Australia is a vast and diverse country that offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. Renting a car can be an excellent way to explore the country and experience everything it has to offer. However, before you hit the road, there are a few rules and requirements you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about car rental in Australia.
Local Rules and Requirements
To rent a car in Australia, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year. However, some car rental companies may require you to be older or to have held your license for a longer period, so it’s best to check with your chosen provider before booking.
When driving in Australia, it is important to keep in mind that the country has strict rules regarding drink driving. The legal blood alcohol limit in Australia is 0.05%, which is lower than in many other countries. Penalties for drink driving can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. It is also important to note that wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.
Another important consideration when driving in Australia is that the country drives on the left-hand side of the road. This can be a significant adjustment for drivers who are used to driving on the right. Additionally, speed limits are generally lower in Australia than in other parts of the world, with most roads having a maximum speed limit of 60 mph (100 km/h).
Major Car Rental Companies
There are several car rental companies operating in Australia, including both local and international providers. Some of the major companies represented at main airports and popular tourist destinations include:
Hertz
Hertz is a well-known car rental company with a presence in Australia. They offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs, from small city cars to larger SUVs. Hertz also provides a number of additional services, including GPS navigation and child seats. You can find more information about Hertz in Australia and make a reservation on their website: https://www.hertz.com/p/car-rentals/australia.
Avis
Avis is a well-established car rental company with a presence in Australia. They offer a range of vehicles, including small cars, mid-size cars, and SUVs. Avis also provides additional services such as GPS navigation and child seats. You can find out more about Avis in Australia and make a reservation on their website: https://www.avis.com.au/car-hire.
Budget
Budget is another international car rental company with a presence in Australia. They offer a variety of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and vans. Budget also provides additional services such as GPS navigation and baby seats. You can find out more about Budget in Australia and make a reservation on their website: https://www.budget.com.au/.
Thrifty
Thrifty is a global car rental company with a presence in Australia. They offer a range of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and SUVs. Thrifty also provides additional services such as GPS navigation and child seats. You can find out more about Thrifty in Australia and make a reservation on their website: https://www.thrifty.com.au/.
Europcar
Europcar is a well-known car rental company with a presence in Australia. They offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs, from small city cars to larger SUVs. Europcar also provides a number of additional services, including GPS navigation and child seats. You can find more information about Europcar in Australia and make a reservation on their website: https://www.europcar.com.au/.
Renting a car in Australia can be a great way to explore the country and take in its beautiful landscape and cultural attractions. However, it’s important to be aware of the local rules and requirements before you hit the road. Make sure you meet the age and licensing requirements, and be aware of Australia’s strict drink driving laws. When renting a car, consider choosing from one of the major car rental companies in Australia, such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, or Europcar. These companies offer a range of vehicles and additional services to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With the right preparation and a reliable rental car, you can have a fantastic time exploring Australia’s diverse regions and attractions.
