If you plan to visit the US and go beyond the metropolitan, like New York City or San Francisco, then you should plan to get a rental car as the country’s public transportation cannot easily get you from place to place. Here is a US Rental Car Guide to make your next rental car process easier to understand:
There are numerous rental car companies to choose from, but in case you need reliable customer support, book your car with one of the major companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, or Thrifty.
If you plan on coming back to the US and rent a car again, then sign up for your preferred company’s membership program to earn points and rewards.
In the US, an international driver’s license is not required. You are only required to show your valid driver’s license from your home country (but note that an international license may help if the attendant does not recognize your home country).
If your foreign license does not show a photo ID, you will be asked to show your passport. You may be required to show an International Driver’s Permit if you have that in your possession.
Rental car companies vary according to the minimum age allowed to rent a car. In general, you must be 21 years old and have a license for at least one year.
Avis, however, permits 18 year olds to rent, while Hertz has a minimum age of 25. For drivers under 25, you will have higher fees.
Also note that some companies will not rent to those over 71.
When booking your car online, you will be asked if you want rental car insurance. You may also be asked it again when picking up your car. The price is typically a daily rate. You should pay for rental car insurance in case anything may happen. Note that your credit card may already cover rental car insurance.
In the US, most rental car companies will only offer automatic transmission.
Also, you may see a great base rate for the day, week, weekend etc, and then the final price turns out way higher. Take into account all the extra fees and taxes which are added on per day. Expect to pay at least an extra $100 more from the advertised base price.
If you plan to pick up and drop off your rental car in different locations, you will be charged a higher drop off rate.
Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!
Origins of the Famous Red Cherry. When it comes to a sundae or even a…
Tokyo Travel Tips for Activites, Sightseeing & More. There are so many things to do…
And Don’t Call it a Snow Cone. One of the best treats when visiting Hawaii…
Originally posted February 17, 2020 Reposted January 31, 2022 Best Palawan Activities in El Nido.…
High-End Sukiyaki for Locals, and Tourists Sukiyaki is one of the must-have meals when visiting…
Sticky Rice Mortar History: The World’s First Composite Mortar Stepping foot on the Great Wall…