Car Transport on Holiday

Car Transport on Holiday

With tourism development worldwide, many travelers repeatedly resort to such a service as car rental in a particular country. As car transport is convenient and practical, it allows you to explore new places much better, more comfortably, and more freely. 

This article is for you if you want to know how to rent a holiday auto and the general rules. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

WHERE YOU CAN RENT A CAR

Searching for a suitable car on car rental companies’ websites or directly with them would be best. You can use the app of a company you like.

Such companies’ physical offices are usually at or near airports or railway stations (in which case there is a free shuttle service from/to such arrival/departure points). 

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY RULES THAT APPLY

Many companies have individual requirements for the tenant, namely:

Age

In most countries, the renter’s minimum age is 21 (sometimes 19). Some types of cars can only be rented from the age of 25.

It should be noted that some companies do not rent cars to people over 75-80 years old.

Driving experience

The minimum driving experience is one year. For some rental cars, it takes three years.

Form of payment 

It is rarely possible to pay in cash. Almost everywhere, payment is made by bank card: debit or credit card. Many countries only accept credit cards.

Rental period

Car rentals range from one day to 28 days. Some companies offer monthly, two-month, and even three-month rentals.

Minimum insurance

Usually, the cheapest fare includes the most basic insurance. It often covers partial breakdowns and scratches. If something more serious happens, pay out of pocket. To read more about rates and insurance, see below.

HOW RENTALS ARE CALCULATED

The cost of renting depends directly on the following:

A company that provides these services

There are companies with more budget-friendly rates or more expensive ones. Local companies are more likely to provide cheaper rental options than international companies. Sometimes there are various favorable offers and discounts for specific dates.

The type of car 

The more expensive an automobile is, the more expensive it will be to rent one. Small and compact cars cost less.

Transmission 

A car with an automatic transmission is more expensive, while a manual one is cheaper.

Rental period 

The more days, the more expensive it is. Sometimes a discount can be made if the vehicle rental reaches a month.

Place of vehicle pickup and return. 

Renting at and near airport offices is cheaper. If you return the machine to another office, you usually pay extra.

Insurance

The more coverage there is for various events, including the roadside manipulator, the more expensive the insurance is. Sometimes there are good discounts, so you can rent a car with supplementary insurance covering almost all insured events on the road, which is very convenient.

Additional services

These include a second driver, child car seat, internet gadgets, border crossing, etc.

You often have to pay extra fees for extra drivers, child seats, under 25 and over 70 years old, and other services. Sometimes companies limit the number of kilometers driven daily, for which there is a surcharge.

WHAT TARIFFS ARE AVAILABLE

Regarding tariffs, they come in several types from almost all companies and have different names, but the essence of these offers is roughly the same. These are the most basic, medium, and premium ones. In some companies, this can be a ready-made offer. You can add the services to the introductory fare in some places, thus making the basic tariff comfortable. The individual services (see above) must also be paid for at almost all rates. Let’s take a brief look at what such offers are like:

“Basic” / “Standard”

This usually includes:

    • the most basic insurance (CDW), which covers partial collision damage
    • theft prevention insurance (TP)
    • passenger insurance (TPL)
    • taxes and levies of the country where you rent
    • airport taxes (if renting at the airport)
    • fix or unlimited kilometers
    • sometimes, it is not possible to cancel a reservation
    • a deposit on the client’s card is blocked (approximately $1,000 to $1,500)

“Comfort” / “Medium”

Here you may be offered more comfortable conditions; see what is usually included in such an offer:

    • the most basic insurance (CDW), which covers partial collision damage,
    • theft prevention insurance (TP),
    • passenger insurance (TPL),
    • taxes and levies of the country where you rent,
    • airport taxes (if renting at the airport),
    • fix or unlimited kilometers
    • in most cases, it is possible to cancel a reservation
    • the deposit on the client’s card is blocked (approximately $300 to $1,200),
    • this also includes essential roadside assistance.

