When you land after a long international flight, all you want is a smooth start to your trip. In many cases, the best destinations are off the beaten path... places you can only reach if you rent a car. But for countless travelers, the real challenge begins not on the road... but at the rental car desk.
After years of full-time travel, I’ve rented cars in dozens of countries and experienced everything from friendly, seamless service to shady, borderline criminal behavior. If you’re not prepared, it’s easy to get scammed, upsold, or left stranded.
My Worst Car Rental Experience: A Lesson from Cancun, Mexico
Let me take you back to my experience in Cancun in 2022.... I had a confirmed reservation and a printed confirmation from what looked like a reputable car rental agency. The brand name was a global one you would recognize. But when I arrived, the game began.
They took my reservation printout... and conveniently "lost" it. Then they handed me a contract written entirely in Spanish, showing inflated prices in Mexican pesos with questionable exchange rates. Of course, double checking the exchange rate and price was the one thing I actually did and noticed the scam right away and started arguing with the employees. I was stranded miles from the airport. No Uber. No easy transit. No way out.
Later, I discovered the agency wasn’t actually owned by the international brand... just a local affiliate with no real accountability. I ended up filing a complaint through Mexican government channels with others. Months later, I was part of a legal case. I joined calls from the U.S. and eventually received a refund of about $650... the over-contracted amount they scammed through their shady tactics.
That experience taught me the importance of being prepared. Let me show you how you can avoid this kind of situation altogether.
Top Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed by Car Rental Companies While Traveling
1. Always Pay for Your Rental in Advance IN FULL
Why you should prepay for your car rental:
Most travelers choose the “reserve now, pay later” option thinking it’s more flexible. But here’s the truth... if you haven’t paid yet, you have no leverage. If the company doesn’t have the car you reserved, they don’t technically owe you anything (it’s buried in the fine print!!)
When you prepay, they are contractually obligated to either give you that exact car or upgrade you for free. If they try to pull any shady tactics, you have a stronger case to escalate and demand resolution.
Also remember, a lot of these car rental companies are partnered or even owned by other car rental companies. If one company doesn't have your car, they can assist by helping you with a car from their sister-company. However, they are only going to help you if you are paid in full.
2. Research the Specific Car Rental Location
Not all rental offices are created equal.
Always Google the specific location where you’ll be picking up your car. There’s a big difference between an on-site airport rental desk and an off-site lot miles away in an industrial zone.
If the agency picks you up and drives you away from the airport... you lose the "protection of choice". You’re no longer surrounded by other rental companies or airport authorities who can help. You’re stuck.
What to look for when researching:
Is the location at the airport?
Does it have a long shuttle ride?
Are reviews filled with complaints about scams or surprise fees?
Are the reviews unusually high in number? (Fake reviews can be a red flag)
3. Check If Your Personal Auto Insurance Covers Car Rentals
Avoid paying for rental insurance you don’t need.
Most American and European drivers already have coverage through their personal car insurance policy. Some credit cards also include collision and theft protection when you use them to pay for rentals.
Before your trip, call your insurance provider or check your credit card benefits. This way, you won’t be pressured to buy unnecessary insurance at the counter.
And if you’ve prepaid (see Tip #1), they’re far less likely to spend time trying to upsell you.
What to Pack if you Rent a Car While Traveling
Packing a few smart accessories can make all the difference when dealing with car rentals... especially in unfamiliar places. Here’s what I always bring and recommend:
Travel Document Holder - Keep your passport, license, printed reservation, and insurance details all in one secure, easy-to-access place. You may even need an international drivers license in some countries.
RFID Wallet - A slim, secure, and built to block electronic theft. Perfect for storing your license, credit card, and local cash.
Collapsible Daypack - Lightweight and compact... ideal for day trips once you're on the road. Easy to fold up when not in use.
Printed Reservation & Insurance - Even if it’s saved on your phone, a hard copy can be a lifesaver if your battery dies or a rental agent "loses" your file.
Pen - Always carry a small pen so you're not relying on the rental office’s broken or missing ones.
Coins & Small Bills - Helpful for toll roads, parking meters, or local transactions where cards aren’t accepted.
Phone Charger & Cable - Make sure your phone is charged before you arrive—especially if you're relying on it for navigation or showing documents. Also try getting some international data on your phone from e-Sim companies such as Airalo.
Bonus Tips to Avoid Car Rental Problems
These tips may seem small, but they can save you time, stress, and money.
Bring Small Bills and Coins for Tolls
Many rental agencies charge high fees to use their toll transponders. Bring coins or small local bills for toll booths if you’ll be driving in areas where toll roads are common.
Take a Video of the Car Before You Drive Away
Walk around the car with your phone and record a video from every angle. Show the tires, windshield, roof, and interior. Say the date and time in the video. This protects you if they try to blame you for pre-existing damage when you return the vehicle.
Screenshot and Print Your Reservation
Technology fails. Phones die. Apps crash. Screenshot your reservation details and also print a hard copy. Bring both with you to the counter so you have proof of your agreement and pricing.
Know the Local Currency and Exchange Rate
If your contract is in another currency, take a moment to do the conversion yourself. Bring a calculator or use a currency app. Some agencies use “creative” conversions to overcharge.