All You Need to Know About Renting a Car Abroad

Having a car at your disposal when travelling overseas is perhaps the best way to explore a country. Not only does it give you more independence and freedom of movement, it may also work out to be more economical if you are off on a long trip. However, renting a car abroad encompasses a lot more than just getting accustomed to driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. Here are some essential things to consider and tips to keep in mind.

Booking Online in Advance Can Save You Money

Rental rates are always cheaper online than they are at the counter, so booking your rental car and making a payment before you leave your home country will help you save a good deal of money. This way, you also eliminate the risk of unfamiliar rental clauses, fluctuating exchange rates and other unexpected problems. With a rental already booked, you don’t have to worry about commute upon arrival to your destination because you can head straight to the counter at the airport to pick up your car, or have it delivered to you there.

A Meticulous Comparison Can Fetch You the Best Deal

Spend some time on comparing tariffs, terms of services and fleet of cars of different rental companies operating in the area. The best way to do this is to search for identical cars on different rental websites for your travel dates. Make sure you compare the inclusions against the quoted prices as well.

Read More: Switzerland on a Self-Drive Tour: A Handy Guide

Hidden Costs Can Spring Unpleasant Surprises

You may be tempted to hit the ‘book’ button when you find a lucrative deal on car rentals but before you proceed, enquire about any hidden costs, penalties, gas charges, weekend specials, billing cycle and so on. While you are at it, there is no harm in trying your luck by asking for a discount or add-ons. All it takes is a little prompting to get rental agencies to offer you their best rates. 

Are you Age-Eligible to Rent a Car?

Many countries have strict regulations on minimum and maximum age for car renters. Generally, drivers below 25 years or over 70 are either not permitted to rent self-driven cars or may have to foot an extra surcharge for renting. Check if there are any such regulations in the country you are traveling to.

Get an International Driving Permit Before You Leave

Will you be able to drive in a foreign country with your domestic driver’s license? The answer is no, unless you are traveling to a friendly neighbouring country. Check with the embassy of the country you are traveling to about any specific policies or clauses for international drivers. Most other countries require renters to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP). This permit, which translates your information in 10 different languages, is recognized in more than 150 countries. You can obtain an IDP in India from your nearest RTO for a fee of INR 500 by submitting the following:

• Form 4
• Copy of driver’s license
• Copy of passport and visa
• Copy of air tickets
• Medical certificate (can be obtained from the RTO)
• 5 passport sized photographs
• Proof of Indian citizenship
• Copy of address and proof of age

Read More: 5 Fantastic Road Trips Abroad On Your Indian Driver’s License

Get a Realistic Estimate of Fuel Expense

Fuel is really expensive in some countries. So it is important to get a realistic estimate of what kind of money you’d be spending on fuel during your stay. Websites like www.globalpetrolprices.com and www.mytravelcost.com can give you a fair idea on the costs, and help you allocate your budget accordingly. At times you may find that public transport is more economical and convenient as compared to renting a car.

Car Rental Insurance – The Devil is in the Detail

Your domestic car insurance won’t cover an overseas car rental. If you have a travel credit card, your best bet is to check if it extends some kind of coverage for accidents or thefts. If not, it is crucial to get a basic insurance cover for your car rental and read the fine print to make sure there are no tricky exclusions or clauses limiting the liability coverage.

Read up on the Traffic Rules Beforehand

It is important to familiarize yourself with the driving norms and traffic rules of the country you are headed to before you so much as get near a car. This is especially crucial if you are going to drive on the ‘other’ side of the road, or going to use a different hand drive than the one you are accustomed to. Learn about the finer details such as who has the right of passage in a traffic circle, which lane are you supposed to drive in, rules on overtaking and speeding, permit to turn left or right on a traffic signal etcetera. The best source for credible information is the country’s traffic regulation guidebook/website or the embassy.

Read More: Your Guide To Self-Driving In Tasmania

Invest in a Good GPS

It is 2017 and you don’t need to be an expert map reader to figure your way around in a strange city or country. Just download a reliable GPS app or invest in a good surmountable GPS device to navigate with ease. It is always advisable to rely on an app that comes preloaded with transit options, vehicle tools, traffic density, construction and border crossing information.

Self-dive is one of the most pleasurable ways to travel through a new destination, and now that you know your way around the process, you are good to go.