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Car Hire

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Anywhere in the World

Browse car hire options by country โ€” from airport pickups to long coastal road trips. Compare deals across 37 destinations worldwide.

37 countries covered Airport & city pickups Instant confirmation




Compare Car Hire by Country

Jettica helps travellers find and compare car hire options across 37 countries worldwide. Whether you’re looking for airport pickup on arrival, a city rental for a weekend break, or a long-haul self-drive road trip through multiple regions, our country-specific guides make it easy to find the right vehicle at the right price.

Each destination page lists local pickup points, typical vehicle categories, popular driving routes and things to know before you book โ€” so you can arrive prepared and drive with confidence.

Airport Car Hire, City Pickup and Holiday Rentals

Picking up a rental car at the airport is often the most convenient option after a long flight. Most major international airports have on-site rental desks or nearby shuttle pickup points for the leading car hire suppliers. Always confirm your pickup point in advance, as some budget suppliers use off-airport locations that require a short transfer.

For city centre rentals, consider the parking situation at your destination before booking a larger vehicle. Many historic city centres โ€” particularly in Europe โ€” have restricted zones, narrow streets and limited parking. A compact car or city car will often be the more practical choice.

Key things to check before completing a booking: the fuel policy (full-to-full or full-to-empty), the excess and deposit amount, whether insurance is included or available as an add-on, mileage limits, cross-border driving restrictions, and the minimum driver age for the vehicle class. Reading the terms carefully before you pay avoids surprises at the desk.

How to Choose the Right Rental Car

The right car depends on your trip type, group size, luggage and the roads you plan to drive. Here are the main things to consider:

Group size and luggage: A family of four with suitcases will need at least a medium estate or SUV. Two people travelling light can often get away with a compact or economy class car, which will also save money on fuel.

Road type: If your itinerary includes mountain passes, gravel tracks or rural roads โ€” common in Iceland, Georgia, Oman or South Africa โ€” book a 4×4 or SUV. Standard saloons and city cars are not suitable for off-road conditions.

Fuel type: Electric and hybrid rentals are increasingly available in Western Europe and major city locations. Diesel is common in Europe; petrol is standard in most other regions. Check fuel availability for your route before selecting.

Insurance and excess: Many standard rentals include basic collision damage waiver (CDW) but with a high excess. Consider purchasing additional excess cover or a standalone rental car insurance policy before you travel โ€” it is usually cheaper than buying at the desk.

Transmission: Manual cars are standard in Europe and most other regions. If you’re only comfortable driving automatic, make sure to filter and select explicitly โ€” availability may be limited and the price higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to book car hire before travelling?

Yes โ€” in most cases, booking car hire in advance is significantly cheaper than walking up to a rental desk on arrival. Prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches, and availability of preferred vehicle classes can be limited at busy airports during peak season. Booking several weeks ahead typically gives you the widest choice and the best rates. Some suppliers also offer free cancellation on pre-paid bookings, so there is little risk in reserving early.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car?

Most car hire suppliers worldwide require a credit card (not a debit card) in the main driver’s name to place a security deposit at pickup. The deposit amount varies by supplier and vehicle class, but is typically between ยฃ200 and ยฃ1,500. The deposit is ring-fenced โ€” not charged โ€” and released when you return the car undamaged. A small number of suppliers accept debit cards, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Always check the payment requirements before booking if you don’t hold a credit card.

Can I rent a car at the airport?

Yes โ€” the majority of major international airports have car hire desks in the arrivals hall or a dedicated rental car centre accessible by shuttle. Airport pickup is often the most convenient option for travellers, as you can collect your car immediately after clearing customs. Note that airport surcharges apply at most locations, which can add 10โ€“20% to the base rental rate compared to an off-airport city pickup. If the airport is close to your accommodation, it may be worth evaluating both options.

What should I check before booking a rental car?

Before confirming a car hire booking, always verify: the fuel policy (full-to-full is the most transparent), the excess and deposit amount, what is and isn’t included in the base insurance, any mileage caps, cross-border driving restrictions (especially relevant in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa), the minimum driver age, and what additional drivers cost if needed. Taking photographs of the car before driving away is strongly recommended โ€” document any existing damage to avoid disputes on return.

Can I compare car hire options by country?

Yes โ€” that’s exactly what Jettica’s car hire directory is built for. Each country page on Jettica lists available suppliers, typical vehicle categories, popular pickup locations and local driving tips. Select your destination from the list above to see car hire options and compare prices for that country. Whether you’re planning a road trip through Portugal, a safari self-drive in South Africa or a coastal drive in Thailand, you’ll find dedicated country pages to help you plan and book.