“Premium Comfort” / “Super Relax” / “All-Inclusive”

The best rate for renting a holiday auto. This usually includes:

    • excellent insurance with all-risk coverage, including car theft,
    • the deposit on your card is not blocked,
    • you get premium roadside assistance if you need it,
    • passenger insurance (TPL),
    • taxes and levies of the country where you rent,
    • airport taxes (if renting at the airport),
    • unlimited km car rental

Attention! Each company has different rates and services in their introductory short-term car transport rental offers, so read them carefully. Somewhere certain services are included in the request (for example, a second driver for free), and somewhere it is necessary to pay for it around $80 – $100 additionally. Keep that in mind.

Now let’s look at the (approx.) Daily prices:

    • Car hire:
      1. Introductory rate: smallest car from $8, medium from $12, a large family one from $30 (+ a deposit of approx. $1000-$1500 is blocked).
      2. At the most premium rate, the smallest car starts from $20, the medium vehicle from $40, and the large family one from $60-70 (no deposit is blocked).
    • For an ‘inexperienced driver’ (under 25), pay an extra $20-30.
    • Different driver/child seat/modem with internet / GPS navigator / extra luggage for bicycles, skis, and more – from $10 to $30.
    • Extra kilometers from $3.
    • I was visiting neighboring countries for $10.
    • Don’t forget that if you rent a car with a full tank, you must also return it with the same gasoline level; otherwise, a certain amount will be deducted from the fuel deposit, which can be very disadvantageous for the renter.
    • Borrowing a car from one place and returning it to another is possible. There is an additional charge (in most cases, a considerable amount of money compared to the total rental price).
    • Not all countries include fees and taxes in their fares; sometimes, you must pay them separately.

VEHICLE CATEGORIES

It is imperative to understand what type of holiday auto you need. You should know you cannot choose the car or its color (only among the luxury offers), but you can select the category. Therefore, the brand can be almost anyone that suits your chosen parameters. Let’s look at the most used types:

No age limits:

  • Mini (examples: Nissan Micra, Fiat 500, Peugeot 108, etc.)
  • Economy (e.g. Fiat Panda, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, etc.)
  • Compact (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus, etc.).

Age limit often applies from 21 to 23 years old: 

  • Fullsize (e.g., Renault Talisman, Ford Mondeo, Citroën C5).
  • Family cars (e.g., Seat Leon ST, Renault Mégane Sport Tourer, Volkswagen Golf Variant, etc.)
  • Minivans (e.g., Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra, Grand C4 Picasso)
  • Urban crossovers (e.g., Ford Kuga, Opel Mokka, Nissan Juke).

Age limit often applies from 25 years old: 

  • Passenger vans (e.g., Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, Renault Trafic).
  • SUV / SUV / 4×4 (e.g., Audi Q5, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Montero, etc
  • Convertible (e.g., Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, Audi TT, Jaguar F-Type Coupé, etc.)
  • Sports / Luxury (e.g., BMW i8, Aston Martin DB11, Ford Mustang GT Coupé, Maserati Ghibli, etc.).

Little Tips

  • Tourists most often rent the economy and compact categories. 
  • For short distances and city trips, the Mini is excellent. 
  • If traveling in a large group, consider family vans, minivans, and passenger vans. 
  • It is better to rent an off-road vehicle for trips in inaccessible areas.
  • When renting a convertible, remember to check the weather. 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR RENTING A CAR

There are two options for short-term car transport rental. The first is when you need to get the keys to the car at the company’s office, and the second is when everything takes place through a particular terminal machine. This method is prevalent in some touristic European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

The first option is to contact the office:

    1. Go to the website or app of the car rental company or intermediary, and select the desired country, date, and location of the Rental.
    2. Next, choose your car category and the rate with insurance.
    3. Add the options (e.g., child seat, extra driver, internet modem, etc.) if present. In some companies, these options are added upon receipt of the keys.
    4. Book and pay for your rental car. Sometimes it is only possible to make a reservation and pay when you pick up your keys at the company office. You will then receive an email with the booking and payment document. Save it on your smartphone, or print it out.
    5. Go to the company office and arrange the rent. You can ask a staff member to do this or do it via an electronic terminal on the office premises. Don’t forget to present your passport and driving license (if required, also an international driving license).
    6. Get the keys and a document confirming the car’s Rental and insurance. It can also be sent electronically by email – save it to your smartphone.
    7. Make your way to the garage to retrieve the automobile. Follow the correct signs.

