10 Singapore Car Rental Tips For First-Timers

When you are travelling to a new city, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore on your own without relying on public transport or taxis.

In Singapore, a car rental can get expensive if you pick the wrong hire firm. With a bit of planning and research, though, you can find a near-new vehicle that fits your budget. A short term car rental is the usual starting point for first-timers, since it covers a holiday or a short trip without any long commitment.

It can look like a simple process at first, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind before you book.

Singapore Car Rental Tips For First-Timers

These tips help make sure you have everything ready when it comes time to rent the right set of wheels.

1. Research the car rental market

Singapore is a small island, but it still pays to research before settling on a rental agency. There are plenty to choose from, so shop around and compare before you commit. Deals appear both online and at physical branches, so use both. Comparing the car rental rates Singapore firms publish across vehicle classes gives you a baseline to judge any quote against.

2. Do not wait until the last minute

Most rental companies only accept bookings at least 24 hours before pick-up, so leaving it to the last minute makes it harder to get a car. Agencies handle many customers at once, and those who reserve earlier tend to be served first.

As your departure date nears, availability tightens, and some companies stop taking orders for that day altogether. Getting your self drive car rental booking in early gives you the widest choice of vehicles and the best chance of the model you actually want.

3. Skip the sports car

Singapore is known for greenery and a tropical climate, but not for open driving roads. The roads are tight and often congested, which does not suit an expensive sports car or a high-performance vehicle.

The main vehicle types available through local hire companies are economy and small cars, vans, mid-size cars, luxury cars, and SUVs.

4. Understand the holiday calendar

Singapore has no public holidays specific to car rental, but some services run on reduced schedules on certain days, typically major religious or cultural holidays.

If a date lands on a weekend, the following Monday may be observed as a holiday. Check the calendar and any local customs before you arrive so you know what traffic to expect. If your preferred hire company is closed on your travel dates, try another, since it never hurts to shop around.

5. Tips for vehicle pick-up

When you arrive at the pick-up location, verify your rental agreement (if it is not handled electronically) and check the car for damage. Look everywhere, since smaller cars can pick up marks across most of the body.

Note any existing problems before you drive off, as most agents will not accept damage claims raised after the fact. To save time, have your travel documents ready when you sign the agreement so you can get on the road quickly.

6. Pick a good insurance plan

As with most things, car hire carries an element of risk. Agencies that offer insurance usually build the cost into the rental fee, and plans vary in coverage and price, so choose one that suits your situation.

7. Know Singapore’s road rules

Singapore has strict road rules. Speed limits are relatively low, typically 50 km/h on most roads and up to 90 km/h on expressways, and penalties for violations are heavy, especially where they involve injury to others.

You want to drive safely and avoid a costly speeding fine. Drink driving is illegal and enforced firmly, so expect rental companies and traffic police to take it seriously.

8. Know the rules for airport pick-up

Collecting a rental from a Singapore airport can be confusing the first time. Follow the signs on the airport’s premises to your hire depot or office, and note that some companies have counters dedicated to customers with flight bookings.

Know which terminal your flight arrives at, since not every terminal offers on-site rentals. Tell your supplier where you are arriving so they can advise on any transfer you might need.

9. Familiarise yourself with traffic regulations

Road rules exist for everyone’s safety, so learn them before you set off. Driving here may differ from what you are used to, and while speed limits are relatively low, fines for breaking the law can be steep.

Obey traffic laws at all times. If you are caught breaking a rule, it can put your rental agreement, and your trip, at risk.

10. Never leave valuables in the car

Rental companies routinely advise customers never to leave valuables inside the vehicle, since parked cars are a target for theft.

Take all personal items with you when you leave the car. A rental is no less of a target than any other vehicle, so treat it the same way you would your own.

Wrapping It Up

Renting a car is not the same as owning one, but it gives you flexible access to a vehicle whenever you need it.

The best way to land the car rental deal that suits you is to shop around, compare pricing, and read the terms before you reserve. Make sure you understand the hire rules and the road rules before you set off, so you do not risk penalty points on your licence.