Hiring a car in Rwanda can surely be a lifesaver adding suitability, safety, and reliance to the traveler’s expedition. There are identifications a traveler must have or put into consideration in order to have a marked Rwanda car rental experience.
Below is the checklist that has to be at hand while finalizing self-drive in Rwanda.
- Identifying the documents
when the traveller is hiring a car in Rwanda, he/she is requested to identify him/herself to easily keep track of him/ her in case of any problem. The hirer can either present a national identification card or a passport both the original and the photocopy. This should be valid for about 6 months. So before getting to the car hire offices make sure that you have the identification at hand.
- The Driving licenses
This is a document that authorizes you to drive a car that must be presented while hiring a self-drive rental in Uganda. There is no way a car rental company can hire you for a vehicle without proving that you are eligible and a credible driver. A driving license printed in English should be presented and in case not got from your home country driving authorities to get you an international driving license. In Rwanda foreign driving licenses are only valid in Rwanda for two months above that they are invalid.
- The electronic transfer money card or the Money
This is an understandable check since there is no commodity or service given to a person without any payment. Car rental companies have two modes of payment, i.e. electronic payment and cash payment modes. Many car rental companies are so comfortable with major international currencies like the US dollar, pound sterling, and Euros, in Ugandan shillings. In case you are to make payments with another currency inform the company before you get to the counter.
- Look over the car
Have a thorough inspection of the car you have rented. Take time and walk around to discover anything unusual inside and outside of the car. If you sense any doubt, you can inform the authorities straightway or take some pictures by your smartphone. The most common damages to look out for are scratches, dents or chips on the outside of the car and cigarette burns on the car seats.
Ideally, do your check in daylight so you can spot everything. Look over bumpers and wing mirrors, too. Take pictures of any defects and flag them at the counter before you drive away, to ensure you’re not held liable for them on return.
- Check what fuel it takes
Ask, and ask again, just to be sure. Thought it seems an absurd thought, you should be aware of what fuel your rental car takes. When you are at the fuel station and in a hurry as well, you shouldn’t be unaware which fuel is right for the vehicle. Open the cap to see if it’s petrol or diesel. Else know it at the time of renting the car from the provider office.
- Sort your route
If your car has navigation feature like GPS it’s worth setting it to your language before you head off. If you don’t have one, you can get the route on your smartphone download maps when you’re in a wi-fi zone then you can use them when you’re offline, so there are no roaming charges to worry about.
- Note the emergency number
Before opting for a self-drive car to make a drive to a remote destination, ensure that network coverage is available there. It enables you to be in touch family though you are in the remote area during emergency situations.
Ask at the counter for the numbers to call if you’re in an accident or your car breaks down. Check your contract to understand the timeframe you have to report an incident to both the police and the rental company in order to be covered; often it’s within a matter of hours.
- Check the parts, toolkit and spare tire before you rent a car
Many of you might experience the self-drive rentals for the first time. Though you are assured that the cars would be perfectly alright and won’t make any mistakes, be on the safer side by having an inspection on the condition of the vehicle yourself. Also that you should check if the spare tire is available in the car, take a test ride and check the condition of the brake and the clutch.
- Maintenance issues
If you happen to see any wear and tear in the vehicle you booked, ask for a maintenance report or clear it in the initial stage itself to avoid any stress. Before you drive away, check the air-conditioning, tire condition, air in the tires and so.
- Always seek driving tips in Rwanda
It’s best for a foreign traveler to always seek driving advice since different countries have got different driving rules and regulations. Know the side/hand at which you are supposed to drive, the speed limit, the climate and the nature of the road of the destination you are leading to, and the behavior of other road users.
- Check battery condition & Check lights functioning
You have to pay close attention to the condition of the battery in the rental car to avoid getting stuck on the road due to a drained or corroded battery. Check if the cables are well attached to the battery terminals plus make sure the water levels are steady.
Check to see if all the car lights function properly including high and low beams, Check the turn signals, parking and tail lights. They all have to be fully functional to avoid getting into night accidents or being pulled over by the traffic police
- Ensure you’ve got the right insurance
Check your contract and ask if you’re unsure. For example, cover for tyres and the windscreen is often charged separately, if this is important to you, ensure it’s added to your package.
- Confirm the named drivers
Most companies won’t allow multiple drivers unless you’ve declared this upfront.
- Ask about e-tolls
Many companies don’t cover the cost of e-tolls or fines. Your contract should outline how this is settled, but ask upfront so you don’t get whacked with a surprise bill.
- Crossing borders? Find out the rules
You may need a letter of authorization from your car-rental company to allow you to drive between borders. Travelling across countries may also affect your insurance – ask before you drive off to ensure you’ve got the right cover for your holiday plans.
