USA Car hire Guide

Compare USA car rental quotes here with CarRentals. Although trains, coaches and domestic planes between major American cities can be relied upon, there are few better driving experiences than venturing across one of the world’s most charismatic countries. Everything from huge metropolitan giants such as New York City to holiday spots in Florida and Las Vegas, and famous outdoor haunts such as the Grand Canyon, are here. All of the industry’s most recognisable car rental companies can be found right here. Compare USA car hire today to get the best deal and start your tour of the USA without hassle.

Avis, Budget and Alamo car hire suppliers in the USA are a popular choice from UK travellers. Rent a car in USA with us and there are forty leading car hire suppliers for you to choose from. You will also save by booking online and advance.

Car hire driving tips in the USA

Driving in the US is one of life’s greatest experiences and avoids you having to rely on taxis and public transport. As some journeys might take a matter of days, it’s wise to have your own vehicle so that you are able to make as many stops as you wish along the way and ensure that you have taken appropriate rest before heading out on the road again. Although rip-offs aren’t common, it pays to brush up on a few travel tips before heading to the USA.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: foreign drivers in the US must hold an English language license from their country of residence, which must be carried at all times, or an International Driving Permit.

Which side does USA drive on: the right.

Speed limits: as with most laws in US, speed limits vary from state to state but you will be well informed by sign posts. In most parts of the country, they fall between 97kph and 129kph depending on the type of road or highway.

Alcohol limits: check local rules in your state of travel. Drink-drivers face the risk of heavy fines and prison time. While driving, even having an empty, open alcohol container in a vehicle is an offence.

Driving age: although the average age requirement for driving a vehicle in the US is 16, car rental companies rarely rent to persons under the age of 25 or over 70. Be sure to check the age requirements of the company before booking.

Seatbelts: seatbelt laws vary from state to state. Fines range in price depending on which state the offence is made in.

Mobile phones and GPS: some states prohibit both hand-held and hands-free usage, especially for young drivers. While GPS speed trap jammers are illegal in the USA, using standard GPS devices for directions is fine. Book car hire in USA with us and GPS will be offered to you as an optional extra.

Cost of fuel in USA: petrol, diesel and electric energy are the three main power sources for drivers and are noticeably cheaper than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: most car hire USA agencies only accept credit cards. At filling stations, it is common to pay for your fuel before filling your vehicle, and either cash or credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Insurance: check your rental agreement to see if third-party insurance is included. Full cover is optional at an additional cost if you purchase car hire in the USA with us .

Traffic and parking: while traffic is hectic in large towns and cities, drivers are unlikely to get stuck in a jam on the highways in rural areas, where it is common to have the road all to yourself. Parking in the large cities is hard to find and costly, and you might be better off trying to find a shopping mall to park up in before walking or taking a taxi the rest of the way.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Blue Ridge Parkway – spanning almost 470 miles and known as America’s favourite drive to many, the Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t to be missed and is well worth your while, regardless of how long you spend on it. Virginia's Shenandoah National Park and North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park are linked by it.

Highway 1 – the one in California that links the trinity of LA, San Diego and San Francisco in addition to various beach towns and national parks.

Going-to-the-Sun Road – a fun 52-mile drive around Montana’s Glacier National Park.

USA travel tips

Due to the vast array of holidays it can offer – sunning it up on the beaches, cruising around metropolises such as New York and LA, enjoying theme parks in Florida and exploring the great outdoors in Nevada and Arizona – the USA will never fail to feature in the top five countries when it comes to the world’s most visited places. So there's no better reason than for you to purchase a US car rental. But as with travel anywhere, it is wise to take note of a few tips before heading to this part of North America.

USA weather and tourist seasons

The USA’s climate varies dramatically depending on where you are in the country. While the north experiences almost Arctic conditions in winter, heat waves aren’t uncommon in the summer around the country, with cities such as New York City becoming particularly humid in June and July. In the south and west, however, states such as Florida and California experience pleasant weather almost year-round.

USA contact numbers (+1)

Emergency Services – 911

Traffic news/weather/road accident – 511

British Consular Emergency Services – 1 212 745 0200

British Embassy – 1 202 588 6500

Irish Embassy – 1 202 462 3939

Canadian Embassy – 1 202 682 1740

Australian Embassy – 1 202 797 3000

Holidays and festivals

Each state determines its own individual holiday schedules, but Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the likes of Independence Day (4 July), Veterans’ Day (11 November) and Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November) are celebrated by the whole country.

Money matters

The USA has the US dollar as its currency. Drivers are advised to make sure they have enough dollars on their person before hitting the road as foreign exchange outlets can be difficult to find away from cities and tourist areas. Carrying large amounts of money with you around the big cities isn’t advised, however. Currency can be exchanged at airports and banks, while cash can be withdrawn from ATMs.

Health and safety

No specific vaccinations must be received before travelling to the USA. Heat stroke and sunburn are threats and can easily spoil a holiday in the country’s hottest areas like Nevada. Suitable clothing is required for cold places. As USA hospitals are notoriously expensive, if you don’t have cover, make sure you are insured before leaving your home country.

Fitting in…

Americans are famous the world over for their kind, friendly nature. The locals are known for being incredibly patriotic and you won’t have any problems during your time in the country providing that you refrain from engaging in discussions on politics, history, war policies and any topic of a similar nature! Don’t forget to tip and speak quietly on your cell phone.

Visas for USA

Travellers from the UK are able to visit the USA without a visa and can stay for 90 days, as can those from Ireland and Australia. Before travelling, however, you must be ESTA approved and pay a fee.

Electricity

The voltage in the USA is 120 Volts, 60 Hertz, with UK and Irish visitors requiring a travel adaptor to use their appliances from home as the voltage for most electronic equipment in Europe is around 230 Volts.

Business hours

American business hours are typical of the West, in that they run from 09:00 to 17:00. However, shops in large cities may stay open until late evening or even 24 hours. In the heart of the country, especially in predominantly Christian states in the South and Midwest, Sunday is often kept as a holiday, with few businesses or shops opening and people heading straight home after church. In large cities, except similar opening hours as in the week on Sundays.

Resources online

www.usa.gov/

www.wikitravel.org

www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/