Planning on taking the wheel when you’re abroad? Well, there are several things you need to take into considering than just getting used to driving on the “wrong” side of the road. Renting a car in a foreign nation can be a huge process from getting an international permit processed, getting liability insurance passed, etc. Given below are a few tips to make your motoring experience a memorable one, while you drive by the countryside and downtowns abroad.
Having your car booked.Book much ahead of your trip abroad. Or you’ll be surprised to note that rentals are pretty costly when processed at the counter, even if it is just 24 hours before you want to drive. But do not go for the attractive web banner or flash pop-up on that online directory page. Take your time to compare prices and strike a deal with the most suitable tariff.
Make sure you book it before you board the plane. This is because you can avoid language barriers, fine-print hidden clauses that might surprise you and save you a lot of time during your trip.
Enquire about special offers and discounts, weekly specials, and especially about late fines etc. So many hidden costs and offers may not be explained to you at the time of booking.
Be sure of the Drop-off times. A lot of agencies clock the rental time from the moment you pick up the car. A few go by the clock standard and charge you by the calendar day. Be sure of the plan and pay wisely.
Beware of the minimum age for renters in the particular country you are touring. Sometimes you might be wanted to pay an excess fare, sometimes you might not be allowed to take the wheel at all.
If you are a senior citizen, ask them for special concessions if they have any. Many agencies don’t apply it unless you outwardly declare that you’re a senior citizen.
Be sure that you are adept at driving both manual and automatic transmissions. In some countries you would have to drive an automatic only and pay in excess if you wish to take a manual. And get used to driving on the other side of the road, especially when you are touring commonwealth countries (they keep left).
Make sure you have the right driving license of international standard. If you travel to an English speaking country, you could get away with an American license. But some countries insist on carrying an International driving permit, which holds translations of your driver’s permit in 10 different languages.
Visit the embassy of the country you are visiting to find out if they have special policies for international drivers. While there are agencies like the ESTA in several countries help you overseas in renting cars etc., it is good to have your own basic idea of international car rentals.
So you’ve successfully rented a car. Is there anything that you should worry about? Yes!
Have a clear knowledge of how much the fuel costs in the country you’re visiting and the fuel consumption of your car.
Be clear with the rules of the road in the country, to avoid ending up with a list of infractions.
Equip yourself with a map of the locality where you’re driving to avoid getting lost. Backing up with a GPS device or a smart-phone will help better.
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