Exploring a Caribbean island on your own can be an exciting adventure, and
often the best way to do it is to rent your own car. Many of the major car
rental agencies such as Thrifty, Budget, Avis,
and Hertz have
outposts on the Caribbean islands, but the islands also have smaller local
car rental agencies that can provide a variety of sound cars. Most agencies
offer a variety of cars from mini-mokes (dune-buggy like vehicles) and jeeps
to minivans and luxury cars, and many are air-conditioned with automatic transmissions.
Many travelers prefer to rent cars from one of the well-known agencies because
of their reputation for reliability and service. Some local agencies are excellent,
while others may not be. So ask for recommendations when using a local agency.
Keep in mind that on some Caribbean islands like Barbados there are only local
car rental agencies. Check the web and ask your travel agent or other travelers
for recommendations of reputable rental agencies.
There are a number of ways to book a rental car in the Caribbean. You can use
a travel agent, book it directly with the rental agency, or online through
a travel service such as Expedia.com, Priceline.com, Orbitz.com Travelocity.com,
Cheaptickets.com, or Onetravel.com. Another option is to book a car through
your hotel once you arrive on the island. This allows you flexibility because
you can evaluate whether you really need a car for sightseeing. Be aware, however,
that during busy periods this last option might leave you with no car if there
is a huge demand for vehicles by other travelers.
Before renting a car, decide what size you need. Be aware that category classifications
vary between agencies. One agency's "small" cars might be another's "compact".
Prices will vary accordingly. Renting a minivan or luxury car will be more
expensive than renting a jeep or mini-moke. You will also typically pay more
for air conditioning and an automatic transmission.
Figure out the length of time that you will need the car. If you plan on spending
only a day sightseeing on an island, you may not want to rent a car for your
entire stay. Ask what discounts the agency offers. Some agencies offer discounted
rates if you rent for an extended period of time such as a week or weekend.
Compare prices. Your travel agent can help with this or you can call several
agencies on your own. Ask the agency if they have any special rates or discounts.
Check the websites of the major agencies to see if they have any web only discounts.
Watch out for hidden costs such as drop-off fees or airport surcharges. Some
Caribbean car rental agencies charge a fee if you drop off the car at a different
site than where you picked it up. Some airports charge fees for airport use
even if a rental company shuttles you to a site off airport grounds.
Ask about fuel fees because these vary from company to company. Some companies
charge $10-$15 for a half-tank of gas when you pick up the car and require
that you return the car with an empty tank. This is often the most expensive.
Other rental agencies fill the tank before you take the car and then charge
you for the amount of gas that you used. There are also agencies that do not
charge a fuel fee for the initial tank but ask that your return the car with
a full tank of gas. This is usually the cheapest. If you fail to return the
car with a full tank, however, you will be charged for the gasoline at rental
company fee, which is often much higher than at a local station.
You will also want to find out about any mileage fees. You are typically allowed
a certain number of free miles, but if you exceed this allotment, You will
be charged a fee. This fee can be a flat fee or cents-per mile fee.
Usually, your automobile insurance should be enough coverage. However, you
should always make sure that a particular island does not require additional
coverage. Also check with your insurance carrier to make sure that you have
adequate coverage.
Once you pick up the rental car, inspect it. Then test everything before you
leave the site. Record any marks, dents, or scratches on the form so that you
will not be considered the culprit of such physical damage when you return
the car.
Get a map before setting off on your island adventure. Some Caribbean car rental
agencies supply them for free, while others charge for them. Children's car
seats are also available from most rental agencies. As with road maps, some
do not charge a fee; others do. If you need a car seat, specify that when you
reserve the car because sometimes there is a limited supply, especially during
peak season.
Be sure to check the driving regulations for the Caribbean island you will
be visiting. Most islands require a valid drivers license from your native
country but some require a temporary local driving permit as well. Below are
general requirements for some of the islands.
Anguilla
Valid drivers license plus temporary local permit from car
rental agency.
Antigua
Valid drivers license plus temporary local permit from car
rental agency.
Barbados
Valid drivers license and credit card.
Cayman Islands
Valid drivers license plus temporary local permit.
Curacao
Valid drivers license.
Dominican Republic
Valid drivers license and major credit card.
Grenada
Valid drivers license plus temporary local permit from Central
Police Station and some car rental agencies.
Jamaica
Valid drivers license and major credit card.
Puerto Rico
Valid drivers license.
St. Barts
Valid drivers license.
St. Kitts
Valid drivers license plus temporary local permit from police
station.
St. Lucia
Valid drivers license, 25 years old, major credit care and
international drivers permit or St. Lucian temporary drivers permit form car
rental agency or Gros Inlet police station.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Valid drivers license, international drivers permit, or temporary
local permit.
Trinidad
Valid drivers license.
Turks
Valid drivers license.
USVI
Valid drivers license.