Pet Express review: Hertz refused my Russian license in Rome, but Sixt accepted it. EconomyBookings refuses refund.

I booked a car through EconomyBookings with Hertz for pickup at Rome Fiumicino Airport on August 6, 2026. I prepaid €442.92.

Upon arrival, Hertz refused to give me the car solely because I have a Russian national driving license and do not have an International Driving Permit (IDP). They would not accept my license.

I immediately went to the Sixt desk at the same airport with the exact same Russian license. Sixt accepted it without any problem and rented me a car on the spot (Agreement No. 9613271704, 15:37 the same day).

Despite this clear proof that I was present and ready to rent, EconomyBookings and Hertz claim it was a "No-Show" and refuse to refund my €442.92. They hide behind a clause about IDP requirements, but fail to acknowledge that another major rental company accepted my license without issue at the very same location and time.

This feels like a scam. They took my money, didn't provide the service, and are now ignoring the facts. I have all the documentation and will be pursuing a chargeback. I strongly advise against using EconomyBookings.

Booking number: B35781096
Pickup: Rome Fiumicino Airport, 06.08.2026
Amount lost: €442.92