Question 1

Can I rent a van in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent a van in South Africa. Hire companies typically offer a variety of vans to suit different needs, including compact vans for city driving, mid-size vans for medium loads or small groups, large cargo vans for moving big items, and passenger vans that can accommodate up to 12-15 people.

Question 2

Can I rent car seats in South Africa for my young children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Most major car hire companies in South Africa, like , , ,  and , offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Question 3

Why is a Credit Card required for car hire in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

To rent a car in South Africa, a credit card is typically required to secure your reservation and cover any potential surcharges, such as tolls, damages, or fuel. Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover are accepted for this purpose. The credit card must be in the primary driver's name to ensure financial responsibility for the vehicle. While some locations may accept debit cards, they often require additional documentation or a credit check. For a hassle-free hire experience, it's advisable to use a major credit card like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

Question 4

Can I rent a car from AVIS in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes – you can pick up AVIS rent cars from South Africa.

Question 5

What should I do if I damage a car hire car in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

If you damage a rent car in South Africa, the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) typically covers the cost of repairs. To avoid additional expenses, make sure your insurance policy includes zero excess coverage. If your CDW has an excess limit, you'll be responsible for paying part of the repair costs, which is usually deducted from the deposit you provided when renting the car. For specific details on coverage and potential charges, it's best to check your hire agreement and insurance policy before you drive.

Question 6

How can I get to and from the Airport to the city center of South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Hiring a car at the airport is a convenient option that allows you to drive directly to the city centre of South Africa and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can use airport shuttle services, public transport like buses or trains, or take a taxi or rideshare service for a direct connection.

Question 7

Do I need to return the car with a full tank of gas?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need to return the car with a full tank of gas depends on the fuel policy you select. With a full-to-full or same-to-same policy, you must return the vehicle with the same level of fuel it had when you picked it up. If you don’t, you’ll incur a charge for the missing fuel, usually at a rate higher than local gas stations. Alternatively, you can choose to prepay for a full tank, which means you won't need to refuel the car before returning it. However, this option typically results in a higher overall cost, as you’ll be charged the local gas price minus a discount per gallon.

Question 8

What is the deposit amount for a car hire in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

The deposit amount required for a car hire in South Africa varies depending on the type of vehicle you choose and the hire company's policies. This deposit is generally held on your credit card to cover any potential additional charges or damages. To ensure you are aware of the exact deposit amount and any other associated costs, check the details during the booking process. This information is usually provided on the booking site. Additionally, be aware that the deposit will be refunded to your card after the car is returned, provided there are no extra charges or damages.

Question 9

What details are covered in the car hire contract?

Accepted Answer

The car hire contract in South Africa includes essential details such as the hire terms and conditions, insurance coverage options, and payment information. It specifies the hire duration, any additional services requested (like GPS or child seats), and policies on fuel, mileage limits, and fees for extra drivers. The contract also covers procedures for vehicle return, responsibilities for any damages, and the required identification, such as a valid driver’s license and credit card. Be sure to review the contract thoroughly to understand all aspects of your hire agreement.

Question 10

Can I rent a car from Europcar in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes – you can pick up Europcar rent cars from South Africa.

Car Hire Company	Telephone	Pickup Type	Location
National	+27 214180670	check_when_booking	1 LOWER BUITENGRACHT STREET
National	+27 214215190	check_when_booking	SHOP 2 QUAYSIDE 34 PRESTWITCH
Sixt	+27-21-4221480	check_when_booking	Cape Town, Entrance at 2 Old Marine Drive
Thrifty	+27 214813750	check_when_booking	CAPE TOWN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA, HILTON HOTEL,126 CNR BUITENGRACHT&WALE STR
AVIS	27 21 424 1177	check_when_booking	46 Strand Street
AVIS		check_when_booking	Cape Town Downtown, 46, Strand Street, Corner Chiappini Street, Cape Town, South Africa, 8001
Budget		check_when_booking	Cape Town - Strand Street, 46, Strand Street, Salga House, Cape Town, South Africa, 8000
Firefly	214106800	check_when_booking	CAPE TOWN DOWNTOWN, 40 LOOP STREET
Hertz		check_when_booking	Cape Town Downtown - Loop Street, 40, Loop Street, Cape Town, South Africa, 8000

