What Is Needed To Hire A Car In South Africa
In this article, Satacts.co.za tries to answer this question by publishing the requirements needed to Hire A Car in South Africa
Here’s a general overview of what you’ll need:
Driver’s License: You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an international driver’s license. Some rental agencies may require you to have held your driver’s license for a minimum period (usually one to two years).
Age Requirement: You must typically be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the rental agency. However, many rental companies require renters to be at least 23 or 25 years old.
Identification: You will need a valid passport or national ID as a form of identification.
Credit Card: You will usually need a credit card for the rental deposit and payment. Some rental companies may also accept debit cards, but a credit card is generally preferred. The credit card must be in the name of the primary driver and have a sufficient credit limit to cover the rental costs and any potential incidentals.
Proof of Address: Some rental agencies may ask for proof of your local address, like a utility bill or a hotel reservation.
International Driving Permit (IDP): If your driver’s license is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a notarized translation of your license. This is to ensure that local authorities and rental agencies can understand the information on your license.
Insurance: You’ll be offered various insurance options when renting a car. You can use your own car insurance if it covers rental vehicles, or you can purchase insurance from the rental agency. It’s advisable to have some form of insurance coverage to protect yourself in case of accidents or damage to the rental car.
Booking and Reservation: It’s a good idea to book your rental car in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons. You can book a car through the rental agency’s website, a travel agency, or at the airport when you arrive.
Knowledge of Local Driving Rules: Familiarize yourself with South Africa’s road rules, such as driving on the left side of the road, and any specific local regulations.
Understanding the Rental Agreement: Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement, including fuel policies, mileage limits, and additional fees for things like extra drivers or one-way rentals.
Always check with the specific rental agency you plan to use for their exact requirements and policies, as they can vary between companies. Additionally, make sure the rental vehicle is in good condition, take note of any existing damage, and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before you drive off to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing issues.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in South Africa?
Vehicle renters must have a valid credit card or a South African debit card if they are not traveling on a company account/bill-back voucher from a travel agency. This enables us to hold a deposit in the event of any loss or damage to the vehicle.
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in South Africa?
General Rental Information
An international driving license is not required, provided the original license is in English. For driving licenses from countries not part of the international driving license treaty (e.g. China), an official translation of the license in English must be presented with the original license.