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Car rental in Vietnam
Car rental is a great alternative when you want to visit any place that you like
or is inaccessible to public vehicles. This is also a pleasing choice when
exploring destinations with various attractions, which are distant from each
other such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Dalat. The major advantages of renting a
car include independence, convenience and flexibility as you can create your own
schedule. On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages, mostly because
of the notorious traffic system in Vietnam and high cost of renting. Below are
some instructions and tips for you while using rental car.
Tips for Renting a Car
The first thing that you have to be aware of is the quality of the car that you
rent. Rental cars were used many times by many unprofessional drivers with the
thought that “That is not my properties so I don’t have to take care of it
carefully”. Therefore, checking the car conditions before renting it is
essential for you to avoid accidents or unexpected dramas. Also, spending time
to come to showroom of the agencies to find your best match is highly
recommended.
One more thing you have to be aware of is the traffic in Vietnam. The fact is
that the traffic system in Vietnam is very complicated which can intimidates
even the most skillful and careful drivers. Therefore, driving a car in Vietnam
can be extremely challenging.
To make the matter worse, the buzz of motorbikes, and other cars, with an
intense level of honking can make the experience more stressful than it should.
If you don’t feel confident in your driving skills, hiring a chauffeur from the
agencies is a wise option since many agencies offer drivers with their rental
cars. Additionally, the local drivers are familiar and experienced with the
locations, so you will reach your desired destinations faster and safer.
Cost for Renting a Car in Vietnam
In Vietnam, compared to other modes of transportation, renting car is quite
expensive. This is largely due to the affordable and available public
transportation system that runs within and between provinces.
The fee for renting a car ranges from VND 500,000 to 10,000,000 per day (about
$25-500), depending on the type of car you choose and how luxurious it is. There
are many types of cars for you to choose from, but the most common one is
4-seats and 7-seats cars. Customers are responsible for fuel cost, which is
rather high compared with Vietnamese living standard (as of June 2011, it is $1
per litre).
Payment for car rental is usually made in cash directly to the agency. Some
agencies might ask you for advance payment or a small deposit.
How to rent a car in Vietnam
It is quite easy in Vietnam to rent a car. All required papers are your passport
and driving license.
Normally, car rental agencies in Vietnam will ask you for international driving
licenses if you do not have a Vietnamese driving one, and they might accept your
native driving licenses in common languages such as English, French. These
licenses will be copied and kept by the agencies for reference. After signing
the rental contract, the agencies might require you to pay some money as
deposit. This could be 50 to 100% of the total cost of the contract or an exact
pre-determined amount in cash.
Most of Vietnamese car rental agencies are located in big cities such as Hanoi
or Ho Chi Minh City where the demand for car rental car is quite significant.
Below are some credible rental car agencies that you should know: |
