You will only find a few car rental agencies in Santiago De Cuba. If it is your first time traveling as a tourist or visitor, and you plan to rent a car, you need to be aware that some issues can arise. If you live in Australia, the United States, or Europe, you will notice that car rental in Santiago De Cuba is different to your country of origin. Many tourists and visitors arriving here expect to find an array of car rental agencies, as well as offices in many locations, but this is not the case, so you should take the following points into account:
Booking time
It is crucial to book your car rental reservation in advance when planning your trip to Santiago De Cuba. We recommend making your reservation two or three months before your trip. Try to avoid waiting until the last minute to search for an agency because there are very few of them, which can result in a lack of availability of cars. If you don't book your car in time, this can mean relying on public transportation or taxis throughout your stay.
EXPERIENCED AGENCIES
When you rent a car in Santiago De Cuba, it is essential to do so from an agency that offers security and quality service - so you can guarantee the right car for your needs.
CAR VARIETY
You should bear in mind that you may find a different range of brands and models than those on offer from other car rental agencies in different countries. For the best choice of models, it's a good idea to contact the agency in advance to see which ones are available.
THE TYPES OF CARS YOU CAN FIND
You will find various familiar car brands, such as Audi, Mercedes, Peugeot, Renault, Kia, and Hyundai. But, for your peace of mind, we recommend contacting the agency in advance to ensure you're fully informed of their car models and sizes.
TYPES OF CAR TRANSMISSIONS
If you can drive a manual car, we offer a wide variety of models with this feature. If you prefer an automatic car, it is possible to find one, but this is more difficult. That's why it is essential to reserve your automatic car rental in advance to avoid disappointment.
Documentation
Please always keep your identification documents with you - do not leave them in your suitcase. It is essential to carry your passport when travelling by road. You may be requested to show your passport at toll gates and bridges that lead to popular beaches.
Parking
When parking at any destination you are visiting, it is essential to have cash on hand for any car parking fees. Don't worry, this service is relatively.
CAR RENTAL REGULATION
Please do not try to negotiate with a local to rent a car. Car rental in Santiago De Cuba is regulated, and it is illegal to rent cars from Cuban residents. There is only a small list of authorized and recognized agencies permitted to offer this service.
Routes and guides
If you have already scheduled your trip to Santiago De Cuba and decided to rent a car, you should consider the following tips if you are a first-time visitor:
First, you should choose the sites you'd like to visit in advance, such as historic spots, streets, squares, and beaches;
Second, consider the most comfortable routes to reach your destination;
Third, plan how much fuel you will need for the duration of the trip.
GPS
If you are going to use a GPS to guide you on the road, please be aware that data connection may fail here. There is also no guarantee that your car will have an integrated GPS. We recommend asking the locals to ensure you don't get lost and, if necessary, carry printed maps with notes on routes and landmarks.
Fuel
Pay attention to the fuel gauge, and always remember to fill the tank. It's crucial you don't leave it until the last minute, as in Santiago De Cuba, you can't find a petrol station on every corner. Also, make sure you have Cuban pesos (the national currency: CUP) with you because that's the only way to pay for fuel. Rental cars must only be filled with their specific type of petrol.