Plan ahead and choose the right vehicle
First, determine the number of participants, the location, and the specific itinerary. If you’re traveling with a group of 5 or fewer people, a short journey of up to 300-400 km, and the road conditions aren’t too bad, smaller cars like the Kia Morning, VinFast Fadil, or Hyundai Grand i10 are suitable choices.
The Mitsubishi Xpander is a popular choice among renters due to its capacity to accommodate more passengers and its spacious interior, making it convenient for traveling.
For larger groups of more than 5 people, or if you plan to carry more luggage or tackle tougher terrain, consider opting for a 7-seater or larger vehicle with a more powerful engine to ensure comfort for everyone. Notable options include the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Innova.
Book your vehicle in advance
The upcoming National Day holiday on September 2, 2024, will provide a long weekend, from Saturday, August 31, to Tuesday, September 3. As many people will take advantage of this opportunity to travel with family and friends, the demand for self-drive car rentals will surge. Therefore, it’s advisable to get in touch with self-drive car rental companies early to secure a vehicle that suits your needs.
Pricing is another crucial factor to consider. As the holiday approaches, self-drive car rental rates tend to surge, potentially increasing by 30-50% compared to regular days.
A quick survey of several rental apps reveals that the daily rate for a 2022 VinFast Fadil has increased from approximately VND 650,000 to over VND 800,000 – VND 1,000,000 during the holiday period. Meanwhile, the daily rate for the 7-seater Mitsubishi Xpander, typically VND 850,000 on regular days, has climbed to VND 1,200,000 – VND 1,500,000, depending on the model year.
The rental rate for the Mitsubishi Xpander has increased significantly during the National Day holiday period, as seen on a car rental app.
Despite the holiday surge in prices, many car rental companies offer special promotions and discounts for early bookings for the National Day holiday. Additionally, booking early allows you to receive the car sooner and gives you more time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle, contributing to a safer journey for you and your companions.
Inspect the vehicle and related documents
Vehicle inspection is a crucial step when renting a self-drive car. Before taking possession of the car, thoroughly examine both the interior and exterior to understand its condition.
Pay close attention to scratches, both inside and out, as well as the wheels, mirrors, headlights, and taillights. Make sure to note any existing damage in the contract. Avoid taking delivery of the car at night, as it can be challenging to inspect the finer details. Taking photos and videos, both inside and outside the vehicle, can serve as evidence in case of any unforeseen issues.
Moreover, check the current mileage and fuel level. Then, take the car for a test drive to assess the engine, steering, brakes, suspension, lights, and tires before making your decision. For certain models, don’t forget to inspect the spare tire and accompanying tools, such as a jack and wrench.
In addition to the vehicle registration certificate, carefully examine the validity of documents such as the inspection certificate and compulsory insurance to avoid any legal issues. If the inspection certificate has expired or there is a lack of required documentation, the driver may be subject to a fine ranging from VND 2,000,000 to VND 3,000,000.
Prepare the necessary paperwork
Before renting a car, you’ll need to have several documents ready for the rental procedure, including your ID/permanent residence card/household registration book, driver’s license, and a deposit (typically VND 20,000,000 – VND 50,000,000) or collateral/valuables.
Note that some rental companies hold onto your deposit for one to two weeks after returning the car to ensure that you haven’t violated any traffic regulations (including post-trip fines). In case of any violations, the deposit will be deducted accordingly, or you may be asked to make a payment.
Read the rental contract carefully
Once you’ve agreed on the procedures, take the time to read the contract thoroughly and check for any clauses related to potential issues that may arise during the rental period.
Important details to look out for include the type, model, license plate number, color, and condition of the vehicle; the service package; rental rate; pickup and return dates and times; mileage limitations; additional charges; and the amount of deposit or value of collateral. Don’t forget to take photos as evidence in case of disputes when returning the car.
Seek advice from experienced individuals
In the unfortunate event of an accident during your trip, it’s advisable to consult someone with experience in handling such situations. This can help you resolve the issue more smoothly and avoid potential arguments or unreasonable demands from the rental company.
Returning the vehicle
In contrast to the process of receiving the self-drive car, the rental company will inspect the vehicle before accepting its return. Accompany the company representative during this inspection, and confirm the mileage to ensure transparency.
If any damage is found, compare it to the photos taken at the beginning of the rental. Depending on the condition of the car, you may be charged a fee, typically ranging from VND 200,000 to VND 300,000. In case of significant damage, consult a reputable dealership or seek advice from someone knowledgeable about cars.
Car rental for self-driving during holidays
Amidst the much-anticipated 5-day break for the 30th April and 1st May holidays, ride-hailing services were poised to rake in substantial profits. However, as the holiday period approaches, bookings have only reached approximately 20%, a significant decline from the 50% occupancy rate witnessed during the same period last year.
Investing in Diversified High-Growth Must Be Secure
Speaker of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue has requested clarification of the comprehensive management process for all types of vehicles, including production, import, registration, circulation, and technical safety inspection.
Airfare Prices for the September 2nd Holiday are on the Rise
The Vietnam Aviation Authority has requested that airlines provide an insight into their aircraft deployment strategies and ticket sales performance for domestic travel destinations during the upcoming National Day holiday on September 2nd. As per the initial survey, airfare prices are witnessing an upward trend, and several popular travel routes are experiencing limited seat availability.
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This Independence Day, airlines across Vietnam have geared up to meet the surge in travel demand by significantly ramping up their flight schedules. Similarly, the rail network has increased the number of trains to cater to the expected high volume of passengers. With the holiday still over two weeks away, we’re already seeing a rush for bookings, with many flights filling up fast and a notable preference for overnight train journeys.
