Driving in US

[sumsum80]

Can I check if I am driving from LA to LV, which is the good outlets that I will pass by?

Also how to try the helicoptor tour to Grand Canyon? Not sure to drive to Grand Canyon or take a helicoptor tour

 

[hermes76]

HI,

I'm renting from Hertz with the below rate, is it consider cheap?
Also, I've read in this thread that one should use 4 days to travel from SF to LA, what could be done in this 4 days? I'm planning to drive SF to LA with only a nite at Santa Barbara, any concerns for this plan?


Rate Information:
Form of Payment: CC
Currency: US DOLLARS
Rate Is: GUARANTEED
Rate Code: APIW
Base Amount:
WEEKEND DAY: 2 at 55.26 UNLIMITED FREE MI
EXTRA DAY: 9 at 55.26 UNLIMITED FREE MI

APPROXIMATE RENTAL CHARGE: 717.29 USD UNLIMITED FREE MI

For rate inquiries, including information regarding applicable taxes and fees, contact Hertz.

Approximate rental charges are based on available information at the time of reservation. Additional fees or surcharges may be applied at time of rental.

Inclusions (items that are included in Approximate Rental Charge):
TAX: 9.25 %
AIRPORT CONCESSION FEE RECOVERY ON FLIGHT ARRIVALS: 11.11 %
VEHICLE LICENSING COST RECOVERY: 4.18 USD
TRANSPORTATION AND FACILITIES FEE: 20.00 USD
CA TOURISM COMMISSION ASSESSMENT: 2.85 %
LOSS DAMAGE WAIVER

Exclusions (items that are excluded from Approximate Rental Charge):
PER DAY
LIABILITY INSURANCE SUPPLEMENT: 13.95 USD
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE /PERSONAL EFFECTS COVERAGE: 5.95 USD

 

[derazor]

can anyone advise if SG license is sufficient to drive in US?

 

[genie47]

can anyone advise if SG license is sufficient to drive in US?

Yes. It is sufficient evidence of superb motoring skills.

 

[hermes76]

Yes. It is sufficient evidence of superb motoring skills.

confirm? i heard muz go AA apply for Int'l Driving Permit

 

[genie47]

confirm? i heard muz go AA apply for Int'l Driving Permit

I rented a car in LV and drove to Utah and Arizona. 3.5L V6 Dodge Charger. Used my SG driver's license.

This is Jun 2011.

 

[beanstalk6]

In all my time driving abroad, I have not been asked once to show any International Licence issued by our AA. Its utility is dubious.

 

[derazor]

Normally what is the procedure in taking and returning the cars. I read there is what pickup and drop off.

I'd be driving in San Fran 1 day ( going to Napa )
Vegas + Grand Canyon maybe 3 days
Anaheim maybe 2 days

 

[genie47]

Normally what is the procedure in taking and returning the cars. I read there is what pickup and drop off.

I'd be driving in San Fran 1 day ( going to Napa )
Vegas + Grand Canyon maybe 3 days
Anaheim maybe 2 days

The car rental companies are very thorough. I got my rental from Dollar but the booking was done with Travelocity.

I arrived, presented the booking. They ask if I wanted the insurance which I did. They computed then asked what else do I need. I requested for the GPSr. They added it. Then tell my how much is the total with this long receipt with was about 1m long.

I looked through and they explained every charge. Then I examined then signed it.

Presented credit card but it is not charged yet.

Then I was led to the car and drove off.

Returning, I just returned the car and presented the 1m long receipt. The guy receiving it, punched some handheld device and then I said goodbye to the guy and the car.

 

[hermes76]

The car rental companies are very thorough. I got my rental from Dollar but the booking was done with Travelocity.

I arrived, presented the booking. They ask if I wanted the insurance which I did. They computed then asked what else do I need. I requested for the GPSr. They added it. Then tell my how much is the total with this long receipt with was about 1m long.

I looked through and they explained every charge. Then I examined then signed it.

Presented credit card but it is not charged yet.

