For one week in spring this city rents out more costumes than cars.

Driving licence

An EU or EEA licence is accepted as it stands. Licences from outside that area are generally accepted for a limited period after arrival, often alongside a translation or an International Driving Permit, and rental desks apply their own stricter rules on top. Bring the physical card.

Carnival changes everything

For one week the city's rental market reorganises itself. Costumes, seating, catering equipment and vans are booked out, road closures make delivery and collection difficult across the centre, and return slots move. If your hire falls in that week, confirm access and timing with the operator rather than assuming the usual arrangements hold.

Costume hire and lead time

Hire costumes are booked from the opening of the session in November onwards, and the good stock goes first. Sizes at the ends of the range go earliest. Deposits are usually modest and held on a card, with cleaning either included or charged on return — establish which.

Boats on the Rhine

As elsewhere on the Rhine, the current and commercial traffic mean most private hire is a crewed boat rather than a self-drive one. Where small craft are available, the licence threshold is set nationally by engine power and should be confirmed for the specific boat.

Vans and the Ringe

The inner ring road and the surrounding districts are permit-controlled and tight. A move usually needs a temporary no-stopping zone arranged in advance, and the lead time runs to weeks. Cargo bikes are a genuine alternative here for anything short of a full flat.

The low-emission zone

The city operates an environmental zone requiring a windscreen sticker. German-registered rental vehicles normally carry one; confirm it for anything brought in from outside.

Licence categories, age limits and what may be taken out without a certificate change, and operators set stricter terms than the law requires. Treat everything above as orientation and confirm it with the operator and the local authority before you book.