One important rule to note is that if your steering wheel is on the left, then wherever you are driving or turning, always keep to the kerb on your right. This also means that on a 2 or 3 lane highways, you will keep to the "slow" lane and not the "overtaking" lane.
2. A Good GPS device.
I recommend having a Garmin GPS. The instructions given are clear and precise.
3. Renting the latest Garmin Europe Map.
Try renting from :
Perfect Watch & Electronics
Sim Lim Square #01-36, 1 Rochor Canal Road (S)188504 Tel : 6339 8638
They have been vendors of Garmin devices for a long time.
4. Highways, roads and speed limit.
In general, the widest highways where the speed limit is the highest are named with an "A".
Everywhere, speed limit is indicated. When you drive past towns or villages, it's normally at 50 km/hr.
5. Toll highways and toll-free roads.
In Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, the highways are toll-free.
In Switzerland, I was informed that the locals pay for a 40CHF car label per year to drive on toll highways. I don't know how to purchase it over there, so here's some research for you, or check with the rental company, if you want to drive on the highways over there.
In France, the toll-free roads are denoted by Nxx and Dxx, where xx is a number. The toll highway is denoted by "A" and you have to pay for most of them.
In France, if you really have to take the toll highways, look out either for the coins symbol or the down arrow sign overhead when entering the toll gate to pay cash.
In general, I don't use the toll highways in France as the "N" and "D" roads are really good and easy to drive. Just set your GPS to avoid toll roads.
The only time I had to pay for a toll highway was from Le Havre to Brittany. The toll highway is built across a river and not paying for it means a longer detour via toll-free roads.
6. Planning your driving.
While you are highly dependant on the GPS to guide you, you should also take note of the towns you would probably be passing on the way to your destination. You could do this simulation on Google Maps. While driving, you would know at least by looking at the road signages that you are travelling in the right direction.
7. Estimation time for journeys.
Your GPS will give you a very good estimate. You will spend less time in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg because of the toll-free "Axx" highways. Allow more time on toll-free highways in France and even more in Switzerland, due to the speed limit and if you are travelling in mountainous regions.
8. Diesel is cheaper, in Germany, Luxembourg and France, but not in Switzerland.
9. Pump at manned petrol stations for cash payment.
You might notice that at a station, some pumps only accept credit cards, so you may need to ask the station staff which pump you can use to pay cash.
If you need to use your credit card, make sure that you know your PIN number to your card. The credit card system requires the user to key in PIN number to authenticate.
10. Parking
In general, parking is not free in city areas.
Observe clearly where park meters are displayed to indicate paid parking.
In Switzerland, paid parking is everywhere, except at hotel or restaurant areas.
At park meters, insert coins/notes and you get a ticket which you normally have to display beneath the car windscreen.
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