7 TIPS FOR CAR RENTAL IN BELGRADE

Belgrade. Ivan Stanivukovic by Pixels

Car rental in Belgrade is no longer a privilege of the rich. Now it is one of the options that will allow you to:

• complete your transport needs faster and easier
• allows you to drive new and attractive car models
• save money

But before entering the rent-a-car agency you should familiarize yourself with the most common questions and concerns.

In addition, we list several tips regarding car rental in Belgrade that will help you decide on the best option.

1. RESERVE THE VEHICLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Early bookings are recommended for at least two reasons:

It's cheaper - if you book a few weeks or months in advance, you can get the desired vehicle much cheaper.

It's easier to desire a vehicle - during the holidays, weekends, and tourist season. etc., there's a big rush to rent a car agency. There may be no available vehicles. With an early reservation, customers can be absolutely sure that the model and class of vehicle that suits them will be waiting at the parking. Early reservations are made online and are very easy, you need just a few clicks.

2. CHECK THE VEHICLE DOCUMENTS

Before renting a vehicle, ask the staff to show you and hand over all the necessary documents. Before signing the contract, check whether:

• the registration has expired,
• the vehicle is insured,
• the driving license and all other car documents are in order, etc.

In that way, you act preventively and avoid potential and completely unnecessary troubles and fines.

3. TAKE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE YOU PICK IT UP

Before you pick up your vehicle, take a picture of it. Likewise when you return it. Small scratches, torn seats, and smaller defects made by the previous driver can slip by unnoticed and fall on you. A photo is your proof, and today with modern smartphones, taking a picture is not difficult at all. That way, no one can falsely accuse you of causing any damage to the vehicle.

Blegrade. Boris Hamer by Pixels

4. CHOOSE A CAR ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS

Choose a car according to your wishes and needs. For example, if the vehicle is needed for a long trip, you should choose a sedan or limousine, if you need to drive around town, you choose a smaller city car, for off-road trips, choose a robust and durable SUV, for celebration, wedding, birthday, etc., rent a some luxurious variants. For some clients, choosing an adequate vehicle is very hard, because they cannot choose the right car that will best meet their needs. Maybe, it's a good idea to do a test drive before signing the contract.

5. PAY THE DEPOSIT BY CREDIT CARD

When you rent a vehicle in Belgrade, you must pay a deposit for the vehicle. It can be paid by credit card or cash. But, our recommendation is to pay it by credit card. When you pay it in cash, it may happen that the agents do not have enough cash to refund you, so you will have to wait for it to be paid into your bank account. If you pay the deposit with a credit card, the amount is automatically refunded when you return the car.

6. BE AWARE OF FUEL CONSUMPTION

In most Belgrade rental car agencies, vehicles are picked up and returned with the same amount of fuel. When returning the vehicle, the difference in the quantity of fuel is charged at 3 euros/liter, as well as the refueling service at the price of 10 euros. To avoid these situations, be aware of your fuel consumption and leave enough time to visit the nearest gas station to fill up the tank.

7. RENT A VEHICLE FROM A REPUTABLE AGENCY

If you are renting a vehicle in Belgrade, it is best to rent it from a reputable, safe and well-known company. Use the services of only those rental car agencies that are legal, registered in the register of the Agency for Commercial Registers (APR), has own ID number and PIN number, and all other necessary papers for work. Try to find an agency that has no hidden costs waiting for you when you return the vehicle that has clear lease terms and no "small print" in the contract. If you have had a pleasant experience with some car rental agency before, stick with it and don't change it. 

If it's your first time in Belgrade, and you don't know the situation, take the time to research, check social networks, look at reviews and comments from (un)satisfied clients, ask someone who often uses rented vehicles, etc. We live in the age of the Internet; today nothing can be hidden, so take some time and explore all options and possibilities.