Hiring a car in the US and General tourist info

[dalboyne]

Very true...but they might offer a complimentary upgrade, especially if they have run out of the cheap cars! But if so, first they will try to get you to pay for an upgrade.....and if you refuse, they may give you the car anyway!!! This has been my experience on more than one occasion in the states...

[dukesantos]

You mentioned at the beginning possibly going into Mexico. If you are still thinking about that, standard insurance doesn't cover Mexico, a special policy is required. Also, rental car companies probably do not permit their vehicles to leave the USA, I would check carefully.

[AprilWhine]

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)

Very true...but they might offer a complimentary upgrade, especially if they have run out of the cheap cars! But if so, first they will try to get you to pay for an upgrade.....and if you refuse, they may give you the car anyway!!! This has been my experience on more than one occasion in the states...

That is true, it's why I never reserved anything but the bottom line car.

Dollar Rent-a-car in Las Vegas was my favorite: They take you to the car lot and tell you to pick anything from the designated row. If your row was empty, then it was anything on the lot.

[Fin]

Quote: Originally Posted by dukesantos (original)

You mentioned at the beginning possibly going into Mexico. If you are still thinking about that, standard insurance doesn't cover Mexico, a special policy is required. Also, rental car companies probably do not permit their vehicles to leave the USA, I would check carefully.

Any trip to Mexico will be organised with a hostel from San Diego, where the car shall be left. We're only thinking of a day trip just to take in one more country. To be honest, I haven't heard great things about Tijuana!

There generally aren't any problem crossing state lines are there? We plan on hitting Nevada too.

[AprilWhine]

No problems at all with state lines. California has a border inspection but it's only for plants. Be aware though, there are border patrol stations all along the southwestern US on main roads. You have to stop and declare citizenship. I don't know if you have to show a passport but will ask then next time I go through the one on US 95.

[dukesantos]

The only other permanent checkpoints are on Hwy 93 on either side of Hoover Dam. They were setup after 9/11/2001. They just look quickly at regular passenger vehicles and wave them through, no documents requested. Trucks, motor homes and trailers get a more detailed inspection.