American terminology is making its way into the car rental industry in Australia and New Zealand, so yes, you can rent a car from a car rental or car rental company. Most Down Under people say they rent a car instead of renting one.
If you need a vehicle to travel overland in Australia or New Zealand, you can rent almost anything on wheels, from limousines, vans, buses, ATVs, beach buggies and just plain sedans to motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, inline skates. , even horse-drawn carriages.
Reserve a car on the Internet
There are internet sites that will give you car rental options, and costs, where you plan to travel.
You can find real bargains online, but be sure to read the fine print so you don’t suddenly face unexpected charges.
In general, it’s best to stick with the more well-known car rental agencies, such as Hertz, Avis, and Thrifty, or a company that someone you know has used and is happy with.
Have a car waiting for you at the airport
You may have a car waiting for you at the airport, but keep the following in mind:
- Whether you have pre-booked on the internet or get a rental car at the airport upon arrival, be sure to drive on the left side of the road (especially if you are used to driving on the right side) in an area with which may not be familiar.
- If you get a car on arrival at the airport, know that you will generally be charged the regular car rental rates instead of the discounted rates that you might have found on the internet or after you have arrived at your hotel and had time to check. with several car rental companies.
Payment options
Typically, you will be prompted for your credit card details, in case additional charges are incurred.
The most common surcharge is for gasoline (gasoline) to fill the fuel tank if you did not do so before returning the vehicle. You usually receive your rental car with a full tank of gas and are expected to return it the same way.
Note that if they charge you for fuel, they charge you for the cost of gasoline (or whatever fuel is used) at their own estimated rate plus a service fee.
Another additional charge is for damage to the vehicle while it is in your possession if you have not paid the surcharge for full insurance coverage. Normal auto insurance for rental cars includes an excess, which you must pay before coverage takes effect.
You could also be subject to traffic violation fines and toll charges if not paid at that time, especially in the case of electronic toll systems if your vehicle is not equipped to pay tolls electronically.
Can you travel anywhere in a rental car?
Check your car rental agreement. Some car rental companies limit you, for example, to a 100 kilometer radius from where you got your car.
Travel on unsealed dirt roads and beaches can also be prohibited.
If you want to rent a car at one point and return it at another, this may not be possible for smaller car rental companies that are not part of a larger chain. Check with your car rental company.
Using your own driver’s license
Your current and valid driver’s license, in English and with your photograph and signature, should generally be sufficient for you to hire a vehicle in Australia and New Zealand.
An international driver’s license is always helpful. It is essential to have it if your current driver’s license is in a language other than English.
Edited and updated by Sarah Megginson.
