Planning a trip to Asia is such a great way to feel alive. Exploring the beauty of the Himalayan mountains, the hustle, and bustle of Bangkok’s street markets, or diving into the crystal clear waters of Indonesia’s islands – Asia has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, some scams are also part of this experience. In fact, many tourists have reported being victims of car rental scams in Asia, so it’d be great to be aware and take precautions. Today, we’re going to highlight the most common scams you need to watch out for in any car rental service in Asia.
Fake Damage Scam
Many times, when renting a car from any car rental company, they will try to make extra money by claiming non-existent damages on the vehicle and charging you more fees. A report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that car rental companies pocketed $2.7 billion in damage claims annually. This is why it’s essential to check the car carefully before renting, and if you find any scratches or dents, take pictures of them and get a written confirmation from the staff.
Overcharging Scam
You may have heard it quite a lot in countries like India, China, and Malaysia – where car rental companies charge more than what was agreed upon. It’s important to read the agreement thoroughly, check all fees and taxes before signing it, and ensure that the final price is what you expect. When booking online, double-check the terms and conditions of payment as …