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Live chat Email us Service Code: 8576841356
From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Malaysia
+60-392125422
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Available between 10.00 a.m. and 19.00 p.m. (Japan Time)
LINE Live chat Email us Service Code: 8576841356
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The Complete Canada Driving and Rental Guide

Like its southern neighbour, Canada is very much dependent on driving. There is no shortage of scenic towns and destinations across the country and driving may be the best way to explore. Here is a brief driving guide aiming at easing your mind while on the road.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs
  • Seatbelt and Child Safety
  • Parking, Fuel and Toll
  • Traffic Violation
  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

Driving in Canada is on the right with overtaking on the left. Since winter weather conditions may make driving challenging, we strongly advise you to check the weather conditions before travelling and be well equipped. Do not also forget to save emergency numbers in your cell phone.

Speed Limit

Unlike its neighbour, Canada uses metric units. Distance and speed are marked in kilometres and kilometres/hour. There is a speed limit of 50 km/h in town and 80 km/h on highways. A typical speed limit for the freeway in most provinces is 100-110 km/h.

Traffic Signs

Notably, for the most parts, Canadian traffic signs employ two languages-- English, French or both, and some incorporate indigenous language such as “Cree”. There are basically 4 types of Canadian traffic signs: regulatory, warning, information and direction.

Canada_Traffic_Sign_Stop_Sign_French_and_EnglishStop Sign (French and English)Canada_Traffic_Sign_Stop_Sign_Inuktitut_and_EnglishStop Sign  (Inuktitut and English)Canada_Traffic_Sign_Stop_sign_CreeStop sign (Cree)

Canada has not joined in the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, explaining why the road traffic system looks different to what we usually see in Europe or other countries.


Its regulatory signs mostly feature a circular shape, with some exceptions.

Canada_Traffic_Sign_No_StoppingNo StoppingCanada_Traffic_Sign_No_Left_TurnNo Left TurnCanada_Traffic_Sign_No_OvertakingNo OvertakingCanada_Traffic_Sign_YieldYield

You will not see a common maximum speed sign in Canada, contrarily to some other countries. The maximal speed sign is usually rectangular, with a black writing on a white background.

Canada_Traffic_Sign_Maximum_Speed_LimitMaximum Speed Limit

Most Canadian warning signs are diamond-shaped with black lettering or symbols on a yellow background.

Canada_Traffic_Sign_Stop_AheadStop AheadCanada_Traffic_Sign_Dead_EndDead EndCanada_Traffic_Sign_Bump_or_Uneven_pavement_on_the_Road_AheadBump or Uneven pavement on the Road AheadCanada_Traffic_Sign_Be_Alert_for_AnimalsBe Alert for AnimalsCanada_Traffic_Sign_Railway_Crossing_AheadRailway Crossing Ahead

In Canada, information signs show where you are, what road you are driving on or how to reach certain places. These signs normally feature a rectangular shape with green or blue background.

Canada_Traffic_Sign_Hospital_NearbyHospital NearbyCanada_Traffic_Sign_Gas_Avaliable_AheadGas Available AheadCanada_Traffic_Sign_Accommodation_AheadAccommodation Ahead

As for directional signs, they are usually rectangular with a green background, and inform drivers about the direction or distance in kilometres to neighboring towns and cities.

Canada_Traffic_Sign_Directions_to_Nearby_Towns_and_CitiesDirections to Nearby Towns and CitiesCanada_Traffic_Sign_Distances_in_Kilometres_to_Towns_and_Citiies_on_the_RoadDistances in Kilometres to Towns and Cities on the Road

You may refer to this complete manual of standard Canada traffics signs and pavement markings for a better knowledge.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

As for seatbelt law, every Canadian province makes it compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seatbelts whilst the car is moving. Failing to do so will result in a fine that varies according to the province.

Booster Seat Laws

Children of 8 years old and under must be properly secured in a child seat restraint system until they are at least 145 cm tall or 36 kg. Children who weigh less than 9 kg must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.


Age and other requirements vary by Canadian province or territory. You may use this as a reference or an idea for the child safety laws when travelling with your kids in Canada, but it is advisable for you to check individual provincial rules before you set for the road.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

Parking regulations vary across provinces and territories and are normally the responsibility of municipalities. But you do not need to worry as signage states clearly for the permitted and forbidden parking on all streets.


· Permitted Parking


Street parking is usually only permitted in the direction of traffic. In some smaller roads, parking is only allowed on one side of the road. 


Plenty of car parks are available in most of the cities. Prices vary greatly from one city to another and can be very high in cities like Vancouver. Parking can be paid by a ticket machine, a metre at the side of the road, or by a parking attendant at a public parking lot. Failing to pay for parking in these areas may result in a fine. 