If you have the most expensive all-inclusive fare, inspect the car, just in case.

Important consideration! 

Suppose you have a raw or average rate. In that case, i.e., the insurance does not cover all insured events, inspect the automobile before getting into it and note any scratches, cracks, scuffs, and breakages on the form you are given. Also, take pictures on your smartphone. Show them to the company employee who accepts the car (there should be a small office or point) so that you can sign off on these notes. This should be done not to have to pay for it when handing over the car.

What to do with the car: the “before” and the “after.”

    1. Get on the road once you’ve inspected the vehicle and everything is settled. Adjust the navigator, seats, and mirrors, map where you must go, and check the gearbox and air conditioning. When everything is set up, you can start your journey!
    2. After the trip comes the time to return the car; try to be precise in timing. If you return the vehicle earlier, there is no refund. If you return it a couple of hours later, you may be required to pay for an additional day.

And don’t forget about fuel, i.e., if you have taken your car with a full fuel tank, return it with the same conditions. To do this, fill up near the garage.

    1. When you arrive at the garage, park under your company’s “Return Car” sign.
    2. Find an employee of the car rental company (or he will find you himself) and give him the keys.
      • Safely proceed with your business if you have a premium comfort fare with insurance against everything.
      • Wait until a staff member checks the vehicle parameters to see if your fare is basic or medium. Be free to go about your business if all is OK; otherwise, you will be told what to pay if something is wrong with the car. Usually, the amount will be deducted from the deposit you left.

The second option is to get the keys from a machine:

    1. Go to the website or app of the car rental company or intermediary, and select the country, dates, and rental location, and the option of getting your keys from a machine (in European countries, this may be called Key’n’Go).
    2. Next, choose your car category. The fare with insurance is almost always the most expensive, e.g., Premium Comfort or All-Inclusive.
    3. If available, add the desired options (e.g., child seat, additional driver, internet modem, etc.) and check how you get them with the company.
    4. Book and pay for the Rental. Afterward, you will receive a booking and payment document in your email. Save it on your smartphone, or print it out.
    5. You will also receive a barcode and reservation number. Save it on your smartphone.
    6. Check in online before your trip and see where such a virtual machine is located.
    7. Go to the correct machine (listed as Key’n’Go in European countries) and arrange your Rental (scan your barcode or type in your reservation number, then choose a car from the category booked). You will also receive your keys there.
    8. Go to the parking car and find your vehicle.
    9. Inspect it. Adjust the navigator, seats, and mirrors, map where you must go, and check the gearbox and air conditioning. When everything is set up, set off on your journey!
    10. Remember to fill up if you took the car with a full tank when returning the vehicle.
    11. Once arrive at the garage, park the car under the “Return Car” sign of the rental company.
    12. Put the keys in the selected box and go with your business.

SPECIAL FEATURES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN RENTING A HOLIDAY AUTO

    • Always check and compare rental offers on several websites, primarily direct car rental companies’ official pages. Sometimes there are great discounts, and the price difference is a hundred dollars. 
    • It is only possible to cancel or change a booking on most websites up to 48 hours before the start of the rental date. Otherwise, pay a percentage of the total price. 
    • Access the sites from different devices and IPs, change the dates, and see the price. The price difference is often very impressive. 
    • If you are over 70, some countries may require you to present a medical certificate confirming good health to rent a car. 
    • Before renting a car, ensure your driving license is valid in the destination country. Tourists often need to get an international driving license.

