Book in advance

Book your rental car as early as possible. You may save up to 50 % by booking 4-5 months in advance. Rates will seldom decrease if you wait to book closer to the collection date. Early booking also provides the possibility of a wider selection of rental cars.

Explore alternative collection points

Car collection from airports are often more expensive. Inquire if there are any alternative collection points in the surrounding areas before you make your booking.

Weekend bookings

Several car hire companies define weekends as commencing from late Thursday to late Sunday or early Monday. This may incur a cheaper rate than if you were booking a car from just Friday to Sunday. .

When comparing

Note that certain agencies only quote a fixed rate then surprise you with a total that is far higher. Thus you should pursue unlimited mileage offers in order to avoid this situation.

Diesel cars

Book a diesel car when planning to travel abroad, since diesel is often far cheaper.

Book the smallest car

Sometimes it may be cheaper to book a smaller car in the hope of an upgrade; though ensure that the smaller car can accommodate the required number of passengers and their luggage.

Enquire about upgrades

Ask kindly about the possibility of a cheap upgrade when arriving at the desk. You may sometimes strike it lucky and receive a free upgrade.

Return the car punctually

Return the car on time in order to avoid excessive fees. Ensure that you call in advance if you decide on renting the car for longer than agreed upon.

Full tank

Ensure that you return the car with a full tank of fuel if this is stipulated in the rental contract. Most rental agencies calculate a higher price for fuel than at filling stations, and some may even levy a fee if you have forgotten to fill up.

Fuel

Many agencies offer the choice of either paying for a full tank in advance or filling it up yourself prior to returning the car. The latter alternative is almost always cheaper.

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