Having a car during your vacation can make it more enjoyable. But some people are nervous about renting a car in a foreign country. We’ve rented cars in many different countries without any problems, and on this page, we share our best tips for renting a car so you can have a stress-free road trip too.
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Check the car thoroughly upon pickup (checklist)
When you pick up your rental car, take your time to examine it closely while the rental company employee is there. Even if the employees don’t seem interested, stay focused.
While you’re checking the car, use your phone to take pictures or record a video, especially of any existing damage. Don’t try to hide it; let the employee know you’re doing this. Look at the whole outside of the car, including the bottom parts, like the bumpers, wheels, and roof. Also, check inside the car.
While you’re there, pay attention to how the car is running and see if any warning lights are on the dashboard. If you notice any problems, tell the rental company employee. If they can’t give you a different car, make sure they write down the issues on the rental car pickup receipt, and take pictures as proof.
Check the car together upon return
When it’s time to give back the rental car, you might be in a hurry and tired from your trip, which may tempt you to skip checking the car with the rental company employee. However, this is a common mistake, especially for beginners.
It’s crucial to always inspect the car with the rental company employee and make sure they confirm its condition before you let it go out of your sight. Even though it may seem overly cautious, this simple step can save you a lot of trouble later on. To be extra sure, take photos of both the inside and outside of the car, and don’t forget to snap a picture of the fuel gauge.
If the rental company’s office is closed when you return the car, take photos of the parked car and the fuel level. Send these pictures to the rental company through email or their app, and include a message mentioning the time you returned the car. This helps ensure a smooth return process, even if the office is closed.
Credit card and insurance
Do you have a credit card that offers car rental insurance? Contact your credit card company and ask about any specific rules for the country where you plan to rent a car. If your credit card automatically provides comprehensive rental car insurance, you only need to pay the rental company the basic rental fee.
Be cautious when you pick up the car because you’re not buying insurance options from the rental company, which means they’re making less money. The rental company staff may try to convince you to purchase additional insurance. They might use the same tactic even if you’ve already arranged for comprehensive coverage through a third party.
Spending limit credit/debit card
Before you start your trip, make sure to check two things: how much you can spend with your credit card and the amount of money the rental car company will temporarily hold on your card as a deposit when you pick up the car. This reserved amount won’t be available for you to use during your trip.
If your credit card limit isn’t high enough to cover the deposit, you may encounter problems. In such cases, the rental company might insist that you buy extra insurance, which will lower the deposit but increase your overall rental cost.
Keep in mind that the rental company usually requires the person who is driving the car to be the owner of the credit card. Changing the main driver at the last minute can result in extra charges, especially if you need to add another driver to the rental agreement.
Don’t forget the car charger and music
For a fun road trip in another country, music is essential. Most rental cars come with ways to connect your phone, like through an AUX or USB port. So, bring an AUX cable to plug in your phone or a USB stick filled with your favorite music.
You probably won’t know the roads well in a foreign country, so it’s frustrating if your phone runs out of battery while you’re using it for navigation. To avoid this problem, make sure to bring a car charger and a phone holder. These small accessories can be incredibly useful, allowing you to charge your phone and easily see the navigation while driving.
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