The "damage" is 2 minute scratches of less than 1/8" each on the front undercarriage spoiler. Given how old they look (they were beginning to peel), I'm quite certain they were there on the car before. It's not a place I would have checked for damage prior to the rental, because you basically have to get on the ground and look up. I also picked up the rental at 10:30 at night, and the pickup area is a poorly lit parking garage. The Avis attendant who checked the car back in immediately pointed out the damage on a car covered in raindrops in a dark garage (without getting on the ground, mind you), so I believe he was familiar with this car and knew these scratches were there. I had to get on the ground to see it when he pointed it out. For these two teeny tiny scratches, I am being charged $500.

I am familiar with DCC. As FriendlyConfines also points out, I did not consent to DCC. I have a credit card that charges no forex fees, so I would not agree to have my card charged in USD. They asked me whether I wanted to be charged in USD or Euros, I said Euros, my receipt is in Euros, but they charged me in USD and screwed me on the conversion rate. In over 6 foreign rentals with Avis, this is the first time a station has gone ahead and processed the rental in USD. My credit card company advises me that this alone is enough to dispute the charge on my credit card.

Again, I've rented internationally from Avis without incident numerous times. My story is simply a warning that the BRU location seems to be a shady location.