11 Car-Rental Tips for Indians: Easy Driving Across Europe

7. Master parking in European towns and cities

Parking is often the trickiest part of European driving, especially in old towns with narrow streets and limited bays. Many cities use coloured zones on street signs to show paid parking, time limits, or resident-only spaces. Download local parking apps or global ones that cover Europe; these apps help you find and pay for spots without fumbling for coins. Consider hotel or private garage parking for overnight stays—it’s usually safer and simpler than on-street options. When parking on streets, look for signs indicating restricted hours or cleaning schedules to avoid fines. Multi-storey car parks are common and often a good option near city centres. Keep small change or a contactless card handy for machines that still require it, and always take a photo of the parked car and the sign showing the parking rules and time. These photos act as evidence if a dispute arises. Learning a few local parking signs before arrival makes city driving far less stressful and saves time hunting for a legal spot.