California car rentals
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Cheap car hire in California
Top tips for hiring a car in California
- All car hirers in California are required to produce a valid driver's licence with an expiration date that does not fall within the present hire period. You can also hire a car even if you don't have a licence issued by the US government. All you need to do is present a passport and either an international licence or your licence from Australia.
- When two cars meet on a steep road and neither can pass, the car facing downhill is required to back up to let the other pass, since when backing up a slope, the car that is facing downhill has more control. When it comes to stop signs in California, they are more frequent than traffic lights. All motorists must come to a full stop at any stop sign.
- If your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or more, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle in California. Also, you are only allowed to operate a cellphone while driving if you’re using a hands-free device or when you need to call for assistance in an emergency.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in California for RM 170 or less
- Book your rental car in California at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in California are around 17% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Compact rental cars in California are around 44% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in California
How much does it cost to hire a car in California?
On average a car hire in California costs RM 226 per day.
What is the most popular car hire in California?
Mini (Chrysler Town & Country or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in California.
What is the cheapest car hire company in California?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Dollar (RM 117/day), Hertz (RM 153/day) and Fox (RM 281/day).
What is the best car hire company in California?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in California are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.4, 127 reviews), Alamo (7.9, 110 reviews), and Avis (7.2, 85 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in California?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Should I hire a car in California?
Given that California is quite large with numerous sprawling cities, hiring a car is a practical and economical way to get around the area. Even though the majority of large cities have their own public transportation networks, driving is still often faster and easier. Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego are a few cities in California that are best navigated with a vehicle. Having access to your own car can also come in handy, especially if you plan on visiting a more rural city or taking a road trip.
What is driving like in California?
California is typically warm and sunny. However, it’s at times rainy, which is a critical time to drive yourself around. When it's raining, go at a slower speed and make sure to utilise your windscreen wipers and headlights. Also, ensure that you have the appropriate tyre chains for your hire car's tyres if you plan to drive in the snow during winter. Try to stay in the right lane whenever you are on a road or freeway with numerous lanes, unless when overtaking. Remember that a left turn from one one-way street to another one-way street can only be made when the signal is red. Unless it’s clearly banned, you can usually turn right at a red light after stopping completely and checking for approaching traffic. You have to pre-pay for your petrol in California. If you are using a credit card, you’ll need to swipe your card at the pump to activate the pump. You’ll also be required to provide your postal code to prevent credit card fraud.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
Most car hire companies require that you be at least 21 years old in order to hire a vehicle in California. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 24 and need to hire a car, you’ll likely pay a young hirer fee and may only be allowed to hire certain classes of vehicles.
Car rental locations in California
Car rental directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in California
33 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in California
23 Locations
Budget car hire locations in California
11 Locations
Avis car hire locations in California
10 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in California
7 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in California
6 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in California
4 Locations
Alamo car hire locations in California
3 Locations
Easirent car hire locations in California
3 Locations
National car hire locations in California
3 Locations
Airport Van car hire locations in California
2 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in California
2 Locations
Good to know
Most popular agency | Hertz |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Compact |
Average price | RM 192/day |
Good deal | RM 170/day |