Whos taken their GTi overseas?

[Rhys]

Just wondering who has taken their GTI overseas?

Taken mine to France in two weeks and quite looking forward to it!!  Anyone got any tips what to make sure i have/do to the gti before hand?

[RedRobin]

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Apart from obviously making sure the car is running well, you'll need headlamp direction changers so you don't blind the Frenchies - They can be very strict. Also a few things which it's common sense to have onboard anyway and not just in Europe, such as high-viz waistcoat or jacket, triangle, correct documentation such as insurance/MOT etc.

The national speed limit in France is 130kmh and they can and will impound your car if you can't pay the fine when stopped. Be especially careful within about 70 miles of the Channel ports.

It's normal in France to keep your indicator on all the time while you are overtaking, including on autoroutes (motorways).

There's bound to be a couple of things I can't think of right now but which someone else will add.

Enjoy the much higher standard of food, even on autoroute stops.

[joesgti]

you only need to change the light direction if planning on driving at night. 

[RedRobin]

you only need to change the light direction if planning on driving at night. 

....That's what I do but I have heard of UK drivers actually being checked when arriving off the ferry............in broad daylight!

[Hurdy]

Drive on the right and turn right onto roundabouts

[Poverty]

take some spare coil packs with you.

[mafri]

Enjoy the roads in France - I had an amazing time, although you will need to watch the speed cameras and described previously!

I found that the stick-on headlight converters bent the light in some pretty strange ways - they're difficult to place correctly on the standard GTI (I don't have xenons). I'm going again in the summer, and I'm tempted to get the headlight protectors which include beam bending for Europe - although I expect they have a hefty price tag.

The holiday photos were quite funny - the girlfriend got a bit miffed when people asked whether I took my car on holiday, rather than the girlfriend....!   

[Lean]

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Apart from obviously making sure the car is running well, you'll need headlamp direction changers so you don't blind the Frenchies - They can be very strict. Also a few things which it's common sense to have onboard anyway and not just in Europe, such as high-viz waistcoat or jacket, triangle, correct documentation such as insurance/MOT etc.

The national speed limit in France is 130kmh and they can and will impound your car if you can't pay the fine when stopped. Be especially careful within about 70 miles of the Channel ports.

It's normal in France to keep your indicator on all the time while you are overtaking, including on autoroutes (motorways).

There's bound to be a couple of things I can't think of right now but which someone else will add.

Enjoy the much higher standard of food, even on autoroute stops.

I did France.
Having Xenon's meant I didn't have to use those light thingies!  just make sure you have GB sticker (unless your reg has it already), fluorescent jacket and sod the triangle!

[Rhys]

Cheers for the advice!   LOL Mafri!  I will be doing the same, more pics of the car in France rather than the missus. 

I already got a triangle in the car anyway, got the jackets now.  thinking about getting the VW first aid kit as will look nice in the boot of the car with triangle (yes im that sad!).

I got VW breakdown, just got to phone them up make sure they will cover me in Europe.  As for headlights beam adjusters, i got some headlight protectors i have yet to fit to the car, so i think i will fit them and put the beam adjusters on them.

[RedRobin]

.. just make sure you have GB sticker (unless your reg has it already), fluorescent jacket and sod the triangle!

....Sodding the triangle could bugger you for an instant €135 fine.  

Surely you'd want a triangle onboard irrespective of which country you're driving in.

[gillm]

you need a high vis jacket for every passenger in the car also ! and a spare coilpack is a great idea

[Poppa Dom]

Have a look here, has all the info you need http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf

[nc35]

Think you are also supposed to have a spare bulb set too.
Some places in Europe insist on a fire extinguisher.
Also spare glasses/contact lenses.

My Euro Pack has:
first aid
triangle
hi vis jackets
bulb set
tyre seal (& spare wheel)
socket set, screw driver & gaffer tape

photo copies of all docs inc passport
spare glasses
can't remember number, but one of the euro NHS cards.

Road map & latest navi maps.

Have fun French roads are great. Just watch your speed.

Ps French speed cameras are sign posted too. Any camera detectors are illegal.   

[cmdrfire]

Driven to France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland all with the GTI. Last time coming back from paris did 200km/h all the way to Calais (had to get out of that dump paris) but don't take my example, going that fast can get the car impounded... I hadn't eaten for 26 hours and slept for only about four and was quite eager to get back to Calais.

Anyhoo, speeding aside, make sure you carry hivis, safety triangle, first aid kit and fire extinguisher... that's the law. Also a few bottles of water are just nice to have. If you have a "europlate" like my car you don't need to have a GB sticker (I dislike GB stickers anyway). Ehm what else... make sure you have headlight deflectors, unless you've got xenons, in which case a few moments with a torx screwdriver will sort you out.

Otherwise remember to drive on the wrong side, and if you're like me have plenty of anecdotes about the country you're passing through to bore your passengers with.

[Rhys]

Has anyone got a pic of beam benders fitted to their cars?  As wondering which part im supposed to put it on lol.