Car rental services are essential for travelers looking to explore the pearl of Africa. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife, Uganda offers a wide range of experiences for tourists and business travelers alike. However, navigating the intricacies of renting a car in Uganda can be a daunting task for many. To address the common queries and concerns, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand the process of renting a car in Uganda.
Are there charges for extra drivers?
In Uganda, most of the car rental agencies do not charge any extra fees for the second and third driver. However, they will require all the people who intend to drive to sign the contract and also leave behind copies of their driving licenses.
Do I need an international driving license to drive in Uganda?
There is no need for an international driving license to drive in Uganda. Your local driving license can suffice. However, you cannot use your local or international driving license to drive in Uganda if you have been in the country for more than 6 months. If you intend to drive in the country after six months, it is a must for you to acquire a Ugandan driving license.
Do I need insurance for my rental car in Uganda?
Legally, all rental cars in Uganda must be comprehensively insured. However, it is always wise to double-check with the car rental agency whether their cars are comprehensively insured.
How much are the security deposits?
Most of the cars that are hired out below $100 per day do not require security deposits. However, some car rental agencies often charge a security deposit for cross-border rentals. If you consider crossing the border to Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania; many car rental agencies often charge a security deposit.
Security deposits range from as low as $100 to $800 depending on the type of car and your itinerary.
Do I need to return the car full of fuel?
It is not common practice in Uganda to have a car rental agency deliver a car to you with a full tank. They often deliver cars with either a quarter tank or an Empty tank. You are expected to return either empty or with a quarter tank. It all depends on how much fuel it had when it was delivered.
Some people might desire to have cars delivered with a full tank. In such incidents, the car rental agency simply charges you for the fuel instead of requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
What is required of me when picking up the car?
The car rental agencies often require you to leave a copy of your passport as well as a copy of your driving license. You will then sign a car rental contract followed by clearing the outstanding balance of the rental. Once you complete your payment, the car keys will be handed over to you.
What is required of me when returning the car?
Some car rental agencies only check whether you have returned the car with a quarter tank of fuel; that is if you received the car with a quarter tank at the start of the trip. There are no documents signed for most of the car rental agencies in Uganda.
However, some car rental agencies will do a car inspection upon the return of the car. Then you will have to sign a document that certifies that you have not returned the car damaged more so for the kind of damages that are not covered by the insurance policy.
Car I rent a Car from Entebbe International Airport?
It is possible to rent a car at Entebbe International Airport. However, if you are the kind that loves supporting local businesses, then we ought to inform you that none of the local companies has offices at the airport. However, all car rental agencies often offer the option of delivering the car to the airport at no extra cost.
Is there 24-hour road assistance?
There is no car rental agency in Uganda that offers 24-hour road assistance. Many car rental agencies often use this line as a selling point for a service they never provide. Uganda’s economy is mainly a day economy. Some businesses close as early as 6:00 pm. With most of the car rental agencies not owning their own workshops around the country; it is not in their power to independently offer you roadside assistance 24/7
