Rental Car Information for Queensland, Australia's Gold Coast
If you are planning a trip to the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia,
then one item that is paramount in your planning is renting a car.
Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, to get the most out of
your time in Queensland, a hired car will allow you to explore all that
the area has to offer in the easiest way. Though it is possible to have
an excellent Australian experience without one, a car will make your
trip sipler and much more enjoyable.
Renting a car in Queensland, Australia is a simple process, even for those visitors who may be travelling from a different country. It only takes a bit of research to find the agency that best serves your particular needs and to understand which type of vehicle is right for you.
What You Need to Know
The foreign traveller may be wary of car rental in a different land, but rental procedures fluctuate very little from place to place.
Picking Up and Returning Your Rented Vehicle
If travelling by air, the Gold Coast visitor can easily find their car
rental agency at the airport. Most rental agencies have shuttles that
will gladly pick up visitors and deposit them at the rental counter. At
the time you place your rental car reservation, you should be given a
number to call to summon the shuttle.
It is possible to hire conveyances once you arrive, but it is advisable to make reservations far in advance to assure that you will have a vehicle at the ready when you arrive at your destination.
Visitors who are arriving by some other form of transportation or who may not decide they need a car until they reach their hotel may be able to arrange to have a car delivered to them. Some car rental agencies offer this as a free service while others may charge a fee.
Returning the rental car is just as simple as picking it up from the airport. As with most rental agencies around the globe, the driver must simply drop off the car at the check-in counter. However, travellers are to be aware that check-in times can vary dramatically and in Australia can take up to three hours. It is wise to arrive very early at time of return.
Prices to Expect
Car rental rates will vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle and
the agency chosen. It is wise to remember that the rate advertised often
does not include taxes, surcharges, insurance, licensing fees, and the
cost of fuel. Inquire about all of these items before reserving the car,
as these additional fees can double the quoted base cost. You will also
pay more for any special features, like child car seats or GPS
navigation systems.
Other Must Know Facts
If you are under the age of 21, it is unlikely that you will be allowed to rent a car in Australia. The same is true for people of advanced age; though it varies from agency to agency, many have rules that prohibit individuals above the age of 75 to 80 from hiring a car. If you are between the ages of 21 and 25, you will be able to rent, but will likely have to pay a special fee as you are still considered a safety risk until your 25th birthday.
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- Gold Coast Car Hire and Car Rental Agencies
- Finding the cheapest car and car hire agency on your vacation
- Driving your affordable rental car on vacation
- Gold Coast Car Hires, Driving Tours, and Accommodations
- Contact
Links
- A guide to booking rental cars online
- Australia DVD
- Five Tips for Saving Money on a Car Rental
Car Rental Quick Tips
- Prior to hiring the car, check with your resort for any special discounts that may be offered.
- Seek car rental references. A hotel concierge or a Queensland based travel agent may be able to point you in the right direction.
- Plan your driving route and rent the type of vehicle that best suits those needs.
- Before leaving home, print all documentation regarding the car rental and keep this in your carry on luggage as you fly.
- Do not fall for last minute upgrade scams that could end up costing you; once you’ve made your decision on which car to hire, stick with it!