Sunday July 06, 2008

Travelers looking to tour the islands may wish to rent a car

Island Touring

Although driving in a foreign country can often be an adventurous prospect, cars remain a good option for travelers who will be doing extensive touring of Trinidad or Tobago. Drivers in foreign countries should always drive defensively while on the road, however.

Rather than pay expensive taxi fares to travel large distances on the islands, many vacationers will choose to rent a car for their touring of either Trinidad or Tobago. Sedans, jeeps, other four-wheel-drive vehicles, and even eight-passenger minivans can be rented from the various agencies on the island. Hertz and Thrifty are the only two international companies with offices on the island. Rates can start as low as $35(USD) and go up to $70(USD) for more expensive vehicles. Some of the large passenger vans will exceed $100(USD).

Drivers who wish to rent a car in Trinidad or Tobago will need an international driver's permit or a valid license issued in The Bahamas, Canada, England, France, Germany, or the United States. These licenses are valid for 90 days while staying on the islands. Drivers are generally required to be 25 years old and have had at least two years of driving experience. A major credit card is also required. Gas is not included in the price, and travelers are generally given unlimited mileage. Collision damage insurance is highly recommended, and travelers can usually secure this type of insurance for $10(USD) to $20(USD) per day. Varying daily rates will reduce your liability to $500(USD) or to no liability. Be sure to review all policies, rates, and insurance agreements with the local car rental firms.

Drivers in Trinidad and Tobago, a former British colony, stay to the left-hand side of the road. Travelers from North America and Europe will need to drive cautiously to adjust to this change. Drivers and passengers in the front seat are required by law to wear seatbelts. Some of the usual hazards that plague driving conditions in the Caribbean exist, including roads that are not well maintained and animal and pedestrian traffic. Nighttime driving is not recommended because of road conditions and intoxicated drivers. Local drivers may use hand signals that are unfamiliar to international drivers to indicate turns or stops. Visiting drivers should drive defensively and cautiously to avoid getting into trouble in their rental car on either island.

Rental agencies in Trinidad:

Rental Agency Contact Information
Amar Rentals Ltd 6-8 Prince Charles Street
San Fernando, Trinidad
868-657-6089
Auto Rentals Piarco International Airport
868-669-2277
Econo Cars Port of Spain: 868-622-8072
Piarco Intl. Airport: 868-669-1119
http://www.econocarrentalsltd.com/index.htm
Hertz Piarco International Airport: 868-669-4332
http://www.hertz.com
Kalloo's Auto Rentals Port of Spain: 868-622-9073
Piarco Intl. Airport: 868-669-5673
http://www.kalloos.com/
Southern Sales and Service Company Piarco International Airport: 868-669-2424
Thrifty Piarco International Airport
Port of Spain, Trinidad
868-669-0602
http://www.thrifty.com

Rental agencies in Tobago:

Rental Agency Contact Information
Hertz 3 Milford Road
Tobago
868-669-4332
http://www.hertz.com
Rattan's Car Rental Crown Point International Airport
868-639-8271
Rollock's Car Rentals Crown Point International Airport
868-639-0328
Sherman's Auto Rentals Lambeau Village
Tobago
868-639-2292
http://www.shermansrental.com/
Thrifty Crown Point International Airport
Tobago
868-639-8507
http://www.thrifty.com

As long as international drivers exercise caution and drive defensively, a rental car can be a great way to tour Trinidad or Tobago.