Depending on the country

    • You must get a temporary Chinese driving license to rent a car in China for three months. To get a Chinese driving license, you must prepare your passport, national driving license, and medical certificate and pass a test or watch a training material. The time required for obtaining a Chinese driving license is one week (Hong Kong/Macao – 1 day). Or you can rent a car with a driver. 
    • There are countries where you can ONLY pay by credit card (this includes Italy and Turkey).
    • In almost all countries, road distances are measured in kilometers, but the measurement unit is miles in a few. These countries are the USA, UK, Liberia, and Myanmar. One mile = 1.60934 kilometers. 
    • In the USA, petrol stations sell petrol in gallons instead of liters. 1 gallon in the US = 3.7854 liters.
    • In Asian countries, it is often more convenient to rent a motorbike. Roads and traffic make this mode of transport the most accessible and comfortable for many tourists. You will need your driving license, passport, and money – cash or card – to rent. 

CAN I CANCEL MY CAR RESERVATION?

Many companies provide a free cancellation service, but doing so at least one day in advance is advisable. Some companies allow free cancellation even on the day of booking. 

To cancel a reservation, please contact the company’s call center where the reservation was made and follow their instructions. You can cancel your booking via the car rental company’s official website or app. 

If you cancel your reservation once already started, it is up to the individual company’s policy to refund you. Some companies reimburse part of the amount you paid for the Rental, deducting a penalty. Some companies will charge you one day’s rent and refund the rest of the day. But some companies will give you no money when you want to cancel your booking once the contract has started. So read the rental terms and conditions on the company website you like carefully. 

HOW TO RETURN A RENTAL CAR

It is pretty easy to return a rental car. Here are some simple rules to help you do it quickly:

    • Firstly, remember to check the return policy for your rate with the company staff when you pick up the car.
    • Remember to return your rental car on time, as otherwise, you may have to pay a fine.
    • Leave your car in the designated parking area (marked as “) if there is no special parking place, park in a free space in a car rental company.
    • If you hire a car with a full gas tank, most companies require that you return it with a full gas tank too. So check where the nearest petrol stations are located so you can fill it up before returning it.

You do not need to do anything else if your contract does not include a full tank.

Attention! If the money is not there, please contact the company and ask why. Refunds for fuel typically take between one day and a couple of weeks.

When leaving the car at the drop-off point

    • Don’t forget to take everything out of the car. This includes throwing out the trash.
    • Also, please take pictures of the control panel and the car in general in the car park before returning it to avoid complaining about it when the vehicle is returned.
    • When you’re ready to leave the car, give the keys to a company representative so that they can inspect the vehicle. Afterward, you must sign the return document (you will get your copy).
      1. If your rental agreement covers all damages, you will be refunded without any extra charge.
      2. If your contract does not cover all damages, and THEY ARE, the amount will be deducted from your deposit.

Necessary: If you do not have a company representative, leave the rental car’s keys in the locker. Often in such cases, the insurance will cover almost all damages, if any.

INTERNATIONAL AND MAJOR CAR RENTAL COMPANIES

International short-term car transport rental companies are now operating in many countries; these are:

LOCAL CAR RENTAL COMPANIES

Besides international companies, local car rental ones may operate in a particular country, which can sometimes be much better and cheaper than established companies. 

Intermediary sites for car rental search:

CAR RENTAL COMPANIES BY COUNTRY

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

MIDDLE EAST

AFRICA

ASIA

OCEANIA

CARIBBEAN

CONCLUSION

To summarise, let’s be clear:

    • Renting a car can be very convenient, especially when traveling with children, pets, or work.
    • Don’t forget to bring your international driving license if required by the law of the country you plan to drive in.
    • Choose your rates carefully when hiring car transport. If you choose the cheapest and most basic one, inspect the car before leaving the company’s premises and record any faults on a particular form. Otherwise, the cost of solving these issues may be deducted from your deposit.

We hope we’ve helped you with this relatively simple matter. We wish you a wonderful holiday and a significant tailwind as you drive to your new destination!

