Tips for Renting a Vehicle

Why Rent a Vehicle

While few travellers set off with their own vehicle, many find themselves renting one at some point during their journey. Maximum freedom, ease of movement, lack of public transport, or even potential savings when travelling in a group (four is ideal for a car) are all reasons to rent.

However, renting a vehicle is most worthwhile if you don’t plan to drive continuously for more than 5 or 6 weeks. Beyond that, buying a vehicle—or even using your own—may be more cost-effective, depending on the location. Visiting several countries or not completing a loop in your itinerary can also limit rental options or significantly increase costs.

For solo travellers, there’s nothing stopping you from renting at a good price by finding co-passengers through ads in accommodation, discussion forums, or even by placing a notice on the vehicle’s window with planned routes and conditions.

Renting a Vehicle by Country

The benefits of renting vary depending on the country or countries you visit. Here’s a quick overview by region:

• Americas and Pacific

• Asia and the Middle East

• Africa

• Europe

About Rates

Prices vary widely depending on the vehicle category and model, rental duration, mileage options, mandatory or optional insurance, rental companies, and of course, the country and season (see details in the following chapters).

In any case, don’t just focus on the displayed rates. Consider all costs, including extras like fuel, tolls, etc., and compare different options based on your actual needs.

Rough Estimates

• Small car (most competitive): from 25 to 50 €/day.

• Mid-size car: from 40 to 80 €/day.

• 4x4: from 50 to 100 €/day.

• Minibus: from 60 to 120 €/day.

• Camper van: from 60 to 150 €/day.

• For reference: bicycle for under 15 € and scooter or small motorcycle for 15 to 30 €/day.

Discounts, Special Rates, etc.

Rental Only

Like airfares, rental rates fluctuate with seasonal demand, supply, and various promotions, discounts, and special offers. It’s always worth checking the rental companies’ and travel agencies’ websites.

That said, certain durations may come with "special" pricing, such as daily rates, 3-day rentals, 1 or 2 weeks, or weekend packages. Even if not guaranteed, it may sometimes be worth adjusting your rental duration by a day or two to secure a better rate.

Also, in—or for—certain countries like the United States, discount coupons are available online or in tourist brochures and newspapers. It’s up to you to find them.

Similarly, many airline frequent flyer programs include special rental offers for members or at least allow them to earn miles/points when renting from a partner company.

Vehicle + Package

This has become a classic option in many tourist destinations. Offered by travel agencies, it combines vehicle rental with flights and/or hotel nights (at one location or across a chain’s properties), all at a lower rate than booking separately. Depending on your trip plans, it’s worth considering.

Rental with Driver

For rentals with a driver, common in places like Asia, it’s best to clarify a few key points with the rental company upfront and check if they’re included in the quoted price.

For example, does the driver speak English—or at least French—to make communication easier? In some cases, there may be an extra charge for an English- or French-speaking driver.

What about their meals and accommodation? Normally, these are included in the initial price, though a tip and other small gestures, especially financial ones, are always welcome. The same goes for fuel, tolls, etc., which are usually included as well.

Required Documents

The formalities for renting a vehicle from an agency are minimal, sometimes requiring just an ID and a credit card. However, rentals (excluding two-wheelers) are often restricted to those over 21 or even 25, sometimes with a minimum of 2 or 3 years of driving experience.

What to Provide

Credit Card

This is essential for the security deposit (otherwise, you’ll need to leave cash or traveller’s cheques).

Driver’s Licence

For EU countries, licences from any member state are recognised across the Union.

Outside the EU, an international driving permit may theoretically be required (in addition to your national licence), though in practice, this is rarely enforced. Written in multiple languages and valid for 3 years, the international permit allows local authorities to verify your licence. It’s obtained from a prefecture (or sometimes your local town hall) with a photo, a few euros in fiscal stamps (free in many departments), and a copy of your national licence. Generally, whether required or not, it’s best to have it with you while travelling.

Other Useful Tips

A few handy things to know about renting.

First, in North America and some other places, rented vehicles almost always come with an automatic transmission, which can surprise many Europeans and require some adjustment. Conversely, in Europe, manual transmissions may be the norm for non-Europeans.

In some countries, rental cars are easily identifiable (special plates, stickers, specific models), which can make them prime targets for thieves or even the police. So, never leave valuables in the vehicle and use guarded parking where it’s common practice. If not, always ask your hotel, local shops, etc., about parking risks (for two-wheelers, don’t hesitate to bring them into the hotel overnight).

Lastly, of course, just because you’re driving a rental vehicle doesn’t mean you’re exempt from following local traffic laws.