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:
Thanh Hung Group
Address: 104-106 Nguyen Van Cu, Hanoi
Phone: (043) 8-213-213
Website: http://www.thuexe.net.vn/
Truong An Company
Address: 57 De To Hoang, Hanoi
Phone: (04) 7300-5791
Website: http://www.oto-tulai.vn/
Tuan Linh Company
Address: 73 Dong Da Lane, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (083) – 862-2600
Website: http://www.thue-xe.com/