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CAR TRANSPORT ON HOLIDAY

With tourism development worldwide, many travelers repeatedly resort to such a service as car rental in a particular country. As car transport is convenient and practical, it allows you to explore new places much better, more comfortably, and more freely. 

This article is for you if you want to know how to rent a holiday auto and the general rules. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

WHERE YOU CAN RENT A CAR

Searching for a suitable car on car rental companies’ websites or directly with them would be best. You can use the app of a company you like.

Such companies’ physical offices are usually at or near airports or railway stations (in which case there is a free shuttle service from/to such arrival/departure points). 

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY RULES THAT APPLY

Many companies have individual requirements for the tenant, namely:

Age

In most countries, the renter’s minimum age is 21 (sometimes 19). Some types of cars can only be rented from the age of 25.

It should be noted that some companies do not rent cars to people over 75-80 years old.

Driving experience

The minimum driving experience is one year. For some rental cars, it takes three years.

Form of payment 

It is rarely possible to pay in cash. Almost everywhere, payment is made by bank card: debit or credit card. Many countries only accept credit cards.

Rental period

Car rentals range from one day to 28 days. Some companies offer monthly, two-month, and even three-month rentals.

Minimum insurance

Usually, the cheapest fare includes the most basic insurance. It often covers partial breakdowns and scratches. If something more serious happens, pay out of pocket. To read more about rates and insurance, see below.

HOW RENTALS ARE CALCULATED

The cost of renting depends directly on the following:

A company that provides these services

There are companies with more budget-friendly rates or more expensive ones. Local companies are more likely to provide cheaper rental options than international companies. Sometimes there are various favorable offers and discounts for specific dates.

The type of car 

The more expensive an automobile is, the more expensive it will be to rent one. Small and compact cars cost less.

Transmission 

A car with an automatic transmission is more expensive, while a manual one is cheaper.

Rental period 

The more days, the more expensive it is. Sometimes a discount can be made if the vehicle rental reaches a month.

Place of vehicle pickup and return. 

Renting at and near airport offices is cheaper. If you return the machine to another office, you usually pay extra.

Insurance

The more coverage there is for various events, including the roadside manipulator, the more expensive the insurance is. Sometimes there are good discounts, so you can rent a car with supplementary insurance covering almost all insured events on the road, which is very convenient.

Additional services

These include a second driver, child car seat, internet gadgets, border crossing, etc.

You often have to pay extra fees for extra drivers, child seats, under 25 and over 70 years old, and other services. Sometimes companies limit the number of kilometers driven daily, for which there is a surcharge.

WHAT TARIFFS ARE AVAILABLE

Regarding tariffs, they come in several types from almost all companies and have different names, but the essence of these offers is roughly the same. These are the most basic, medium, and premium ones. In some companies, this can be a ready-made offer. You can add the services to the introductory fare in some places, thus making the basic tariff comfortable. The individual services (see above) must also be paid for at almost all rates. Let’s take a brief look at what such offers are like:

“Basic” / “Standard”

This usually includes:

    • the most basic insurance (CDW), which covers partial collision damage
    • theft prevention insurance (TP)
    • passenger insurance (TPL)
    • taxes and levies of the country where you rent
    • airport taxes (if renting at the airport)
    • fix or unlimited kilometers
    • sometimes, it is not possible to cancel a reservation
    • a deposit on the client’s card is blocked (approximately $1,000 to $1,500)

“Comfort” / “Medium”

Here you may be offered more comfortable conditions; see what is usually included in such an offer:

    • the most basic insurance (CDW), which covers partial collision damage,
    • theft prevention insurance (TP),
    • passenger insurance (TPL),
    • taxes and levies of the country where you rent,
    • airport taxes (if renting at the airport),
    • fix or unlimited kilometers
    • in most cases, it is possible to cancel a reservation
    • the deposit on the client’s card is blocked (approximately $300 to $1,200),
    • this also includes essential roadside assistance.

