Last Updated on September 16, 2021 past Kristin

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Heading to Canada and looking to rent a auto in that location? Since Baronial 9, 2021, American travelers who are fully vaccinated confronting Covid-xix may enter Canada. For U.s.a. residents, renting a motorcar in Canada may seem very similar to what you're used to. But there are some key things to keep in mind every bit you caput north of the border.

American travelers need to download the complimentary ArriveCAN app, which allows them to upload passport information every bit well as proof of Covid-19 vaccination and Covid test results. Once you enter your data, the ArriveCAN app provides a receipt with a QR lawmaking. This must be shown at the Canadian border.

Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Canada

It may be cheaper to rent in the U.Southward. and drive to Canada.

If you're crossing the U.S.-Canada border during the trip, you lot may non even need to rent a car in Canada. Many U.South. rental motorcar companies will allow you lot to drive the car across the border. Some companies' policies may not be clear in all situations. Information technology is always appropriate to read the fine print about cantankerous-edge rental policies and call with any questions earlier renting.

Book from home.

Information technology will be cheaper to book your car from the United States before you get to Canada. The further ahead you reserve your car, the better the chance of landing a deal. That's because you tin enquire AutoSlash to scout out for price drops.

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Rethink one-way rentals into Canada.

Simply driving a rental automobile into Canada is relatively like shooting fish in a barrel, just dropping off the vehicle in Canada is another story. Don't assume you can rent a car in the U.Due south. and render it in Canada. Be certain to verify with the visitor first. Returning a car in a dissimilar location is mostly a plush idea anyway, and usually includes a i-way drib-off fee.

Check insurance requirements.

The U.South. and Canada may be like in many aspects. But double-check that your home car insurance policy or credit carte will cover your rental car in Canada. Geico, for example, extends its coverage to U.S. renters venturing into Canada (although it urges customers to make sure the rental car visitor allows it). All the same, it is always all-time to call the insurance company to make sure you are covered earlier traveling.

Pay for the rental in Canadian dollars.

It may seem easier to pay in U.Southward. greenbacks instead of Canadian dollars. But this selection will toll yous more in the long run. Pay in the local currency to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees. If you opt to pay in U.S. dollars, the rental visitor converts the currency on your behalf. But this process is entirely unnecessary, since your credit card company volition procedure the transaction in either currency, and yous volition pay through the nose for the not-convenience.

Pay attention to your speed.

Driving in most parts of Canada is very much like in the U.S., with like highway layouts and road signs. All the same, there is one main difference–speeds will exist posted in kilometers, not miles. So, pay extra attention to the speed limit to avert tickets. Too, recent reports point to new speed cameras beingness installed in places including Toronto and Vancouver.

You can employ your U.Due south. drivers' license in Canada.

Your U.S. drivers' license is adequate when renting a car in Canada. You will not demand an International Driving Permit (IDP). All the same, y'all should use for the IDP if you lot travel often to countries where English language is not one of the official languages. The process is easy, but needs to be completed before y'all go out for the trip.

Watch out for extreme weather weather condition.

Driving in cities such equally Toronto and Vancouver may not exist too different from commuting in New York or Seattle. But Canada is a big country with extreme conditions in certain areas.

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Be prepared to accept condom precautions for winter weather, specially if driving in remote areas with fiddling prison cell phone reception. The Canadian regime has prepared some tips for driving in farthermost weather that are worth looking at earlier you head out.

Inspect the car advisedly before driving it off the lot.

Make sure to protect yourself from potential false damage claims by carefully look over your machine earlier driving away. Document every nick, scratch or dent. Your smartphone will come in handy for taking photos of any imperfections to ensure y'all won't have to pay for them afterward.

Related:

  • Can You Drive a Rental Car into Canada?
  • Should You Buy Motorcar Rental Insurance?