underside, and glass—always read the policy line items carefully. How does HER airport pickup actually work? Legitimate Hersonissos-based rental agencies provide an in-terminal meet-and-greet service at Heraklion Airport (HER), allowing you to go from meeting the representative to having the keys in just a few minutes. Be aware that some discount operators route their bookings through off-site lots located 2–5 km from the airport, which can involve shuttle bus waits of 30–45 minutes. Always confirm in writing that your pickup location is directly at the HER terminal, not a shuttle pickup point. Can I drive my rental from Hersonissos to Santorini or other islands? Yes, but you must declare your intention to transport the vehicle by ferry at the time of booking, as most Hersonissos agencies require written approval. While one-way drop-offs in another country, such as Athens, are rarely allowed, taking the car on a ferry from Heraklion port for a trip to other islands is generally permitted with approval. Be sure to confirm whether your insurance policy remains valid during ferry transit, as this is a common exclusion. What's the fuel policy and which station should I use to refill? The standard policy across Crete is "full-to-full," meaning you must return the car with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up. Refuel at major brand stations like EKO, BP, or Shell in Heraklion or Hersonissos centre, and avoid stations on the HER airport perimeter, which may charge a premium compared with town-centre prices. Where can I park free in Hersonissos and where will I get a fine? In Hersonissos and across Crete, parking spaces marked with white lines are free, blue lines indicate paid parking, and yellow lines mean parking is prohibited. You can usually find free, white-line spots a short walk from the main street, Eleftheriou Venizelou, or on the side roads behind the main promenade. Be extremely cautious in Heraklion city, where some blue-lined spaces are for residents only and parking there can result in a fine. What happens if I get a speeding ticket or parking fine after I've left Crete? The rental agency will receive the citation and may forward it to you by email, along with your details, according to the applicable Greek traffic rules. A common first-offense fine for using a mobile phone while driving is €350, accompanied by a 30-day suspension of your right to drive in Greece. Fines that are not paid within the required time can increase further. How do I add a second driver, and what does it cost? Most car rental agencies in Hersonissos allow you to add a second driver for a daily fee of €3–€8, while some companies advertise this as a free inclusion. To be added to the rental agreement, both the primary and secondary drivers must be present at pickup and show their valid driving licenses. The second driver must also meet the minimum age, typically 21+, and the required driving experience. Is the rental covered if my car breaks down or is damaged in a hotel parking lot? A mechanical breakdown is covered by the 24-hour roadside assistance included with most rentals, but damage from a third party in an unattended hotel lot typically becomes the renter's liability unless there is CCTV footage or a witness. It is important to take photos of your car's condition every time you park it and before you drive away, especially from hotel lots. Undocumented door dings and scratches are one of the most common sources of post-rental disputes. Who do I contact if I think I've been scammed? If you face a contract dispute, such as an unfair refusal to cancel a rental car in Crete, or suspect you've been scammed, contact the consumer protection agency EKPIZO at +30 210 330 4444 or the Greek Consumer Ombudsman (Synigoros tou Katanaloti) at +30 210 646 0862. The European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) handles cross-border consumer complaints. The Hellenic Police, including the Hersonissos station at +30 28970 21000, handle criminal and traffic matters only, not civil contract disagreements.