“Premium Comfort” / “Super Relax” / “All-Inclusive”

The best rate for renting a holiday auto. This usually includes:

    • excellent insurance with all-risk coverage, including car theft,
    • the deposit on your card is not blocked,
    • you get premium roadside assistance if you need it,
    • passenger insurance (TPL),
    • taxes and levies of the country where you rent,
    • airport taxes (if renting at the airport),
    • unlimited km car rental

Attention! Each company has different rates and services in their introductory short-term car transport rental offers, so read them carefully. Somewhere certain services are included in the request (for example, a second driver for free), and somewhere it is necessary to pay for it around $80 – $100 additionally. Keep that in mind.

Now let’s look at the (approx.) Daily prices:

    • Car hire:
      1. Introductory rate: smallest car from $8, medium from $12, a large family one from $30 (+ a deposit of approx. $1000-$1500 is blocked).
      2. At the most premium rate, the smallest car starts from $20, the medium vehicle from $40, and the large family one from $60-70 (no deposit is blocked).
    • For an ‘inexperienced driver’ (under 25), pay an extra $20-30.
    • Different driver/child seat/modem with internet / GPS navigator / extra luggage for bicycles, skis, and more – from $10 to $30.
    • Extra kilometers from $3.
    • I was visiting neighboring countries for $10.
    • Don’t forget that if you rent a car with a full tank, you must also return it with the same gasoline level; otherwise, a certain amount will be deducted from the fuel deposit, which can be very disadvantageous for the renter.
    • Borrowing a car from one place and returning it to another is possible. There is an additional charge (in most cases, a considerable amount of money compared to the total rental price).
    • Not all countries include fees and taxes in their fares; sometimes, you must pay them separately.

VEHICLE CATEGORIES

It is imperative to understand what type of holiday auto you need. You should know you cannot choose the car or its color (only among the luxury offers), but you can select the category. Therefore, the brand can be almost anyone that suits your chosen parameters. Let’s look at the most used types:

No age limits:

  • Mini (examples: Nissan Micra, Fiat 500, Peugeot 108, etc.)
  • Economy (e.g. Fiat Panda, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, etc.)
  • Compact (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus, etc.).

Age limit often applies from 21 to 23 years old: 

  • Fullsize (e.g., Renault Talisman, Ford Mondeo, Citroën C5).
  • Family cars (e.g., Seat Leon ST, Renault Mégane Sport Tourer, Volkswagen Golf Variant, etc.)
  • Minivans (e.g., Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra, Grand C4 Picasso)
  • Urban crossovers (e.g., Ford Kuga, Opel Mokka, Nissan Juke).

Age limit often applies from 25 years old: 

  • Passenger vans (e.g., Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, Renault Trafic).
  • SUV / SUV / 4×4 (e.g., Audi Q5, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Montero, etc
  • Convertible (e.g., Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, Audi TT, Jaguar F-Type Coupé, etc.)
  • Sports / Luxury (e.g., BMW i8, Aston Martin DB11, Ford Mustang GT Coupé, Maserati Ghibli, etc.).

Little Tips

  • Tourists most often rent the economy and compact categories. 
  • For short distances and city trips, the Mini is excellent. 
  • If traveling in a large group, consider family vans, minivans, and passenger vans. 
  • It is better to rent an off-road vehicle for trips in inaccessible areas.
  • When renting a convertible, remember to check the weather. 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR RENTING A CAR

There are two options for short-term car transport rental. The first is when you need to get the keys to the car at the company’s office, and the second is when everything takes place through a particular terminal machine. This method is prevalent in some touristic European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

The first option is to contact the office:

    1. Go to the website or app of the car rental company or intermediary, and select the desired country, date, and location of the Rental.
    2. Next, choose your car category and the rate with insurance.
    3. If present, add the options (e.g., child seat, extra driver, internet modem, etc.). In some companies, these options are added upon receipt of the keys.
    4. Book and pay for your rental car. Sometimes it is only possible to make a reservation and pay when you pick up your keys at the company office. You will then receive an email with the booking and payment document. Save it on your smartphone, or print it out.
    5. Go to the company office and arrange the rent. You can ask a staff member to do this or do it via an electronic terminal on the office premises. Don’t forget to present your passport and driving license (if required, also an international driving license).
    6. Get the keys and a document confirming the car’s Rental and insurance. It can also be sent electronically by email – save it to your smartphone.
    7. Make your way to the garage to retrieve the automobile. Follow the correct signs.

