How to rent a car abroad?

Whether it's a winter vacation, summer getaway, or a business trip, renting a car is a convenient way to simplify transportation and make better use of your time. Although this service is widespread and popular, many people are still skeptical when it comes to renting vehicles abroad.

Rent-a-car is a safe and efficient way to use a vehicle when you're on the road. Of course, it would be good to take certain precautions and properly inform yourself about everything. This way, the possibility of unpleasant surprises is minimized, and you can enjoy your ride.

There are many ways to rent a vehicle, and the choice depends on the type of travel and destination. One thing is certain, wherever you are, you'll quickly realize that there are plenty of rent-a-car agencies, but the offers are not always the same. To ensure a smooth vacation, let's address the most common dilemmas when renting a car in foreign countries.

Online or on-site?

A very good question is whether to rent a vehicle in advance through the internet or wait to check the offers on-site.

The advantage of booking online is that we don't have to visit local agencies and check their credibility. We can simply use the services of a well-known and reliable international company. Additionally, the vehicle can wait for us at the airport, port, or railway station, resulting in significant time savings.

On the other hand, local agencies may have a more diverse and affordable range of options. If we haven't been to that place before, it might be better to wait and see what type of vehicle we need (SUV, compact car, scooter, etc.).

Fortunately, almost every agency has its website, so we can check prices, payment and usage conditions, as well as any early booking discounts.

It's always advisable to read user reviews online before choosing a local agency.

Required documentation

To rent a vehicle abroad, the following documents are required:

• Passport
• Driver's license
• International driver's license (required only in some countries)

With biometric identification documents, it's becoming easier to use rent-a-car services anywhere in the world. However, it's still advisable to obtain an international driver's license as it is mandatory in some countries.

Service price

Price of the service depends on the country and vehicle class, so smaller city cars can be rented for £30-£60, while SUVs or limousines can cost several hundred pounds per day. In case of renting the vehicle for a longer period, additional discounts are possible.

There is also an option to rent a driver, which is a good choice if the terrain is challenging.

As for payment, cash and cards are generally accepted. Personal checks issued by banks are not a valid form of payment abroad. It's important to note that almost all agencies require a deposit, which serves as insurance against damage and theft attempts. The amount of the deposit varies, but we should be prepared to leave a certain sum as a deposit. Of course, if everything goes well, the money will be returned upon vehicle handover. Most agencies reserve funds from our account when taking a deposit, although it's also possible to deposit cash.

Insurance

Regardless of the price, it's important to purchase insurance when renting a vehicle. This precautionary measure is crucial for worry-free driving. Some agencies will insist on a comprehensive insurance package, and that is definitely the best option. Accidents happen more often than we think, and subsequent costs can be significantly higher than the insurance amount. That's why comprehensive insurance is the only way to avoid unnecessary stress and worry.

The car rental agreement should be carefully reviewed and all questions should be asked in advance. Pay special attention to the fine print.

Additional tips

Don't hesitate to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules applicable in the country you are traveling to. Although these rules are generally universal, there are often nuances or specific laws. No insurance covers fines for traffic violations, and the amounts can be astronomical.

Therefore, avoid speeding and improper parking if you don't want to find out how strict and expensive the consequences can be.

In the end, with proper preparation, renting a car abroad doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. The most important advice is to explore and analyze different options before making a decision. This way, you save time and money while giving yourself the opportunity for a true and carefree vacation.