Paulyc C.

We travelled from Dubai to Venice having pre-booked a rental car to pick up from Venice today to the 30tb September.

On arriving at Gold Car reception, they confirmed my booking and requested my drivers license and passport, which I produced, the gentleman in turn said that my Australian drivers license was not sufficient and that I required an international drivers license which I have never required and do not have.

I called booking.com and the gentleman on the other end advised the same and mentioned its on my voucher, which it's not, I'm not sure whether this is a website, print or other reason why it did not specify this requirement, nevertheless, even if it is, it's ridiculous, I have an apartment in Italy, travel 1-2 times a year, normally use Expedia to book hire car, normally never have a problem in using my Australian drivers license. With this being the first time I've used booking.com, being stranded in Venice airport as no cars available from other rental companies, I am appalled and this is not acceptable?

After all this I received a generic email from some idiot Alex Snr Customer care Service saying that here was no refund as the terms and conditions specific otherwise, even after I spelled out that I did not receive any such t&c's, so it cost me Euro 298 for nothing.

In any case, never had a requirement to provide an international drivers license with any other car rental company - DO NOT USE ECONOMY BOOKING OR GOLD CAR RENTAL.