Then I was led to the car and drove off.

Returning, I just returned the car and presented the 1m long receipt. The guy receiving it, punched some handheld device and then I said goodbye to the guy and the car.

did u wait lon for the car? I have read soem reviews on Dollar that someone actually waited 3hrs while they slowly wash the car....

they have a +USD400 for dropping off at a diff location. i also found www.alamo.com or www.vroomvroomvroom.com where u can compare car rentals.

I may be sticking to Hertz for their reputation....

 

[genie47]

did u wait lon for the car? I have read soem reviews on Dollar that someone actually waited 3hrs while they slowly wash the car....

they have a +USD400 for dropping off at a diff location. i also found www.alamo.com or www.vroomvroomvroom.com where u can compare car rentals.

I may be sticking to Hertz for their reputation....

No. My car is ready because I booked before hand. Those that wait are those "walk-in" customers. US not in the habit of pre-booking the car. Only foreign tourists pre-book cars.

Check with Travelocity. They have a comparison chart when you book. Basically all the rentals are the same but Hertz is the most expensive followed by Avis.

National is not bad.

 

[hermes76]

In all my time driving abroad, I have not been asked once to show any International Licence issued by our AA. Its utility is dubious.

ok i found this, the IDP is optional, in a way...

Driver's Licenses

If you are temporarily visiting California, you can use your out-of-state or foreign driver's license for as long as it's valid where it was issued — you do not need to register with the DMV or do anything beyond making sure your license is valid and current. In most cases, (e.g. Western European countries, Australia, most of SE. Asia, etc.) foreigners do not really need one of those additional paper International Driver's License as well, but if your license looks exotic, it would probably help to have one just in case (this is the license issued by the relevant Automobile Association or Government body in your country that certifies in several languages that you have a license in your own country. You must also have your normal license with you if you use the International License).

 

[cormet]

Not asked to show IDP in US at all but was asked in Canada.

 

[sumsum80]

Anyone book from travel Jigsaw before?

 

[genie47]

Not asked to show IDP in US at all but was asked in Canada.

Canada has stricter driving laws than the US or any other place in the world for that matter.

Our license is Class 2A, 2B, 3 etc.

Theirs very special called G1, G2 and G. Newly graduated drivers take G1 which basically a license for noobs. In-built P plate. Then go for G1 road test to get G2 license. Hold G2 for 12 months then go G license.

So it is a total of 24 months before you can get a G license which allows you among other things to tow a trailer. Every level has special conditions. Like unlock achievement levels.

See here:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/

 

[derazor]

Is there any site that compares between different car rental companies?

I tried to google and found out this 2 website that offers comparison.

http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com/

http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/cheap-car-hire/usa/

http://www.dollar.co.uk/

I read from this thread that there are a couple of rental companies i.e
avis, hertz, national , alamo

Is there any specific company that I should stick to?

Say I rent a car at Anaheim ( CA ) , I have no problems returning at LA ( CA ) without any surcharge?

Is there a thing as half a day rental?

 

[patryn33]

US not in the habit of pre-booking the car. Only foreign tourists pre-book cars.

Who told you that? The americans I work with pre book all the time.

 

[patryn33]

Say I rent a car at Anaheim ( CA ) , I have no problems returning at LA ( CA ) without any surcharge?

Is there a thing as half a day rental?

Most case no drop off fees.

No such thing as half day rental in the western world. Exceed by 5 mins and they bill u a day.

 

[genie47]

Who told you that? The americans I work with pre book all the time.

Dunno. On my day at Dollar, everyone is a walk-in except me! Could be a weekday thing.

 

[derazor]

Dunno. On my day at Dollar, everyone is a walk-in except me! Could be a weekday thing.

I tried to do a mock rental of the car @ dollar. They didn't indicate the insurance etc etc.
Is it add on when you arrive at the physical location?

Any advice on which car to take if say I'm not lugging any luggage - meaning I just use the car for going to point to point vs with luggage lugged ( I think I will have 3 big luggages ).