Canada Paid Parking Sign(Image from i.cbc.ca)

Canada Paid Parking Metre(Image from cbc.ca)


· No Parking


Street parking in some residential areas is not allowed in the winter. There are signs indicating when parking is not allowed.

Canada No Parking

Fuel Prices

The average price for Canada gasoline price in January 2018 is 1.36 Canadian dollar, while diesel cost 1.01.

Toll

There are several toll roads in Canada such as The Ontario Highway 407 and The Cobequid Pass (Highway 104). All of the toll roads have utilized Electronic Toll Collection system. 

Canada Toll Road(Image from o.canada.com)


If you are planning to drive on these toll roads, you can choose to opt into the e-toll system with your car hire company. Normally, the terms are stated in the rental contract provided by the car hire company at the rental desk. These terms should let you be aware that your credit card may be debited 4-8 weeks after you return the car. If you use an Alamo, National or Enterprise rental car, it is advisable to go to check with the Highway Toll Administration site to find out the details of the toll collected.


You are always welcomed to reach out to QEEQ' 24/7 customer service team for assistance or clarifications in matter regarding tolling.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

Canada has very strict laws on drunk driving. The limit is the same as in the UK which is 80mg per 100ml of blood but lowered to 50mg in some provinces. If you already have a drink driving conviction on your licence within the last five years, you will be refused entering at the Canadian point of entry. 


Punishment varies by provinces but all are treated very seriously. The minimum punishment for a first offence is a $1000 fine and a year's licence suspension.   

Traffic Fines

Speeding in Canada can be fined from $100 to over $400 depending on provinces. 


For the spot tickets, follow the instructions on the paper to proceed to the payment. It is advisable to pay fines directly when you are still in the city.  


For tickets issued from cities of TorontoOttawa or Montreal, you can log in the city's website to check the details and pay for them by entering your ticket number( or plus with the licence plate number).

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

To legally rent and drive a car in Canada, you will need a driving licence issued by the government which has been held for at least 2 years. If your domestic driving licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Canada. 


The minimum driver age for renting a car at a Canadian rental office is 21 years old. This age may vary according to the state and car category rented. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Guest reviews

1 /
Sanjay More

December 17, 2024

Destination: Calgary

10Beautifully satisfactory

The staff at the counter was very very good . Puneet Kaur was the staff on duty . Extremely courteous and well behaved.. Performed her duty beautifully

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I.Ismail

December 11, 2024

Destination: Toronto

8Cover of insurance shall be looked at

All are good But the car insurance was not covered by credit card Budget was covered and no need to buy insurance

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December 6, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

8Good experience

Busy car dealership that also rents cars.

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Rob

December 4, 2024

Destination: Hamilton

10Like driving a brand new car. Easy to book, good prices

Like driving a brand new car. Was offered a choice of vehicles when I collected the car. Fast friendly service with a smile, no hard sell.

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December 2, 2024

Destination: Calgary

7Good

They always try to upsell you into a different car to the one that was booked.

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A.Sapsted

December 2, 2024

Destination: Coquitlam

9Good service and experience.

Easy and smooth collection. Helpful staff. Nice little Toyata Corolla. Would recommend Hertz & QEEQ.

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November 26, 2024

Destination: Montreal

10Parfait

Nickel

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November 26, 2024

Destination: Quebec City

6Voiture nickel je deconseille l'agence du centre ville

J'ai loue la voiture en ville et ils etaient tellement en retard que jai finalement ete la recuperer a l'aeroport directement, heureusement que quelquun a pu me dposer

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Vipin Dhaddha

November 26, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10great experience

Everything went so smoothly

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P.WATMORE

November 25, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10Great car for a road trip across New England

Car was perfect, lovely to drive

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M.Furze

November 20, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10Good experience

Car was fine for our use

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E.

November 18, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10Excellent.

Staff was perfect and car was brilliant

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November 10, 2024

Destination: Calgary

10Excellent

Great customer service on collection and drop off.

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Sam

November 6, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

10A nice and easy experience all around

Friendly customer service who took great concern about the distance that the vehicle would be travelling given the weather conditions and upgraded to an all wheel drive vehicle. Thankyou Thrifty!

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Jérémie 63

November 4, 2024

Destination: Montreal

10Réservation facile avec un tarif raisonnable et conforme à nos attentes

Attente un peu longue pour la prise du véhicule. Attribution dans l'ordre d'arrivée. Mais nous avons bénéficié d'un surclassement et nous avons pu avoir le véhicule bien plus tôt que l'heure prévue.

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I.Ahmad

November 4, 2024

Destination: Fredericton

8it was an amazing experience

it was a pleasant surprise as they had upgraded the car. it took only 10-12 minutes picking up the car. the staff at the counter were super nice.

