Hiring a car for your holiday in Rwanda? Hiring a car for a Rwanda safari holiday is a significant factor that makes traveler’s vacation complete. It can save you a lot from spending on the taxi or unpredictable schedules from public means. However, renting a car can be tedious process whether you are a first-time visitor or even repeat traveler on Rwanda tour. But here are some essential tips for you to save money on your rental car in Rwanda.

Valuable things to know about how to hire a car in Rwanda

Make the best use of a credit card during car pick up

Hiring a car comes with its own challenges! But ensure that you utilize your credit card when picking up your ride for your road trips in Rwanda. If you opt for a debit card, you may incur an authorized charge and a lot more extra costs you probably never planned for.

Most car hire companies used to check renter’s credit score especially if you used a debit card to ensure you can meet any cost but this policy has presently been altered among several car hire agencies/companies. In case you opt to hire a vehicle using a debit card, ensure that you cross-check online to know what the policy it is such that you won’t live in the world of surprises.

Children cost more to drive a hire car

Well, we all need our children to be behind the wheels and probably, your 23-year old son or daughter may have the best driving record but the fact is that most car hire companies never care about it. Most of the car hire agencies/companies look at them as potential liability to their rental cars. Even when young drivers are in position to hire a car at 21 years, they are most likely to meet extra charge because they are below 25 years. In case you plan to travel with persons below 25, ensure they are not added as extra/additional drivers. This will save you a lot wallet wise!

Have minimum number of drivers

Whether you plan to go on a family trip in Rwanda or simply a getaway with your colleagues, ensure you have a minimum number of drivers. This is because you may incur a charge on every extra driver you include whether they drive or not. But at times, car hire companies waive the charge for corporate rental cars or spouse. Before you get excited, ensure that you double-check to be certain of what policy it is since this differs from company to company.

Make the best use of insurance

If you consider renting a car in Rwanda, ensure you have insurance from a reliable agency. Note, some car hire companies charge highly for insurance and this can be an option in case you fail to find other alternatives. There are many insurance companies in and around Kigali to deal with. But you can still shop around car hire companies to enjoy good discounts as well.

Do not hire a car at the airport

Renting a car at the airport is simple since you can easily bump into a car rental company as soon as you land into the airport. But where you hire your car for vacation is one essential factor you need to consider. Note that car hire agencies/companies pay surcharge for an airport fee which is passed onto the client hiring their cars. You can save yourself from such unexpected costs by dealing with a rental company outside the airport.

Drive within the paved roads

While others may look at this as obvious, in real sense it is not. Most rental companies don’t entertain that business of off-road driving. Off-road driving can be violation of what is stipulated on the car hire agreement and it important to cross-check if the company does allow for off-road driving.

Fill up the car tank prior returning it

You have enjoyed your trip but it is time to return your ride to a company. Firstly, know the fuel policy of the car rental company you are dealing with. Some companies require you to return the vehicle full tank and if you don’t, this may land you on extra charge which you didn’t plan for. Read and understand different companies’ gas/fuel policies so as not to be left in surprises.

Pack your own extras where need be

Planning for a Rwanda self-drive tour? Save a lot from incurring costs for things you already have if you plan to self-drive in Rwanda. There are some essential items you can come along with like GPS, google maps, satellite radio, kid seats and others