If you haven’t rented a car abroad before, let me tell you that it is very easy and not as scary as you might think! It isn’t as intimidating as you might think!
I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles outside my home country. Much more than I have ever driven in my own country! All while using rental cars.
I have a lot of experience in doing this, so I have some tips and advice for you.
- Use a comparison site such as GetRentACar, Trip.com or Qeeq
You can see all the different prices in one place. Don’t just load the rental company site and buy there, compare and get the best price. You can often save a fortune! - Book in advance if you want to get a cheap rental car, especially during peak travel seasons.
Prices often get more expensive the closer to the date. - Check your rental car company reviews.
Depending on where you rent from, service can vary massively, so I usually use reputable companies such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty etc.
I avoid the smaller less known companies personally, but that is your choice. Just read reviews first. - Downgrade your rental car
If you want to save money, do you really need that bigger rental car? Will a smaller one do? Prices vary, especially between different sized vehicles. So get the best size for you. - Make sure you have enough insurance cover!
Some offer full cover, others have no cover and you have to buy your own. Make sure you read what insurance is included, don’t assume anything. - Use a Sat Nav or install a map app on your phone so you can find your way around.
Don’t rent from the car company unless you like to pay way over the top! You can even buy your own Sat Nav often for the same price or less, than a rental company often charges! I know I did so that I never have to worry about GPS when abroad! - Have a backup map.
Whether this is a paper map or a second map app, have an alternative in case anything happens to your Sat Nav. - Get an international driver’s license if required.
If you need one, obtain an international driver’s license before leaving your home country. - Check the rental car on arrival.
Before accepting the rental car, inspect it thoroughly for any damage, and take pictures or videos if necessary. This will help you avoid any disputes with the rental car company later. - Check driving laws.
Familiarise yourself with the driving laws and regulations of the country you’re visiting, including speed limits, traffic rules, and parking restrictions. - Be prepared for emergencies.
Keep emergency numbers, including the rental car company’s contact information, with you at all times. Have a plan in case of a breakdown, accident, or other unexpected event.
These are some really simple tips that can really help with your rental car experience.
Make sure you start by using the comparison sites such as GetRentACar, Trip.com or Qeeq for your rental car and then go from there.