Car Hire Company	Telephone	Pickup Type	Location
Carwiz		Check when booking	Cape Town Int airport -Outside the Terminal
Greenmotion	0027 21 555 9561 / 0027 83 627 4411	Check when booking	Unit 2, Airport Business Park Michigan Street 14, Airport Industrial
GREEN MOTION	0027 21 555 9561 / 0027 83 627 4411	Desk in terminal	Unit 2, Airport Business Park Michigan Street 14, Airport Industrial
Greenmotion	0027 215 559 561	Desk in terminal	Cape Town International Airport, 341 Koeberg Road, Cape Town, 7441
Dollar	+27 21 936 2121	Desk in terminal	Cape Town International Airport, Unit BG6 Car Rental Building, Central Boulevard, Cape Town International Apt
Keddy by Europcar	+27 2 19358600	Desk in terminal	Car Rental Terminal, Parow East, 7501, Cape Town, South Africa.
AVIS	27 21 927 8800	Desk in terminal	Cape Town International Apt
AVIS	27 21 927 8800	Desk in terminal	Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town International Apt
AVIS	27 21 927 8800	Desk in terminal	Cape Town International Airport - Avis Europe, Cape Town International Apt

Car Hire Company	Telephone	Pickup Type	Location
Firefly	283124479	check_when_booking	HERMANUS, 1 MYRTLE LANE
Firefly	0283124479	Check when booking	1 MYRTLE LANE
Hertz	0283124479	check_when_booking	HERMANUS, 1 MYRTLE LANE
Europcar	+27 21 8508900	check_when_booking	SOMERSET WEST, 88 MAIN ROAD STRAND
Budget		check_when_booking	Cape Town - Somerset West, Corner Broadway and Main Roads, Strand, Cape Town, South Africa, 7139
AVIS	27 21 036 0472	check_when_booking	197 Main Road
AVIS	27 21 036 0472	check_when_booking	Strand, 197 Main Road
Thrifty		check_when_booking	Cape Town - Somerset West, 5, Dynagel Street, The Interchange, Unit 7, Cape Town, South Africa, 7110
Budget	27 21 797 4581	check_when_booking	367 Main Road

Car Hire in South Africa

Why book with VoyageCopilot

Flexible insurance choices

Fuel-inclusive offers

Lowest rate assurance

Cheap Car Hire Deals in South Africa

or similar Economy

or similar Mini

or similar Compact

or similar Special

or similar Compact SUV

or similar Intermediate

or similar Standard

or similar Economy SUV

or similar Luxury

or similar Intermediate SUV

or similar Pick Up Truck

or similar Standard SUV

What Are the Best Car Hire Companies in South Africa?

Tempest

Enterprise

Keddy by Europcar

Woodford

BLUU CAR RENTAL

National

Firefly

Greenmotion

Europcar

TEMPEST CAR HIRE

AVIS

GREEN MOTION

First

Sixt

Budget

Alamo

Thrifty

Secret Deal

BLUU_Car_Rental

Hertz

First Car Rental

Popular Car Hire Airports in South Africa

Cape Town Airport

Durban Airport

Johannesburg Airport

Port Elizabeth Airport

Johannesburg Airport

Popular Car Hire Cities in South Africa

Cape Town

Johannesburg

Durban

Port Elizabeth

Popular Car Hire Locations in South Africa

Car hire locations at or near bus and train stations in Cape Town

Car hire locations at Cape Town airports

Car hire locations at other popular spots in Cape Town

Hiring a Car in South Africa: Good to Know

Average daily price

Best time to book

Total hire companies in South Africa

Most popular car hire city in South Africa

Most popular car type

Cheapest price found

Most popular provider

How to Find the Cheap Car Hire Deal in South Africa

Understand Age Restrictions

Confirm drop-off location to avoid confusion.

Check for Local Driving Restrictions

Allow extra time for car pickup

Confirm Payment Methods

Understand Deposit Policies

Plan for Navigation Tools

Confirm Mileage Policy

Find Cheap Car Hire Deals in South Africa: FAQs