First Car Rental offers a wide range of travel solutions in South Africa, from personal car hire to chauffeur-driven services, ensuring that transportation is never an issue as you explore our beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for affordable car hire or luxury car rentals, we provide options to suit every need.
As in Europe, certain rules and regulations exist that you need to consider when renting a car in South Africa. First Car Rental has created a simplified guide to help you navigate the process and make your car rental experience as smooth as possible.
South African Car Hire - Visa Requirements
The first step to quick and easy transport solutions when you arrive in South Africa is ensuring you have a valid travel visa. Without one, we cannot process your rental request. Visa requirements vary depending on individual criteria, but simply put, a valid visa is crucial if you need to hire a car in South Africa.
Click here to find out more about foreign driving licence requirements and procedure.
South African Car Hire - Rental Payment and Deposits
In Europe, it’s common practice for car rental companies to take an imprint of your credit card, with the rental amount charged upon the vehicle’s return. However, in South Africa, the procedure differs slightly.
When collecting your vehicle, both the deposit amount and the daily hire amount for the rental are ‘held’ by your credit card issuer or bank. This ensures that the amount is always available to you during your rental period and covers any potential incidents. On returning the vehicle, the daily hire amount is processed, and your deposit is released back to you.
Note: The deposit amount is not removed from your account; it is blocked and then released by the credit card issuer—not First Car Rental—upon the vehicle’s return. Provided that the vehicle is returned without damage, the credit card issuer will release the holding deposit within 7 working days from the invoice date, minus the daily hire amount and fuel costs. We invoice after 72 hours of the rental termination date, ensuring that all information is captured correctly.
South African Car Hire - Renting a Vehicle
Renting a car with First Car Rental is quick and simple. You can request a booking or a quote by filling out the applicable online form. Your transport will be ready and waiting as you arrive, making it easy to start your journey.
First Car Rental makes renting a car in South Africa a pleasure. Whether you need a vehicle for individual use, a chauffeur-driven car, or a larger vehicle for group travel, we ensure you’re mobile and ready to explore the wonders that South Africa has to offer.
To book car hire now, click here and begin your adventure with First Car Rental.
