Things to consider before renting a car in Tanzania : Whether this is your first time renting a car or you’ve rented a million, Trip Insight Tanzania shares some of the most crucial information with you before renting a vehicle. Not from us alone, but from everyone.
Make sure you have your paperwork.
Nothing is worse than realizing you forgot your driver’s licence at home when you get to the car rental agency. Please ensure that you have your driver’s licence and a valid credit card in your name with you before renting a car from Trip Insight Tanzania. Most car rental companies require you to present a valid credit card as a guarantee in order to cover for incidental charges like parking tickets, traffic violations, missing fuel, etc. In general, debit cards are not recognized as a type of collateral. If a cash deposit is preferred over a credit card, it will only be accepted at Trip Insight Tanzania’s discretion.
Check the car exterior.
You don’t want to be held accountable for the improper use of the vehicle by someone else. Before leaving, please make sure you check the car for any dents or scratches.
Familiarize yourself with the Rental vehicle.
Every automobile is unique. It’s likely that the vehicle you rent on your way back home will be a different model. Make sure to take some time to personalize the seat and mirrors before leaving. Examine the locations of the car’s controls for the handbrake, air conditioning, lights, and wipers. You are prepared to go once you have become comfortable with the car.
Know where you are going.
To efficiently manage your time, it would be a good idea to have a travel itinerary with designated stops before renting a car. The staff at Trip Insight Tanzania will be pleased to assist you in getting where you’re going and to suggest locations that aren’t included in your Lonely Planet travel guide. Ask our staff members freely about the best places to visit, dine, and swim in Tanzania. Like in any place, the locals are the ones who are aware of all the hidden treasures and small secrets.
Find out what kind of fuel is used in your rental car.
Make sure you are aware of the type of fuel your car uses, unless you want to pay twice as much for petrol if you leave the tank empty when you return. In Tanzania, unleaded 95 is the fuel of choice for most cars, though diesel engines are becoming more and more common, so there may be an exception.
Get back in time.
Car rental companies have extremely strict schedules, especially in the summer months when business is at its peak. In order to avoid incurring late fees that could cost you a full rental day in addition to additional charges if you fail to notify the agency, please return the rental car by the scheduled time.
Stay on the Road.
Safari Expeditions aren’t the right place for rental cars. Remember that and treat the car with the respect it deserves. It is a clear violation of the rental agreement to drive your rental car off-road. Insurance does not cover any damages that may occur from your 4×4 adventures or if you get stuck on a beach or in a mountain. Additional costs will apply for cleaning and towing.
Be careful where you park.
Make sure you enquire about the parking rules with the representative of your car rental company. Every location has its own system, so it’s likely that the parking structure in Tanzania differs from the one in your city. To recap the essentials. It is not permitted to stop or park on yellow lines. Parking on blue lines is permitted as long as you pay the parking metres and show the ticket on the dashboard behind your windscreen. Two-wheeled vehicles are only allowed to cross white lines. Unless a traffic sign indicates otherwise, parking is free when there are no lines visible.
Keep your car keys close at hand.
The way that car keys are made has changed over time. You are unable to simply pick up a new copy at your neighbourhood hardware store. Because the intricate electronics inside car keys cannot be duplicated, you will need to get your copy directly from the manufacturer. And they are very expensive, I promise. Make sure you remember where you keep your key, or else you’ll have to pay $200 for a misplaced one. In addition to the car key’s purchase price, there are additional costs in the event of loss.
Don’t look for a car in the Airport.
You should look for a car rental company as soon as you land in Tanzania; you should also avoid renting a car from agencies inside the airport because you will be paying cash for the vehicle. Spend some time scheduling your rental car over the phone or online before you travel to Tanzania. At a fraction of the price you would pay to rent from the airport’s corporations, it will be waiting for you as soon as you get to the exit. Someone needs to pay their outrageous rent at the airport. You don’t have to be the one.