I made a reservation for Italy with Sixt, from September 19 to the 29, 2023; for pick up at Bari train station, returning the vehicle at the Brindisi Airport (reservation number [protected]).
I received the confirmation well in advance of my rental, so I thought everything was OK.
When I showed up at the Sixt office at the Bari train station, I provided my California driver's license, my US passport and my credit card; but I was denied the car rental because I didn't have the International Driver's License. Important to notice is that the Sixt representatives were absolutely not helpful, show that they didn't care about my situation and provided no alternative solution to my problem.
After many months of organizing our trip, I was devastated (and still am), my Puglia vacation was completely ruined.
When I looked at the condition of rental, I did not see any reference to the need to have an International Driving License.
I rented cars in Italy many times before, and as a matter of fact, in September of 2021 I rented with Sixt and I wasn’t asked to show any International Driver's License.
Desired outcome: I would like an explanation for the inconsistency in requirements and an apology from Sixt. As well as some kind of compensation for ruining my vacations in Puglia, Italy.