Kefalonia Car Rental FAQ Direct answer: No, Kefalonia has several local car rental companies that accept debit cards or cash, while major international brands usually require a credit card for preauthorisation. Supporting datapoint: Greekstones, Simotas, and Different Car Rentals accept cash or debit without a credit card, ACE and Just Rent It advertise no security deposit, while Pefanis, CBR, and Rent Car Kefalonia go the other way and require one for preauthorisation. JoyRide and Mercury also take direct bookings, and Ionian Cars only skips the card on its smallest categories with SCDW plus a prepaid guarantee from €750 — every other class still needs one. Major brands such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, and Green Motion typically place a card hold for the excess/deductible. A no-credit-card policy does not always mean zero deposit — confirm the excess and any prepaid guarantee for your specific vehicle class. ), }, { q: "Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?", a: ( Direct answer: No, most visitors do not need an IDP if they hold a valid licence accepted under Greek law. Supporting datapoint: Greek Law 4850/2021 recognises UK, US, Australian, and Canadian licences. The US Embassy in Athens confirms tourists can drive with a national licence. An IDP costs just £5.50 in the UK or ~$20 in the US and helps with police checks and accident forms. If your licence is not in Latin characters or your stay exceeds the permitted period, the rental company may require an IDP. ), }, { q: "What insurance is included in Kefalonia car rentals?", a: ( Direct answer: Kefalonia rentals usually include Third-Party Liability (TPL) and CDW, while SCDW or FDW are optional upgrades. Supporting datapoint: Typical excess ranges from €500 to €1,000 for economy cars. Full zero-excess coverage is available from Greekstones and Just Rent It at no extra charge; Pefanis, CBR, and ACE sell excess reduction as a paid add-on, but it isn't always a true zero. Tyres, glass, undercarriage, and ferry damage are often excluded unless you buy full coverage or a specific extension. ), }, { q: "Is it safe to drive in Kefalonia?", a: ( Direct answer: Yes, driving in Kefalonia is generally safe for visitors who stay alert on mountain and coastal roads. Supporting datapoint: Main routes (Argostoli–Sami, Argostoli–Airport) are well-maintained. Scenic drives toward Fiskardo, Assos, and Myrtos include bends and narrow sections. Critical: Kefalonia roundabouts give priority to ENTERING vehicles — opposite of UK rules. See our full driving guide for route-by-route conditions. Driving is less comfortable at night or in heavy August traffic. ), }, { q: "What are the new Greek traffic fines?", a: ( Direct answer: Greece introduced much higher penalties under Law 5209/2025 from September 2025. Supporting datapoint: Phone use: €350 + 30-day suspension. Running a red light: €700. Speeding 50+ km/h over: €700 + 60-day suspension. New 30 km/h default limit in towns and villages from January 2026 (50 km/h only on multi-lane or divided roads). Fines are payable within two months — there is no blanket discount for paying early. Rental companies may charge an administration fee on top of the official penalty. ), }, { q: "Can I take my rental car on the ferry?", a: ( Direct answer: To Ithaca — most local companies allow it. To Zakynthos — fewer companies permit it; ask in advance. Supporting datapoint: Local companies want written approval in advance — Greekstones, for example, requires advance written authorisation, and Pefanis limits its insurance and road assistance to Kefalonia. Standard CDW/SCDW/FDW policies usually do not cover ferry crossings — this is industry standard across Greece. Read our ferry guide for routes, schedules, and prices. Unauthorized ferry use + damage = you're liable for full vehicle value. ), }, { q: "How much does parking cost on Kefalonia?", a: ( Direct answer: Almost everywhere is free — only Argostoli harbour costs €0.50/hour via scratch-card from kiosks. Supporting datapoint: Fiskardo has a free car park above the village. Beach parking (Myrtos, Antisamos, Xi) is free. Petani has free and paid options (~€10 at taverna lots). Free parking doesn't guarantee close parking in peak season. ), }, { q: "Which car type do I need?", a: ( Direct answer: A compact car handles 90% of Kefalonia's roads. Automatic transmission is recommended for mountain roads. Supporting datapoint: A Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10, or Kia Picanto suits most trips. Peugeot 2008, Suzuki Vitara, or MG ZS Hybrid for steeper routes. Jeep rentals available from €30/day. Check our beach vehicle guide for which car suits each beach. 4×4 only needed for Mount Ainos southern routes or unpaved beach tracks. ), }, { q: "Where should I fill up before returning to the airport?", a: ( Direct answer: Refuel in Argostoli — no reliable 24/7 pump near EFL Airport. Supporting datapoint: Major brands on island: EKO, Shell, Elin, AVIN, Aegean. Concentrated in Argostoli, Sami, Poros, and Lixouri.