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October 28, 2024

Destination: Calgary

6A distinctly average car hire experience, made easier with Qeeq

The staff member who gave me the vehicle was relatively unbothered about customer service and just went through the motions. Often mumbling through terms and conditions and in particular any additional damage waivers, despite me taking out a full policy through QEEQ so the thrifty policy was not needed.

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Jim Galvin

October 22, 2024

Destination: Ottawa

7Good value and a generally good experience

A good hire with very good service.

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K.T

October 22, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

8アメリカ・カナダ旅行

予想通りの車だった。ランクアップしてもらえたら嬉しかった。ただ、車の状態は特に問題なく走れた

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C.OKUDO

October 22, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10Great

Worked as expected

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Masaoki Sato

October 18, 2024

Destination: Whitehorse

9Excellent

車は非常に良い状態でした。

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Marcus Lim

October 14, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

10good experience

car was new which is great and there are options to choose from too

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V.Green

October 14, 2024

Destination: Halifax

9No problems staff very helpful

All ok

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W.Al-sallami

October 12, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

7Good

The vehicle's compatibility with mobile devices and the connectivity of the associated application were unsatisfactory. Tesla's functionalities are predominantly managed through a mobile device and Avis didn't accept to add me as a driver.

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S.W

October 12, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

7Ensure you are booking a car with snow tyres from 1st October onwards.

I don't know if it's Dollar or Qeeq that's to blame but one allowed us to book a car that we were then told we would not be able to hire because it didn't have snow tyres. Given our rental was covering 1st Oct onwards and it is law in the parts of Canada we were in that snow tyres are on the car from 1st Oct I think it's unacceptable to rent someone a car that isn't legally drivable. We had to pay an extra £90 at pickup that we were not anticipating. This isn't really acceptable.

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D.Whapshott

October 8, 2024

Destination: Montreal

8Very competitive car hire much cheaper than booking through travel agent

Very good budget car hire

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October 8, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

7ガソリン満タンに入っていないことあります。

運転しやすい小さな車がよかったのですが予約したより大きな車で運転しづらかった。 ガソリンが満タンには入っていなかったのですが英語が苦手で説明できないので泣き寝入りしました。

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Daryll Murphy

October 8, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

10The vehicle was clean and easy to use. No problems

Need to be more clear on the GPS device. It’s offered in the original quote so we expected to at least have an option to get one. At pick up no option was given to use a portable GPS device. Our only option was via an app on our Mobile phone device. When travelling we don’t always want to use our data roaming on our phones so a portable device is useful. Nowhere in the quote that it said it was not available. Was an issue at the start when no options given

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Jeff Garcia-Seminari

October 8, 2024

Destination: Toronto

8Bumpy but very acceptable.

The guy at pickup was in a rush... He asked me for a 1k deposit for tickets and tolls, whrn I asked about it he just told me that and I had to ask him to please explain if I'm paying for it... He was a little too unenthusiastic... I didn't like that. Other than that, the service is ok.

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Y.HORI

October 6, 2024

Destination: Calgary

10お得でスムーズなレンタカー予約体験!QEEQ.COMに大満足

今回、Alamoでレンタルした車は、清潔感があり、外観や内装の状態が非常に良好でした。カウンターの場所も空港内で分かりやすく案内されており、手続きもスムーズで待ち時間が短く快適なスタートを切ることができました。返却手続きも非常に迅速で、スタッフが車両の状態を確認し、短時間で完了しました。特に、スタッフの対応が親切で質問にも丁寧に応じてくれた点が印象的でした。

View more
K.Hyams

September 30, 2024

Destination: Quebec City

6I don’t know if it is QEEQ or Thrifty that are at fault but the experience wasn’t good.

The quote I was given for the hire didn’t match what I was charged- I was charged more. When I queried this at pick up I was told it was probably the taxes. It clearly states on my paper work the amount I should pay at the counter and it doesn’t mention anywhere that taxes need applying. I do feel this is wrong as there was a clear list of what was and wasn’t included. Very misleading and disappointing especially as 2 weeks hire cost me more than 3 week hire from Hertz on the west coast.

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Peter Legault

September 29, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10QEEQ was great. I should have called to get the upgrade sorted though.

Just disappointed on not supplying a vehicle with a sat nav.

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September 29, 2024

Destination: Kelowna

9Excellent

Had to wait at the terminal as the staff had issues with entering the details of a uk license ont othe system & asked us to return to the airport in the morning to sort out. They also paid for our taxi back to our accomodation. We were then also given a free upgrade so i have no complaints about the process.

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September 28, 2024

Destination: Calgary

10Just perfect

Great service and clear communication from Zaharia (guy from India or Pakistan) - very charming and smooth service

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Bob Pearson

September 26, 2024

Destination: Calgary

6Terrible!

