Car Rental
How to rent, where to rent, and what to expect when renting a car in the Caribbean
Exploring any place on your own can be an exciting adventure. And the best way is to do is a car. Many of the major car rental agencies such as Thrifty, Budget, Avis, and Hertz have outposts on the Caribbean islands. The island also has local car rental agencies that can provide a variety of sound cars at a reasonable price. Most agencies offer a variety of cars from mini-mokes (dune-buggy like vehicles) and jeeps to minivans and luxury cars, and many are air-conditioned with automatic transmissions. Our listed car rental services follow safety rules and are frequently sanitized and also follow COVID-19 guidelines.
Many travelers or tourists prefer to rent cars from one of the well-known agencies because of their reputation for reliability and service. Ask for recommendations when using a local agency. Keep in mind that on some Caribbean islands like Barbados there are only local car rental agencies. Check the web and ask your travel agent or other travelers for recommendations of reputable rental agencies. Our website have listed top car rental services across the world.
There are a number of ways to book a rental car. You can use a travel agent, book it directly with the rental agency, or online through a travel service such as expedia.com, priceline.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, cheaptickets.com, or onetravel.com. Another option is to book a car through your hotel once you arrive on the island. This allows you flexibility because you can evaluate whether you really need a car for sightseeing. Be aware, however, that during busy periods this last option might leave you with no car if there is a huge demand for vehicles by other travelers.
Before renting a car, decide what size you need. Be aware that category classifications vary between agencies. One agency's "small" cars might be another's "compact". Prices will vary accordingly. Renting a minivan or luxury car will be more expensive than renting a jeep or mini-moke. You will also typically pay more for air conditioning and an automatic transmission.
Figure out the length of time that you will need the car. If you plan on spending only a day sightseeing on an island, you may not want to rent a car for your entire stay. Ask what discounts the agency offers. Some agencies offer discounted rates if you rent for an extended period of time such as a week or weekend.
Compare prices. Your travel agent can help with this or you can call several agencies on your own. Ask the agency if they have any special rates or discounts. Check the websites of the major agencies to see if they have any web only discounts.
Watch out for hidden costs such as drop-off fees or airport surcharges. Some Caribbean car rental agencies charge a fee if you drop off the car at a different site than where you picked it up. Some airports charge fees for airport use even if a rental company shuttles you to a site off airport grounds.
Ask about fuel fees because these vary from company to company. When you pick up the car many companies charge $10-$15 for a half-tank of gas and require that you return the car with an empty tank. This is often the most expensive. Other rental agencies fill the tank before you take the car and then charge you for the amount of gas that you used. There are also agencies that do not charge a fuel fee for the initial tank but ask that your return the car with a full tank of gas. This is usually the cheapest. If you fail to return the car with a full tank, however, you will be charged for the gasoline at rental company fee, which is often much higher than at a local station.
You will also want to find out about any mileage fees. You are typically allowed a certain number of free miles, but if you exceed this allotment, You will be charged a fee. This fee can be a flat fee or cents-per mile fee.
Usually, your automobile insurance should be enough coverage. However, you should always make sure that a particular island does not require additional coverage. Also check with your insurance carrier to make sure that you have adequate coverage.
Once you pick up the rental car, inspect it. Then test everything before you leave the site. Record any marks, dents, or scratches on the form so that you will not be considered the culprit of such physical damage when you return the car.
Get a map before setting off on your island adventure. Some Caribbean car rental agencies supply them for free, while others charge for them. Children's car seats are also available from most rental agencies. As with road maps, some do not charge a fee; others do. If you need a car seat, specify that when you reserve the car because sometimes there is a limited supply, especially during peak season.
Be sure to check the driving regulations of the place you will be visiting. Most islands require a valid drivers license from your native country but some require a temporary local driving permit as well. Below are general requirements for some of the islands.
Hawaii
Big Island
Honolulu
Kauai
Kailua-Kona
Koloa
Lanai
Lahaina
Maui
Molokai
Princeville
Oahu
Wailea
America
Ann Arbor
Aspen
Aventura
Argentina
Big Sky
Boca Grande
Bozeman
Baja California Sur
California
Canyon Point
Carlsbad
Cashiers
Colorado
Chile
Costa Rica
Cundinamarca
De Beque
Deerfield Beach
French Polynesia
Gallatin Gateway
Guarulhos, Sao Paulo
Hamilton
Hawley
Indianapolis
Jackson
Kamas
Kelly
Ketchikan
Key Largo
Lake Placid
Lake Toxaway
Las Vegas
Lauderdale
Los Angeles
Las Catalinas
Las Condes
Michigan
Montana
Montecito
Mountain Village
Mackinac Island
Mammoth Lakes
Marathon
Mexico
Miguel Hidalgo
Miraflores
New Hampshire
New York
Newport
North Conway
Ohio
Okemos
Philadelphia
Philipsburg
Powell Butte
Panama
Peru
Playa del Carmen
Provincia de Guanacaste
Puerto Vallarta
Punta De Mita
Quintana Roo
Robbinsville
Región Metropolitana
Rio de Janeiro
Saddlestring
San Francisco
Snowmass Village
Springdale
Stowe
San Jose del Cabo
São Paulo
Telluride
Truth or Consequences
Vermont
Waynesville
Wyoming
Zona Hotelera
Europe
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Ireland
Ontario
Scotland
Asia
Thailand
Middle East
Saudi Arabia
South Pacific
Botswana
New Zealand
Perth