Car rental deals abroad

How to find a genuinely cheap rental car

The daily rate you see in search results is only a starting point. To compare properly, look at the total price for the whole rental, including taxes, airport surcharges, an additional driver and cover. A car that looks cheap per day can end up costing more at the desk, while one that looks pricier may already include cover with a low excess.

Booking early usually pays off, especially over the summer holidays and around the Jewish holidays, when many Israelis head to the same destinations in the same weeks. It matters even more if you need an automatic: in much of Europe most rental fleets are manual, and automatics are often scarcer and more expensive.

What to check before you book

Before you hit "book", read the rental conditions, not just the headline price. These are the points that make the real difference:

• Excess and CDW: how much you'd pay if the car is damaged, and what exactly is covered. Tyres, glass and the underside are not always included.
• Fuel policy: full-to-full is usually the fairest. With other policies you may pay for fuel you never use.
• Deposit: most companies want a credit card in the main driver's name, and debit or prepaid cards are often refused. Make sure there's enough available credit.
• Driver age: young drivers, and sometimes older drivers, may face extra fees or restrictions.
• One-way and cross-border: dropping off elsewhere or driving into a neighbouring country usually costs extra and is sometimes not allowed at all.
• Extras: child seats, an additional driver and navigation all cost money, so check the price in advance.

Driving licence and documents

An Israeli driving licence is accepted in many places, but some countries and rental companies also require an international driving permit. Rules vary by country and sometimes between companies in the same country, so check the rental terms and the destination's requirements before you fly. If you need a permit, arrange it in Israel before you leave.

At the desk you'll usually be asked for a valid licence, your passport, a credit card in the main driver's name and the booking voucher.

Pickup and return without surprises

Before you leave the car park, walk around the car and photograph it from every angle, including small scratches, wheels, windscreen, the fuel gauge and the mileage, and make sure any existing damage is marked on the form. Do the same when you return it. That record can save you an argument over damage you didn't cause.

Airport pickup is convenient after landing, but it sometimes comes with a surcharge. If you don't need the car on day one, compare a city branch. Note that some smaller companies are located outside the terminal and reached by shuttle.

How booking works through Achla Deal

The deals on this page come from three partners: Discover Cars and EconomyBookings compare offers from rental companies in many countries, while Localrent focuses on local rental firms. Clicking a deal takes you to the partner's site, where you complete the booking and pay under its terms.

Prices are set by the partner and can change until your booking is confirmed. Our deals rotate and vanish, so if you find one that fits, check the conditions and don't wait too long.