Rental cars have become the most preferred means of traveling in Rwanda. But what leaves many stressed is the charges attached to some of them. This is especially when you are taken by surprise because you were not keen on the details. Don’t be taken by surprise by higher rate for your rental. Explore different ways to avoid taxes, hidden fees or surcharges or extra charges on your car rental in Rwanda.
Read thoroughly the car hire terms and conditions
Now that you have already found you best car rental deal, definitely you will be filled with lots of excitement. But one thing you need not to be part of is getting stuck with a final bill that is higher than you expected. Yes, when renting a car in Rwanda or any country, some rental companies don’t disclose to you hidden fees, surcharges, taxes or extra charges then you only get to know at a last minute. Try to be keen on every detail of the rental company’ terms and conditions online or while at rental counter.
When you return the rental car, ensure that you check your card statement to see if the rates are the same as those when you were given. It is possible for the rental company to make mistakes/errors.
Rent a car outside the airport locations
Yes, you have landed into Kigali Airport, what next is to get to your destination but do you have a means? Don’t be on a hurry to hire from the airport because you will definitely be charged highly as the rental companies struggle to meet the daily charges/taxes (concession fees) at the airport that they also pass to clients. These concession fees can even rise up-to 10% of the whole hire car bill.
Don’t go for extra insurance
Upon picking your hire car, the rental company may provide extra insurance to cover for damages. This insurance is normally over rated and yet even not needed. Most importantly, most rental companies have their rentals comprehensively insured. This means things like damages are covered in the rental insurance. Read thorough your rental insurance and your credit card to find out if there is need for extra insurance or not before you embark on a Rwanda tour in a rental car.
Be keen on the gas gauge
Majority of rental companies provide an alternative for gasoline as they prepay for it and you won’t need to refuel the car when returning. It is a convenient option for travelers who need a full tank of gas but don’t have time to refuel it prior returning a car. Here, prepayments can be less than the rates on most local gas-stations.
In case you don’t prepay for refueling the hire car, take note of the gas gauge prior setting off to any part of Rwanda for your road trip. Also ensure that the rental company accepts the amount of fuel in the rental car. This means you can return the car with the same quantity of gas in the tank. Most important to note also is the fuel policy of the rental company you will be dealing with.
Don’t spend on gadgets if you have
If you are on a plan to go on Uganda self-drive tour, there are some items you can carry and reduce on most of the expenses. If you have a GPS, why spend on it yet you can carry it during your Rwanda self-drive safari. Other items that you can carry for your trip on Rwanda safari include child seats, smart phone among others. These can save you more from incurring extra charges.