Heading to the Land Down Under? Having your own vehicle is a great way to discover the famous Aussie beach towns or embark on one of Australia’s great road trips such as the Great Ocean Road or Red Centre Way.
Ready to hit the open road? Here are some tips to know before you go.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Australia
Book a car before you go. Waiting to book your reservation until you’re in Australia will almost guarantee that you will pay more than you need to. Most major car rental companies allow free cancellations, so go ahead and book your trip from the U.S. ahead of time. The further ahead you reserve your car, the better the chance of landing a deal because you can watch out for price drops.
You’ll drive on the left.
As a former British colony, Australia is a country where people drive on the left. This should not deter you from renting a car there, but it’s important to stay off the road until you’ve recovered from jet lag. Consider starting your car rental a day or two after your arrival.
You do not need an International Driving Permit.
Obtaining an International Driving Permit is not necessary in this country where everyone speaks English. After all, the purpose of an IDP is to translate your license into multiple languages and must be obtained before you leave the United States.
Pay for the rental in Australian dollars.
You may have the option to pay for the rental in U.S. dollars, but this option will cost you more in the long run. Pay in the local currency to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees. If you opt to pay in U.S. dollars, the rental car company converts the purchase amount from the local currency on your behalf. But this process is entirely unnecessary, since your credit card company will process the transaction in either currency, and you will pay through the nose for the non-convenience.
Rental cars include third-party insurance.
Understanding insurance requirements when renting a car outside the U.S. is crucial.Australian rentals include third-party insurance with the collision insurance factored into the price. You can also reduce your liability for the damage or loss of a vehicle by opting to pay an extra fee. If you plan to drive on unpaved roads or in remote areas, check with the rental car company to ensure those activities are covered.
Inspect the car carefully before you drive away.
While it’s tempting to pick up your vehicle and get on your way, make sure to inspect the car extra carefully for any dings, dents or scratches on the surface. Take photos of every inch of the car. Otherwise, you could end up paying for those imperfections if you don’t document them before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can rent a car to Europe using a US driver’s license.
It all depends on the country you are visiting. If you are going to France, for example, you can rent cars there but not if you want to go to Italy because they don’t accept US driver’s licenses.
How should I document pre-existing damage on the rental car?
All documentation including photos should be kept on hand. If you don’t know the damage, ask for help from the agent when you are getting the vehicle inspected. If there is damage, you may have to pay an additional fee for inspection.
What credit cards can I use to pay for a rental vehicle?
Yes. However, you should be aware of the possibility of additional fees when using your card overseas. Be sure to compare rates before making a reservation. Many websites let you reserve your space without making payment until you get there, which can save you money.
Statistics
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
External Links
avis.com
enterprise.com
autoslash.com
sixt.com
How To
How do I make sure that pre-existing damage isn’t charged to my rental car?
How does the vehicle get returned if it is rented for less than 24 hours? Do you get charged for any damage that is caused by a scratch to the rental car? This is a common problem, especially for people who rent vehicles from different companies. Even if the customer did not cause any damage to their car while renting it, some agencies will charge them. In order to avoid these charges, it is important that you ask whether the rental car will be charged for any scratches and dents. The following are some ways to make sure that you won’t be charged for pre-existing damages on a rental car:
- Ask for a copy.
- Please read the entire description.
- Pay attention to the fine print.
- Ask for a complimentary cleaning;
- Take care of the car’s condition.
- Make sure you don’t leave any items behind in your car
- When renting a car, always have cash.
- Keep all payments in receipt.
- Don’t allow anyone to touch your car without you allowing it.
- Never accept a gift offer from the company.
- Hire only a well-respected rental agency
- Remember to bring the contract along with you;
- Return the car in good condition;
- Provide your contact details to the agent
- It is best to not use the same company twice.
- Write down important details about the car, such as the mileage, model, engine size, color, etc. ;
- Take photos of the damage;
- Wash the car by yourself
- Have the car inspected by a third party;
- Never agree to pay additional fees
