10 Best Ways to Find Cheapest Car Rentals while Travelling Abroad in 2025

Last Updated: January 03, 2025

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• Budget Car Rentals
• Use the right booking platform
• Benefits of Car Rentals
• More >>

Transportation is such an important part of the overall experience. Whether getting transportation to or from the airport or exploring different parts of the city. Finding the best deals on rental cars when traveling can save money and make your trip more enjoyable. 

Traveling abroad allows you to encounter many new cultures and traditions and gives you knowledge about many valuable things. Renting a car can help you enjoy your traveling experience smoothly. You can discover hidden gems and other secret locations with the freedom of navigating at your own pace.

Budget Car Rentals

Budget car rentals are a great option for exploring new destinations while gaining comfort and privacy. They offer an economical alternative to public transportation expenses. Local car rental companies offer lower fares with various options and may offer personalized services. Economy vehicles are often the most affordable choice for travelers, with cheaper rental rates and better fuel economy. This is especially important if traveling through rural areas in nations like Kenya or Peru, where distances between attractions might be vast.

Use the right booking platform

The first and foremost thing to do while renting a car while traveling abroad is to find a credible and trusted platform where you can compare car rental deals from top suppliers under one platform and at the same time, be able to secure better but cheaper deals.

Benefits of Car Rentals while Traveling Abroad in 2025

Car rental offers a more flexible, cost-effective, and comfortable option compared to traditional travel methods, significantly enhancing your travel experience. Some of the main benefits of car rental:

Benefits	Descriptions
Freedom and Flexibility	Avoids the hassle of public transportation and tours, car rental provides complete control over your travel.
Comfort and Privacy	Renting a car offers you comfortable seats, air conditioning, and personal space giving you more comfort and privacy.
Time and Energy Savings	Renting a car allows you to go directly to your destination without wasting your energy waiting for a taxi or bus to go to the desired destination.
Cost-Effectiveness	Renting a car allows you to travel more economically instead of dealing with public transportation expenses.
Explore Local Culture	Renting a car allows you to experience the local culture as well as discover hidden gems outside of tourist areas.

Booking Early For Cheap Prices

Early booking is one of the best options to find cheap rental cars. Rental car prices tend to go up as the travel date approaches, so locking in your reservation in advance can often result in significant savings. Attempting to reserve the car at least a week in advance helps you score better and cheaper deals.

Avoid renting at the airport

Airport car rentals are often more costly due to additional taxes and fees. Renting a car from a location off the airport might result in savings of up to 20%. It is less expensive to hire a car in or near the city itself if you can use public transportation to the city center or take a cab to a location outside the airport without paying more than you would at the airport.

Compare Prices

Comparing the prices of online websites such as Kayak, Expedia, Rentalcars.com, Skyscanner, and Budget Car Rental, allows you to compare prices from multiple companies. Comparing prices helps you to select the best deals based on budget and features.

Know About Insurance

Car rental insurance may be required in certain places, but if it is, make sure you need it before you pay. It is not necessary to get insurance from the rental business because many car insurance companies will also cover rental cars. It could also include insurance if you use a major credit card to pay for your rental. To find out if you need to get extra insurance, make sure you speak with your credit card company and your car insurance provider about their coverage.

Avoiding Hidden Rental Fees

1. Verify whether returning with a full tank is required for the rental.
2. There may be daily or trip mileage restrictions on certain rentals.
3. Carefully review your insurance options to stay clear of unnecessary or expensive add-ons.
4. Be mindful that adding beyond one driver could lead to additional costs.
5. Return on schedule to prevent unexpected fees.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Car Rentals

Some of the important tips for car rental:

1. Picking up and returning a car to the desired place may significantly reduce costs.
2. Look for membership discounts and offers.
3. Choose economical vehicles.
4. Taking bookings in advance
5. Avoid hidden rental costs

Key Destinations and Their Unique Car Rental Tips

EU countries

If you are driving across the EU countries like Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden, you might need to know few things before making your car rental plans. Get enough information about driving licence and IDP for EU and non-EU license holders , the common age is above 21 years, but it could vary based on location and value of cars you are renting. Make sure if the car you are renting is manual or automatic.

USA

If you are renting car in USA, it is advisable to book in advance. Also there are many providers for renting cars like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz and Avis etc you should compare prices before picking the one for you. Understand your license and make sure your driving license is valid by the time you are renting a Car in USA.

UK

If you are renting a car in UK you have to consider few information like you should be at least 21 years old to rend car, for UK resident you need a valid license, if you are non-uk resident you need a international driving permit along with license. Make sure about insurance, fuel policies and prices before picking a car rental for you.

Nepal:

Renting a car in Nepal can be a unique, convenient, and cost-effective option. Some useful tips for car rentals in Nepal include using online platforms to compare prices for better deals, booking in advance to secure better rates and preferred vehicles, fuel policy, understanding terms and conditions, etc

Sri Lanka:

Renting a car in Sri Lanka offers numerous exciting benefits that will enhance your travel experience. Inspecting the vehicle, following the parking regulations, keeping emergency numbers handy, etc are some of the tips to be considered while renting a car.

Guatemala:

Renting a car in Guatemala is a lot easier than you think. A few tips to be kept in mind while renting a car are to choose a reputable rental car company, avoid driving a rental car at night, obey traffic rules, flexible booking process, etc.

Peru:

With a rental car, you can drive through the beautiful cities of Peru. Some of the tips for renting a car in Peru are, to book in advance, be prepared for traffic, read the contract, check for additional fees, consider larger vehicles, compare prices, etc.

Thailand:

Thailand is home to an array of car rental providers, with their branches spreading to the most convenient places in the country. Booking through the right platform, reserving a car in advance, looking for budget-friendly options, opting for a full-to-full fuel policy, etc are some of the tips to book a cheap rental car.

Ecuador:

There are dozens of car rental companies functioning in Ecuador. A valid driver’s license along with an international driving permit, and important documents, choosing your vehicle carefully, etc. are the tips for renting a car in Ecuador.

Conclusion

Renting a car doesn't have to be costly or extremely difficult, but it may be time-consuming and frustrating. By planning ahead of time, you may earn additional benefits on the rental itself as well as any incidental charges that may arise, locate outstanding rates for where you need to travel and feel certain that you are covered against any emergencies. Neglect to do so may result in lost time and money that may be better spent on your road trip.