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 well. Without reading the agreement, you may end up paying more than what was advertised or agreed upon.
Fake Insurance Scam
Now things will get even more confusing. Car rental companies will try to sell you insurance, even though you may already have existing coverage from your credit card provider or a third-party website. Make sure to read the agreement and see if it’s necessary for you to purchase additional insurance. But if in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and buy the insurance just to ensure you’re covered.
Unlimited Mileage Scam
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Be wary of car rental companies that offer “unlimited mileage.” Let me tell you, nothing is truly unlimited. Most of the time, they will impose a daily mileage limit, and any distance traveled beyond that will incur additional charges. Before signing the agreement, read your contract carefully to understand their policy regarding mileage. After all, you don’t want to be surprised by a massive bill at the end of your trip.
Overall, renting a car in Asia can be a great way to explore and enjoy the beauty of this continent. But bear in mind. You need to pay attention to the details and make sure you’re not being tricked into any scams or overcharged. Remember, read your agreement thoroughly and double-check any fees or mileage restrictions. And, of course, if you ever feel like something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to ask questions or even consider using another car rental company. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.