If you have the most expensive all-inclusive fare, inspect the car, just in case.

Important consideration! 

Suppose you have a raw or average rate. In that case, i.e., the insurance does not cover all insured events, inspect the automobile before getting into it and note any scratches, cracks, scuffs, and breakages on the form you are given. Also, take pictures on your smartphone. Show them to the company employee who accepts the car (there should be a small office or point) so that you can sign off on these notes. This should be done not to have to pay for it when handing over the car.

What to do with the car: the “before” and the “after.”

    1. Get on the road once you’ve inspected the vehicle, and everything is settled. Adjust the navigator, seats, and mirrors, map where you need to go and check the gearbox and air conditioning. When everything is set up, you can start your journey!
    2. After the trip comes the time to return the car; try to be precise in timing. If you return the vehicle earlier, there is no refund. If you return it a couple of hours later, you may be required to pay for an additional day.

And don’t forget about fuel, i.e., if you have taken your car with a full fuel tank, return it with the same conditions. To do this, fill up near the garage.

    1. When you arrive at the garage, park under your company’s “Return Car” sign.
    2. Find an employee of the car rental company (or he will find you himself) and give him the keys.
      • Safely proceed with your business if you have a premium comfort fare with insurance against everything.
      • Wait until a staff member checks the vehicle parameters to see if your fare is basic or medium. Be free to go about your business if all is OK; otherwise, you will be told what to pay if something is wrong with the car. Usually, the amount will be deducted from the deposit you left.

The second option is to get the keys from a machine:

    1. Go to the website or app of the car rental company or intermediary, and select the country, dates, and rental location, and the option of getting your keys from a machine (in European countries, this may be called Key’n’Go).
    2. Next, choose your car category. The fare with insurance is almost always the most expensive, e.g., Premium Comfort or All-Inclusive.
    3. If available, add the desired options (e.g., child seat, additional driver, internet modem, etc.) and check how you get them with the company.
    4. Book and pay for the Rental. Afterward, you will receive a booking and payment document in your email. Save it on your smartphone, or print it out.
    5. You will also receive a barcode and reservation number. Save it on your smartphone.
    6. Check-in online before your trip and see where such a virtual machine is located.
    7. Go to the correct machine (listed as Key’n’Go in European countries) and arrange your Rental (scan your barcode or type in your reservation number, then choose a car from the category booked). You will also receive your keys there.
    8. Go to the parking car and find your vehicle.
    9. Inspect it. Adjust the navigator, seats, and mirrors, map where you must go, and check the gearbox and air conditioning. When everything is set up, set off on your journey!
    10. Remember to fill up if you took the car with a full tank when returning the vehicle.
    11. Once arrive at the garage, park the car under the “Return Car” sign of the rental company.
    12. Put the keys in the selected box and go with your business.

SPECIAL FEATURES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN RENTING A HOLIDAY AUTO

    • Always check and compare rental offers on several websites, primarily direct car rental companies’ official pages. Sometimes there are great discounts, and the price difference is a hundred dollars. 
    • It is only possible to cancel or change a booking on most websites up to 48 hours before the start of the rental date. Otherwise, pay a percentage of the total price. 
    • Access the sites from different devices and IPs, change the dates, and see the price. The price difference is often very impressive. 
    • If you are over 70, some countries may require you to present a medical certificate confirming good health to rent a car. 
    • Before renting a car, ensure your driving license is valid in the destination country. Tourists often need to get an international driving license.

