First Car Rental's Tips for Finding Cheap Car Rental in South Africa

Online, October 23, 2013 (Newswire.com) - South Africa is a beautiful country with many exciting places to visit. Tourists from all over South Africa and abroad travel around the country to experience its diverse culture and wildlife. With such a vast amount to see, and often not enough time to see it all, renting a vehicle is an ideal way to explore the country.

1. Plan your holiday well in advance
To find cheap car hire, it's important to know exactly what the rental vehicle requirements are before approaching car rental providers. There are several questions that should be asked: For what period of time is the rental car required? What is the most convenient collection point? What type of terrain will the vehicle be used for? Will there be more than one driver? Once these questions have been answered, it can be decided what type of vehicle best suits your holiday requirements.

2. Choose a vehicle wisely
When booking a rental vehicle, be sure to choose a vehicle that will match your holiday needs. To travelshort distances in a city centre, choose a smaller vehicle that is light on fuel - this can save a lot of money over the duration of your holiday.

South Africa has many open areas, including game reserves and national parks, where a heavy-duty 4X4 is required to navigate the terrain. It is recommended to choose a discount car that will suit your travel requirements in order to get the most out of a holiday.

3. Take advantage of special deals
Ask rental companies whether any special deals are on offer. One can often reduce the price of cheap car rentals even further by simply checking if there are any current special offers. If vehicle requirements are not too specific, switch to a car with an applicable discount.

4. Understand the terms and conditions of the car rental agreement
Read the fine print on any car rental agreement before confirming, and make sure that you understand its terms and conditions. Check what time of day is best to return the car. Some cheap car rental companies charge a full extra day's rental fee if a vehicle is returned after its allocated time. Check how long the vehicle will be held if flights are delayed and whether there is a late collection fee.

5. Watch out for unexpected costs
Before signing an agreement, ask the rental agency what additional charges may apply. Is there a drop-off charge? How much does it cost to add an additional driver to the agreement? Is there an additional charge for roadside assistance?

With these simple tips renters can find the right cheap car hire service and enjoy a great holiday in South Africa.