| A car rental agency or a rent-a-car is a company that | | | | hire booking over the internet, keep a copy of your |
| rents automobiles for short periods of time (ranging | | | | original booking which shows what you actually |
| from a few hours to a few weeks / months) for a | | | | requested. Also print out copies of the |
| fee. It is an elaborate form of a rental shop, organised | | | | acknowledgement emails from the car hire company. |
| in numerous local branches, primarily located near | | | | Check the cost |
| airports or busy city areas. It is a self-drive form of | | | | The price should be made clear, but when you obtain |
| transportation. | | | | the quote, ask for any extras you may need such as |
| The internet is changing the car rental industry with | | | | child seats etc. Also check the price per renting day. |
| companies that are now called online car rental | | | | VAT (Tax) is usually included in the pricing, unless |
| companies. Car rentals are subject to many conditions | | | | clearly stated that it is not. |
| which vary from one brand to another. | | | | In most South African car hire companies, when you |
| We suggest the following when booking a vehicle: | | | | pick up the vehicle, the fuel will be full. When you return |
| Book early: | | | | the vehicle, the company will fill it up. If you fill the |
| Often you will find that you can get a reduced rate by | | | | vehicle, make sure that you use a petrol station close |
| booking early. If you are booking for a time over the | | | | to the depot, and retain your slip to show the agency. |
| season, you may find that the companies are busy | | | | Condition of the car |
| upgrading the vehicles, and the price may increase. | | | | Check the condition of the vehicle before you leave |
| Book early, and get a reservation number with | | | | with it. Any marks, bumps or scratches must be |
| confirmation of the pricing. | | | | marked on the contract. Remember to check the tools |
| During busy times, it is essential that you book in | | | | in case you have a flat tyre. |
| advance - many people land at the airport, and the | | | | Hire a suitable vehicle |
| companies are out of stock. | | | | You should hire a vehicle that you are comfortable |
| Have your information readily available | | | | with. It is not worth hiring a vehicle that you will not be |
| Rather have your information handy so that when you | | | | happy with, or that will break down. |
| get to the counter, the transfer is quick and easy. | | | | Driving |
| Have your credit card at hand, and take your | | | | Stay left! |
| driver’s license with you. If you make your car | | | | |