Depending on the country

    • You must get a temporary Chinese driving license to rent a car in China for three months. To get a Chinese driving license, you must prepare your passport, national driving license, and medical certificate and pass a test or watch a training material. The time required for obtaining a Chinese driving license is one week (Hong Kong/Macao – 1 day). Or you can rent a car with a driver. 
    • There are countries where you can ONLY pay by credit card (this includes Italy and Turkey).
    • In almost all countries, road distances are measured in kilometers, but the measurement unit is miles in a few. These countries are the USA, UK, Liberia, and Myanmar. One mile = 1.60934 kilometers. 
    • In the USA, petrol stations sell petrol in gallons instead of liters. 1 gallon in the US = 3.7854 liters.
    • In Asian countries, it is often more convenient to rent a motorbike. Roads and traffic make this mode of transport the most accessible and comfortable for many tourists. You will need your driving license, passport, and money – cash or card – to rent. 

CAN I CANCEL MY CAR RESERVATION?

Many companies provide a free cancellation service, but doing so at least one day in advance is advisable. Some companies allow free cancellation even on the day of booking. 

To cancel a reservation, please get in touch with the company’s call center where the reservation was made and follow their instructions. You can cancel your booking via the car rental company’s official website or app. 

If you cancel your reservation once already started, it is up to the individual company’s policy to refund you. Some companies reimburse part of the amount you paid for the Rental, deducting a penalty. Some companies will charge you one day’s rent and refund the rest of the day. But some companies will give you no money when you want to cancel your booking once the contract has started. So read the rental terms and conditions on the company website you like carefully. 

HOW TO RETURN A RENTAL CAR

It is pretty easy to return a rental car. Here are some simple rules to help you do it quickly:

    • Firstly, remember to check the return policy for your rate with the company staff when you pick up the car.
    • Remember to return your rental car on time, as otherwise; you may have to pay a fine.
    • Leave your car in the designated parking area (marked as “) if there is no special parking place, park in free space in a car rental company.
    • If you hire a car with a full gas tank, most companies require that you return it with a full gas tank too. So check where the nearest petrol stations are located so you can fill it up before returning it.

You do not need to do anything else if your contract does not include a full tank.

Attention! If the money is not there, please get in touch with the company and ask why. Refunds for fuel typically take between one day and a couple of weeks.

When leaving the car at the drop-off point

    • Don’t forget to take everything out of the car. This includes throwing out the trash.
    • Also, please take pictures of the control panel and the car in general in the car park before returning it to avoid complaining about it when the vehicle is returned.
    • When you’re ready to leave the car, give the keys to a company representative so that they can inspect the vehicle. Afterward, you must sign the return document (you will get your copy).
      1. If your rental agreement covers all damages, you will be refunded without any extra charge.
      2. If your contract does not cover all damages, and THEY ARE, the amount will be deducted from your deposit.

Necessary: If you do not have a company representative, leave the rental car’s keys in the locker. Often in such cases, the insurance will cover almost all damages, if any.

INTERNATIONAL AND MAJOR CAR RENTAL COMPANIES

International short-term car transport rental companies are now operating in many countries; these are:

LOCAL CAR RENTAL COMPANIES

Besides international companies, local car rental ones may operate in a particular country, which can sometimes be much better and cheaper than established companies. 

Intermediary sites for car rental search:

CAR RENTAL COMPANIES BY COUNTRY

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

MIDDLE EAST

AFRICA

ASIA

OCEANIA

CARIBBEAN

CONCLUSION

To summarise, let’s be clear:

    • Renting a car can be very convenient, especially when traveling with children, pets, or work.
    • Don’t forget to bring your international driving license if required by the law of the country you plan to drive in.
    • Choose your rates carefully when hiring car transport. If you choose the cheapest and most basic one, inspect the car before leaving the company’s premises and record any faults on a particular form. Otherwise, the cost of solving these issues may be deducted from your deposit.

We hope we’ve helped you with this relatively simple matter. We wish you a wonderful holiday and a significant tailwind as you drive to your new destination!

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