Travelling abroad with a motorhome - 10 things to look out for

Have you thought about travelling abroad with your motorhome? We've put together a list of things to consider. This article is mainly for those who are not used to taking their motorhome abroad. If you are used to travelling by motorhome in Europe, feel free to add even more tips.

Travelling abroad with your motorhome

Att resa utomlands med husbil är roligt, spännande och oftast relativt enkelt. Läs gärna om 10 great countries for motorhome holidays. Det finns dock vissa saker man kan behöva tänka över och planera inför, innan avresa. Här är tio saker att tänka på.

1. Insurance

Before travelling abroad with your motorhome, it is wise to check your motorhome insurance and your travel insurance (home insurance) so you know what applies during your trip. If you plan to travel outside the EU/EEA, you need to order the so-called "green card" from your insurance company to prove that your vehicle is covered by motor insurance.

2. Rules for motorhomes under/over 3.5 tonnes

In many countries, rules differ depending on whether you have a motorhome with a total weight of more or less than 3.5 tonnes. If you have a lighter motorhome, the same rules apply to you as to other motorists. If you have a heavier motorhome, rules and prices may differ.

Examples include rules on where you can drive, motorway tolls and whether a vignette or transponder is required to pay on toll roads. This varies from country to country, so you need to check what applies in the countries you are visiting.

3. Road and bridge tolls

It is good to be aware that there can be both road and bridge tolls. In the case of tolls, the main issue is that in some countries (e.g. France, Austria and Switzerland) you have to pay to drive on motorways.

In some countries you pay tolls, in others you pay in advance by buying a vignette that you attach to your windscreen. If you drive a heavier motorhome (over 3.5 tonnes), some countries require a transponder instead of a vignette.

4. Environmental zones and rules

Please note that there may be different environmental zones and regulations governing where you can drive your motorhome. Several German cities require an environmental sticker, which you can order from DEKRA. To be allowed to drive in a French environmental zone, the sticker must be Crit'Air sticker sit on the windscreen. France also has temporary weather-dependent environmental zones and you may need to download the app. Green zones, where you register your car, to help you get it right.

5. Traffic rules in different countries

Traffic rules can vary from country to country and it is a good idea to read up on the specific countries you plan to visit. For example, the rules may vary on how many per mille of alcohol you can have in your blood. There may also be requirements for the equipment you must have in your car. Some countries may require breathalysers (e.g. France) or reflective vests (e.g. Germany, France, Italy).

6. practical apps

When travelling abroad with a motorhome, apps can be of great help. For example, you can use apps to find campsites and pitches, such as CamperContact. You can also use CampingKey for discounts on campsites. If you want to keep track of the different countries you are going to visit, download the UD Resklar.

7. Means of payment in different countries

It is advisable to bring more than one payment card and to keep them in different places. Note that in many countries you will also need cash to pay in small shops and some caravan parks and campsites. You can exchange local currency before travelling, or withdraw at an ATM on site.

8. LPG

Systems for filling LPG differ in many countries. If you're travelling on a summer holiday with your motorhome, you can make sure you travel with a full tank of LPG and most likely won't have to worry about this. However, if you are going to be away for a longer period of time, or travelling during a colder season, you may need to fill LPG abroad.

If you have a fixed LPG tank, it may be easier to find places where you can refuel with LPG. If you don't have a fixed LPG tank, you may need adapters and check the regulations in the countries you plan to visit. Note that it is often difficult to fill or change Swedish LPG tanks.

9. Rules for free camping

Please note that rules for free camping differ between countries. In many European countries, free camping is allowed to some extent, but there are usually restrictions on where you can stay and for how long. You also need to look out for local signs and rules.

Of course, care must always be taken not to disturb or litter. In some places, you may also need to avoid 'camping behaviour', i.e. not unfolding an awning or placing outdoor furniture. Check the regulations in the countries you plan to visit before you leave.

10. Pre-trip information

It's always a good idea to be a little more relaxed, but of course you want to leave room for spontaneity while travelling. Practical information on what applies in different countries can be found at Sweden Abroad. We also think there is good information for motorists on M Sweden. You can also find more reading material here:

Here you will also find tips for travelling with a motorhome in specific countries:

Last but not least, we would like to remind you that travelling abroad with your motorhome is great fun! There are a few things to look out for, but mostly it's just fun and enjoyable!

More tips on travelling abroad with a motorhome

Do you have more tips on travelling abroad with a motorhome? Feel free to share!