Car Hire in South Africa

Ensure that you have a valid driving licence with at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign driver travelling to South Africa, an international driving permit may be required. Remember, hire rates can be higher for drivers under 25 or over 70

If sharing driving responsibilities, check the policies regarding additional drivers. Some companies charge fees for each extra driver, while others may include it for free under certain conditions.

Before renting a car, check if your personal car insurance covers rental losses. Many personal auto insurance policies and credit cards offer coverage for rentals, which could save you from extra insurance fees.

Research fuel prices in the area where you'll return the vehicle. Filling up at a local station may be cheaper than paying for fuel through the rental company, especially if they charge higher rates.

Before finalising your car hire in South Africa, make sure to confirm the drop-off location with your provider. This will help you save time and prevent any misunderstandings at the end of your car hire period.

Before driving away from South Africa , thoroughly inspect the car for any damage. Document any existing damage with photos or video to avoid disputes later on.

Before booking, check for any promotional offers or discounts that may be available. Many rental companies provide seasonal deals or discounts for early bookings.

When renting a car, especially after travelling by train, allocate extra time for pickup to account for possible delays. Most car hire companies offer a 30-60 minute grace period. Sharing your train number can be helpful, but if you're running late, be sure to contact the car hire provider to let them know.