Hidden charges (out of province fee of $50 per day / rental car insurance fee of $10 per day) plus others more than doubled the initial hire fee. Terrible & deceitful tactics designed to gauge the customer without any other option really of changing to another provider. NEVER USE AGAIN!

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o.alhasawi

September 26, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10Excellent

Not at all

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A.Newman

September 25, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

9Very Slow rental pickup time - incredibly helpful and friendly staff during Super Speedy drop off

It was a surprise to discover that the car I had carefully chosen was not available, I am not a car expert - and when alternative cars were offered that I had never heard about - and discovered that they were either too large or consumed too much fuel (compared to the one I was hoping to pickup) - I wished that Alamo had a option for the people waiting in the disorganised queue for 90 minutes to see a list of cars online they could see were available and reserve them … because this would Surely have reduced the length of time to process people (it seemed painfully slow).

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C.Thornton

September 25, 2024

Destination: London

10Excellent

Was simply perfect.

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Nick

September 25, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

10Great service

All met our expectations, straight forward process.

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V.Dancza

September 25, 2024

Destination: Winnipeg

9Excellent

The price quoted was not what I was charged. Alamo claimed qeeq made a mistake

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c.stone

September 25, 2024

Destination: Winnipeg

10Great

Would use again

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Stephen A

September 24, 2024

Destination: Prince George

9Convenient location for railway station.

Friendly helpful staff at pick up. Was perwarned that drop off was closed, but easy to find key drop.

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Parth Sorathia

September 24, 2024

Destination: Montreal

8Very good

Prices are bit higher. Overall good experience..good services...well behaved well managed.. Thanx...

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C.Steel

September 21, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

6Good car but don’t use the Vancouver downtown office for pick up.

Very poor service at pick up, car wasn’t even at the location for the agreed 12.00 pick up. No apologies given was told to go and get a coffee and come back at 12.15. The manager, Khalid, was argumentative and told me it was normal to wait an hour implying I was lucky to get it when I did.

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D.Tennent

September 21, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

10Easy process. Good rates. Great Upgrade

Budget was great. We had tried to book through them initially but each time we went back to the site the price had gone up. Went through qeeq and got a good price for what we wanted.

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September 19, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10The temu of booking but in a good way!

Easy and helpful

View more

September 19, 2024

Destination: Toronto

10The Temu of car rental, in a good way!

No issues

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Igor

September 18, 2024

Destination: Toronto

6Good technical condition of the car, but very unfriendly attitude towards the client

The car was a Hyundai Tucson, but it almost similar to a Toyota RAV4 The waiting time at the meeting place (Viscount station) was more than 40 minutes. If there is no luggage, it is much faster to reach the place on foot in approximately 15 minutes. The staff does not want to admit that the insurance policies were not bought from them, they did not give the car without buying additional insurance from them! They also charged extra for after-hours car pick-up despite the fact that I arrived at the meeting place on time. The tank was only 2/3 full. The difference is not reimbursed for returning the car with a full tank.

View more
J.Castillo Villegas

September 18, 2024

Destination: Vancouver

8Excelente !!

Excelente servicio !!

View more
Wendy R

September 12, 2024

Destination: Burnaby

10Seamless process. Avis location owner was super nice and helpful!

Counter staff/owner was great!

View more

Best car rental deals in Canada

Best rates found by QEEQ users in the last 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Q1.What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage(under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft(under Theft Protection) of the vehicle.
Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?

You are advised to make a request upon your arrival at the rental counter. Additional charge per day will incur unless '1 Additional Driver Included' is stipulated on the rental.
Please note that the same licence and age requirement applys to the additonal driver. The addtional driver is supposed to present the required licence document along with the main driver at pickup.

Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?

QEEQ will show you the car offers available at your chosen time on the search results.
However, pick-up or drop-off out of general opening hours may subject to an extra fee unless self-service pick-up or drop-off is available.
After you reserve a car on QEEQ, we will inform you of specific policy of the car hire company by email.

Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?

If you want to pick up your car in one country and drop it in another, your search results will show you cars you can do that with.
If you're planning to cross any borders during your trip, bear in mind:
1. You may have to pay more.
There are often extra fees, taxes or additional cover you'll pay at the car hire counter.
2.It may not be allowed.
Depending on where you're hiring, you may not be able to take your car to another country.
Please email us if you want to take your hire car into a different country during your trip, and we'll talk you through your options.

Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?

Yes. You can pick up the vehicle in one place and drop it off in another. An ‘one-way fee’ will incur. Whether it is inclued in the rental price or what additional cost may arise will be clearly stated at the time of booking on QEEQ.
Please inform the car hire company of your drop-off location when you pick up the vehicle or contact them directly during your trip. You will find a phone number on the rental agreement you signed at pickup.

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