Car hire abroad can be complicated and tricky. Unlike in your own country, you cannot easily find recourse if something goes amiss. You need to know a few techniques in order to prevent bed situations from happening.
• Check the car hire company's fuel policy
Be sure you are aware of what the fuel guidelines are. Watch out if they tell you "whether it is refilled or not doesn't matter. Most likely, this means they will fill it up themselves and might bill you for the fuel at a cost much higher than when you have it filled yourself.
• Check the fuel type the vehicle uses
You need to always ensure what type of fuel the car takes. It is unlikely you will be covered for damages because of filling it with the wrong fuel type.
• Adventure traveling
If you decide on doing some off-road traveling, check the extent of your coverage. You may have to cough up for damages if you get into a car crash while racing across the famous desert of Sahara. Check also if the spare tire is working well. There is nothing more unfortunate than being trapped someplace strange because of a flat tire.
• Know the local legalities
Each country's legal requirements vary. In some, if you don't have stuff they require, your insurance will be invalidated, such as high visibility jackets, travel first aid kits, breakdown and spare bulb sets. The car rental company should know, but it is best to be on the safe side.
• Local traffic rules
Road rules may vary from country to country too. Do not assume that the rules of your own country apply to the place you are visiting. Some right-hand drive countries allow a right-turn on red lights as long as there's no incoming traffic. You may be abused by other drivers if you don't do this. Check with the car company what the local laws are.
• Know the emergency number
Before you go anywhere, make sure you got the car hire company's 24-hour contact number in the event of a mishap or in case the car breaks down.
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