Taking a car rental service in newly arrived countries involves various kinds of risks, such as car condition, unprofessionalism, and car issues. These kinds of challenges are visible, and we can easily detect or feel them when hiring a fleet for travel. But there are invisible “bombs” that you should be aware of before pushing the pedal.

We mean “hidden service costs”…

I know it’s vague, but if you are a new traveler, many companies will try to burden you with extra charges. So, we are going to tell you about the hidden costs when renting a car in Georgia.

Key Takeaways

  • Review insurance terms carefully – basic coverage often excludes key items like tires and windshields
  • Follow “full-to-full” fuel policy strictly and keep receipts to avoid premium charges
  • Budget for extra fees like GPS, child seats, and seasonal equipment
  • Expect surcharges for young drivers (under 21) and those with limited experience
  • Prepare for significant credit card holds and verify accepted payment methods
  • Be aware of strict local traffic enforcement and expensive parking in central Tbilisi

The insurance policy should be clear and obvious

Please, before making a hiring decision, check the insurance conditions. In some cases, people don’t set aside time to study insurance packages: What kind of injuries does the package cover? Does it require additional fees? If not, what does it cost? And so on…

In general, basic insurance may not cover:

  • Damage to tires, windshield, or undercarriage
  • Third-party liability
  • Personal injury You may need to purchase supplemental coverage.

We recommend that you get this kind of information thoroughly and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Ambiguous fuel policies

Another common challenge in renting a car is a hazy fuel policy. Most car rental companies in Tbilisi have a strict “full-to-full” fuel policy, which means you’ll receive the car with a full tank and must return it completely filled.

While this might seem straightforward, it’s important to note that rental agencies often check fuel levels meticulously and may charge premium rates (sometimes 2-3 times the normal fuel price) if the tank isn’t full upon return.

To avoid these extra charges, refill at a gas station close to the drop-off location and keep the receipt as proof of refueling, as some companies specifically require this documentation.

Let’s talk about the day-to-day costs of driving in Tbilisi that many visitors don’t anticipate. Parking in the city center can be quite expensive, especially during business hours, and finding a spot often proves challenging. So keep some cash handy.

What’s particularly important to note is that traffic enforcement is taken very seriously here – local police are known for their strict approach to traffic violations, and fines can be substantial.

They’re especially vigilant about speeding and illegal parking. We recommend thoroughly familiarizing yourself with local traffic rules and speed limits to avoid any costly encounters with law enforcement.

Just a heads up about the extra stuff you might need for your rental car in Tbilisi. The GPS thing can be a pain – most companies will charge you extra for it (We usually just use our phones with offline Google Maps instead – works like a charm!).

If you’re traveling with kids, brace yourself for those child seat fees. They charge per day, and it can add up. And here’s the kicker – depending on when you’re going, you might get hit with winter tire fees. They’re mandatory during the cold months, and yes, that’s another charge they don’t usually mention upfront.

Age and experience surcharges

Just a warning about age restrictions when renting in Tbilisi – it can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re on the younger side! If you’re under 21, most rental places will slap on an extra “young driver” fee (kind of annoying, but pretty standard everywhere).

They’re really strict about driving experience. If you’ve had your license for less than 2 years, expect to pay more. And don’t forget about the international driving permit – some companies insist on it, and you definitely don’t want to show up without one if they require it! We’d recommend calling ahead to check all these requirements.

Deposit holds

The rental companies will place a significant hold on your credit card – typically between €500 to €1,000. This isn’t a charge, but it will lock up that amount on your card until you return the vehicle. Make sure your credit card has sufficient available credit above your planned vacation expenses.

Many companies are quite particular about payment methods. They may only accept major credit cards like Visa or Mastercard, and most won’t take debit cards at all, even if they have the same logos. It’s best to confirm the accepted payment methods and hold the amount with your chosen rental company before arrival to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the counter.