How to rent a car abroad?

We do not always travel abroad by car. It happens more and more often that we reach the destination by plane and only rent a car there. How much will it cost us to rent a vehicle on site? What should you know before signing the contract?

The WP.pl portal has recently published a ranking of frequent tourist destinations with the lowest cost of renting a car. The consideration included renting a car for 7 days with the basic insurance package, navigation and a fee for the possibility of driving a car by two drivers. The cost of 40 liters of gasoline was also added.

How much for renting a car abroad?

The ranking shows that we will rent a car the cheapest in Cyprus , where we will pay PLN 1,528 for a week of traveling by car. Majorca closes the list with a cost of PLN 2,672.

However, the comments immediately showed that the costs reported by the portal were significantly inflated and most likely include offers from airport rental companies or also include SUVs and vans, which are overstating the average. As the users themselves declare, the standard weekly costs of renting a medium-class car usually amount to approx. PLN 1,000-1,200. Of course, a lot depends on what car we rent and what rental company. A small car can sometimes be rented for up to PLN 500 per week (but without fuel and subsidies).

We can find the rental directly on site, e.g. near the airport, but it is best to find out about the offer before leaving. As with travel offers, accommodation and flights, online booking systems also exist for car rental companies. Thanks to them, we can search offers from many rental companies in one place and make a reservation for the selected model before departure.

What should you pay attention to when renting a car abroad?

When calculating costs, it is worth paying attention to possible restrictions and surcharges. It happens that the age of the driver must be within certain limits, e.g. between 25 and 75 years old. Younger or older age may either prevent you from renting a vehicle or require you to pay an additional fee.

Additional payments may also be necessary if we ask for a car seat or other accessories. You should also pay attention to the mileage limit (exceeding this limit means the need for additional surcharges), the rules of fuel settlement (usually you have to refuel when returning the car, but there are exceptions to this rule) and check whether the car needs to be washed before returning it.

There may also be an additional fee if you want to pick up the car in one city and return it in another. If we want to return the car at the weekend, let's check if the rental company is working then and at what times.

A very important issue is the scope of insurance assigned to the car, i.e. for what possible damages or faults we will not have to pay out of our own pocket. Better insurance, of course, means a higher rental cost.

Watch out for the deposit

Renting a car usually requires a deposit , which can be charged in cash, but in chain rental companies it is usually made in the form of a blockade of the appropriate amount on the card.

There are situations when, after the tourist has returned to the country, the blocked amount is collected to cover alleged damage, which in fact was not there . This is the most common unfair practice of foreign rental companies. To avoid it, read the contract carefully and keep the copy received. Some also recommend that you take photos of the vehicle first before picking it up and then shortly after returning it. This will provide us with appropriate arguments during a possible legal battle with the rental company.

Usually, however, there is nothing to be afraid of. Renting a car on site is a convenient solution that will allow you to visit interesting places without using local public transport. Using a rented car abroad usually turns out to be easier, more convenient and less stressful for tourists.