car rental in australia
 

could any one tell me about rental car experience in australia and is there a local rental car that would rent a car with a debit card for reasonable price.

Where specifically do you plan to visit?

We just returned from 2 weeks in Australia. Rented a car in Cairns and in Melbourne, both with Budget and both on a credit card (not debit card). Not sure of the rates, they were both "packaged in" to our total package of airfare, hotels, tours, airport pick-ups, etc.

Dear Melnq8
we will start our vacation oin Sydney but do not have any pland yet.
any idea wher to go to have the hot weather in March

Author: Saltuarius
Date: 01/03/2009, 03:43 am
You can get all the weather and climate data you need at http://mirror.bom.gov.au

In Sydney I use Bayswater car rental, William Street, Kings Cross
www.bayswatercarrental.com.au

Their rates are excellent and they have the lowest insurance excess I've found.

Not sure that any of the car rental companies take debit cards. You will need to check with the individual companies.

I have also used Bayswater several times (and am about to do it again in Feb.), it's a no-frills operation that gives good value.

But: No one-way rentals, and drive only within the state of NSW (A prior $100 endorsement extends usage to: Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide)

The "no birds" slogan refers to silly glamour-girl ("birds") delivery policies and advertising by competitors - ignore it.

They are now open on Sundays, 9-3:30, and they now have a free shuttle from the airport (Sydney only), and to get back to the airport only costs $12.-

Don't know about debit card - call +61 2 9360 3622

I have also used AVIS fromOOL Coolangatta airport to SYD airport as a one-way, no problem - again, no idea about debit card. In Melbourne I think it was Europcar at Tullamarine airport, although it might have been a local franchise after booking online with Europcar.

I know from your other posts that you have a very long vacation planned - you will not get very far without a credit card, at some point the debit card will be rejected and leave you high and dry - look into getting a CC before you plan further.

Well, if you're looking for hot weather, you'll find plenty in Perth, but I suspect it will be hot many places in OZ during March.

Another vote for Bayswater - I didn't realize they were a national company, thought they were just local here in Perth.

Bayswater has the best rates and the lowest excess we've found (excess = deductible). The price goes up considerably when you add insurance though.

http://www.bayswatercarrental.com.au

I've never used a debit card for a rental, but if you plan to waive the insurance as we always do, you're better off paying with a credit card that offers some sort of insurance coverage. For instance, our US Visa card covers us for collision, plus covers the excess in case of any damage to cars rented in OZ and NZ.

No idea where you're from, but if you do rent using credit card, be sure to read the fine print regarding rental car coverage (or lack thereof).

You'll probably want to check Bayswater for their interstate hire Zakza as I think they are a company that is set up just for the state they're in and require return to place of hire.

To go from Sydney up to Queensland for instance you'll need a company with interstate service if you intend to drive one way and fly back the other.

Have a look at www.drivenow.com.au as that site has all major companies listed and seeing as you'll not need to book ahead, a week or so before you hit Sydney, have a look at http://www.standbyrelocations.com/ and you could even find a Sydney to Brisbane cheap deal, maybe even a campervan so as you have accommodation covered too.

You're usually allowed three days/two nights for doing a relocation Sydney to Brisbane but if delivery date allows you can usually get two or three extra days at discounted hire rate.