Rental Car Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I rent a specific brand?

  If you have a specific brand in mind, feel free to let us know - we'll try to incorporate your preferences into our selected vehicle pool, but can't make any promises.

  Transportation options are sorted by category, so we can't stray from these limitations without needing to alter your rental plan. Lastly, ExpatRide's ability to meet your request depends on that model's availability during the final pickup day.

• Can you assist with a car seat for my child?

  We're glad to assist you with car seat needs for your children, but it's not a guaranteed part of our service. ExpatRide will bring this concern up to our local partners in the area, but car seat availability depends entirely on our provider's stock. There's also a chance that the car seats available may not be to your child's liking or incapable of handling all of their needs.

  While we can try to produce a car seat for you - even on relatively short notice - you're usually better off bringing your own or buying a new one soon after arrival.

• If my reservation is over a longer period, will the rate go down?

  Unfortunately, rental rates won't change for extended, consecutive, or long-term reservations.

  That said, monthly rental plans tend to offer better rates than their daily/weekly counterparts - and all reservations made through ExpatRide enjoy a rental rate lower than the standard pricing for that region!

• Can I pay the rental car with cash or a debit card?

  Yes, but debit card payments have a few conditions.

  * The client must present a valid driver's license issued from the rental state.

  * Rentals from an airport branch require presentation of the client's incoming and outgoing flight itinerary.

  * Local rental branches may require at least two current utility bills (i.e. water, power, or internet) as proof of credit worthiness.

• Is there an age limit for renting a car?

  Drivers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car with ExpatRide. This remains in effect even for regions that allow people to drive at earlier ages. Fortunately though, ExpatRide does not impose any form of underage/young driver fee in our packages.

• How are additional drivers accommodated?

  Spouses or domestic partners are allowed to be authorized within the leasing agreement. In fact, it's even free of charge in certain supported regions such as the U.S.A. and Canada, with the only restriction being that the additional driver must have a valid driver's license. Individuals working outside those regions can still opt for authorization, though additional costs are likely to apply.

  Co-workers sharing the same vehicle may have other restrictions or deductibles incorporated into the rental agreement - the specific terms will depend on the region the assignees are operating in.

  In either case, the privileges and protections outlined will apply equally for both authorized parties. Note that additional drivers that have not been formally authorized won't be protected by the lease agreement, and the lease holder will in turn be held liable for any damages.

• Can I bring my pet in the car?

  Pets are allowed in rental vehicles, though we do require our customers to be mindful and keep their pets crated while in the vehicle. Crates not only keep traveling pets safe, but ensure that fur and other animal detritus are neatly collected, helping our clients avoid the need to cover cleaning fees.

  While service animals and smaller pets are allowed in rental vehicles without carriers, the cleaning fee they may incur will not be waived. Additionally, damages inside the vehicle (i.e. torn upholstery) will be noted and handled accordingly.

• Is pick-up service offered outside of airports?

  Pick-up service should be available during standard business hours, and ExpatRide can attempt to arrange that upon inquiry.

  Unfortunately, some local providers lack the manpower to handle these kinds of requests - especially during peak hours. If pick-up service isn't feasible, ExpatRide is sure to let you know ASAP.

• Will there be an additional charge if I am late returning the car?

  In general, you can expect a 30 minute grace period for rental returns - no extra costs included.

  If the rental vehicle was returned within 2 1/2 hours of the agreed-upon return time, the hourly charges for your agreement will apply (rounded up to the hour). If the vehicle was returned later than that window, you'll be charged for an additional day's rental rate.

  Rental vehicle returns will only be handled during business hours, so customers will remain responsible for the vehicle until the check-in can be processed on the next available business day.

• Do I need to refuel the vehicle before returning?

  You don't need to refuel the vehicle, but we'd strongly recommend doing so. Customers will be billed for fuel consumed, and the rate charged is often higher than the local pump price for gas stations in your region.

• What are the Driver's License requirements for renting in the US and Canada?

  You are required to present your passport, an active credit card, and a valid driver's license before being provided the rental vehicle.

  If your home country's driver's license isn't in English (or at minimum, uses English letters) you'll instead be required to present an international driver's permit.

• Could I rent a vehicle to pass my driver's license exam?

  Unfortunately, this isn't a standard service we provide. The majority of our providers don't allow rentals unless a valid driver's license is provided. We do have a few providers in the region (notably in the USA) that allow clients to rent vehicles to take their licensing exam at the DMV. In these cases, the client would need to inform ExpatRide of their intent to take the exam, which is then followed up by an additional contract agreement to clarify liability.