Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to help you plan your trip

Booking

The booking process at 4Drive Romania is designed to be straightforward. You select your vehicle, choose pickup and return dates, and confirm your reservation online. Each booking is secured with an advance payment, and your voucher will contain all the details you need for pickup.

How do I book a vehicle with 4Drive Romania?

Visit our website, enter your travel dates and location, browse available vehicles, and complete the booking form. You will pay a booking advance online by card, and the system will send a voucher to your email with pickup instructions and the rental company contact details.

Can I modify my pickup time after booking?

Yes, contact us at [email protected] with your booking reference. Changes depend on availability and the rental company managing your reservation. Some adjustments may incur additional charges depending on how close you are to the pickup date.

Will I receive confirmation immediately?

Most bookings generate an instant voucher sent to your email. In rare cases where manual confirmation is needed, our team will reach out within a few hours during office hours, Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM GMT+2.

Payment and Advance

Understanding the payment structure helps avoid confusion at pickup. When you book online, you pay a booking advance by card. The remaining balance is settled when you collect the vehicle, and the accepted payment method for that balance depends on the specific vehicle you reserved.

What is the booking advance and how much do I pay online?

The booking advance is a portion of the total rental cost paid online when you confirm your reservation. The exact amount is shown during checkout. This secures your vehicle and is deducted from the total balance due at pickup.

Can I pay the full amount in cash at pickup?

The booking advance must be paid online by card. The remaining balance can often be paid in cash or by debit card at pickup, but this depends on the specific vehicle. Your voucher will state which payment methods the rental company accepts for the balance. Check your booking confirmation carefully.

Do you accept debit cards for the online payment?

Yes, the booking advance can be paid with most debit or credit cards. For more details on accepted card types, visit our payment methods page.

Deposit and Credit Card

A deposit is a temporary hold placed by the rental company when you collect the vehicle. This is separate from your booking advance and functions as security against damage or traffic fines. The hold is released after you return the vehicle in good condition.

What is a deposit and why is it required?

The deposit is a hold placed on your card by the rental company at pickup. It covers potential damage, traffic violations, or fuel discrepancies. The amount and card type required vary by vehicle and are specified in your booking details and voucher.

I do not have a credit card - can I still rent?

Some vehicles accept a debit card for the deposit. Check your booking details to see which card types are accepted. If a credit card is required and you only have a debit card, consider increasing your card limit or choosing a vehicle with different requirements.

When is the deposit released?

The rental company releases the hold after inspecting the returned vehicle and confirming no damage or outstanding charges. Release times depend on your bank and typically range from a few days to two weeks.

Documents and Age

Valid documentation is mandatory for collecting your vehicle. Requirements include a driving licence, identification, and sometimes an International Driving Permit depending on where your licence was issued. Age restrictions also apply and vary by vehicle category.

What documents do I need to collect my vehicle?

You need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or ID card, and the payment card used for the booking advance. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet. The rental company may request additional documents at their discretion.

Can I drive with a foreign licence in Romania?

Foreign driving licences are valid in Romania for up to 90 days. An IDP is not mandatory but recommended for licences in non-Latin scripts. Always carry your original licence and passport when driving.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Minimum age varies by vehicle. Most standard cars require the driver to be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience. Larger vehicles, SUVs, and 4x4 models often require drivers to be 23 or older. Check your booking confirmation for specific age requirements.

Pickup and Return

Collecting your vehicle involves signing the rental agreement with the local rental company, inspecting the car, and ensuring all existing damage is documented. Return procedures follow a similar inspection process to confirm the vehicle is returned in the same condition.

Where do I collect my vehicle?

Pickup location depends on the rental company assigned to your booking. Common options include a desk at the airport terminal, a nearby office, or delivery to your hotel. Your voucher contains the exact address and contact details. Pickup times are selected during booking.

What happens during the vehicle inspection?

The rental company will walk around the vehicle with you to note any existing scratches, dents, or damage. This is recorded in the rental agreement you sign. Take photos or videos for your own records. At return, the same process confirms the vehicle condition and ensures the deposit is released.

Can I return the vehicle outside office hours?

Some rental companies allow after-hours return with a key drop-off, but this must be arranged in advance. Contact the rental company using the details in your voucher to confirm availability and any additional procedures required.

Driving in Romania

Romania has well-maintained motorways connecting major cities, mountain roads that require caution, and rural routes where speeds drop significantly. Right-hand traffic applies, and speed limits are enforced. A motorway vignette called the Rovinieta is mandatory for national roads and motorways.

Do I need a motorway vignette?

Yes, the Rovinieta is required for driving on national roads and motorways in Romania. It can be purchased online or at border crossings. The vignette is a paid extra and not included in your rental. Many rental companies offer it as an add-on during booking.

Can I drive into Hungary, Bulgaria, or Serbia?

Cross-border travel to Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia is usually allowed with written permission from the rental company. This cross-border permit is a paid extra. Request it during booking, as not all vehicles are approved for cross-border use.

What are the speed limits in Romania?

Urban areas have a 50 km/h limit, rural roads 90 km/h, expressways 100 km/h, and motorways 130 km/h. Police enforce limits with fixed and mobile cameras. Mountain roads such as the Transfagarasan DN7C and Transalpina DN67C require slower speeds and are typically open from June to October.

Changes and Cancellation

Plans change, and we understand that flexibility matters. Cancellation and modification policies depend on how far in advance you notify us and the terms set by the rental company managing your reservation. Always review your voucher for specific policy details.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes, cancellations are accepted up to a certain time before pickup. The refund amount depends on how early you cancel and the terms stated in your booking confirmation. Contact us at [email protected] with your booking reference to request cancellation.

What if my flight is delayed and I miss my pickup time?

Contact the rental company immediately using the phone number in your voucher. Most companies at airports monitor flight arrivals and will hold your vehicle for a reasonable delay. If you cannot reach them, email us at [email protected] and we will assist.

Can I extend my rental period?

Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and must be requested before your original return date. Contact the rental company directly or email us. Additional days will be charged at the daily rate agreed in your contract, and the deposit hold may be adjusted.