We made a super complete guide on how to rent a car in Las Vegas. Here you will check all the steps of the process and information to drive peacefully there.
When researching car rental in Las Vegas, many doubts arise in the minds of those who travel, don't they?
- You may need to know the paperwork needed to rent a car;
- Or don't know if it's better to close your car insurance with your credit card or rental company?
- Can I use my driver's license in Las Vegas?
- How to find out which is the best site to rent a car in the USA?
There are so many questions that accumulate that it is impossible to discover everything on one site.
Did you identify yourself?
No problems. That's why we decided to research all the doubts that our readers have about car rentals in Las Vegas to answer them one by one, in one place – here in this post.
So you don't have to go from site to site looking for answers. We have everything here! Including how to get good deals on car rental there.
In this comprehensive guide, you will come away knowing everything about car rental in Las Vegas. Come on?
>> Also Read Las Vegas – Complete City Guide
Don't forget travel insurance!
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You will read this post, click to go straight to the topic:
- Is a car worth it?
- How to rent your car
- What you need to know BEFORE renting a car
- Required Documentation
- Do I need to buy car insurance?
- Child safety seat rules
- driving in the usa
- How to troubleshoot on the road
- Getting good deals on car rental in Las Vegas
Is it worth renting a car in Las Vegas?
Renting a car in Las Vegas is really worth it for those who want to go on a road trip between other cities in the region. Nearby are some iconic US destinations, such as Los Angeles or even San Francisco, which can be reached with a few hours on the road.
It is very common to combine a trip to Vegas with the Grand Canyon, just 4 hours away, and for that it is essential to have a car. Another interesting point is the freedom to get around as you want, without depending on the city's public transport – which, despite working well, can take precious minutes of your tour.
>> See also Where to stay in Las Vegas with the best selection of hotels in town
How to rent your car in Las Vegas
If you're wondering how to rent a car in Las Vegas, know that it's pretty easy. You don't need to be an expert in English or anything. We give the step-by-step here. However, to rent a car in Las Vegas you need to be at least 21 years old.
Além disso, who is under 25 years old and you are the main driver, you will need to pay a extra fee of about USD 35 USD per day. To certify that you meet all the prerequisites, check that your Brazilian driver's license is valid.
What is the best car rental site in Las Vegas?
The best place to rent a car in the USA is through websites that make a price comparison among car rental companies. So you can compare different car models, what each offer includes, coverages, in addition to the prices offered by each company.
We always use and recommend the site RentCars. It is one of the best comparators on the market today for indicating only rental companies that are really reliable, such as Avis, Budget, Localiza, Hertz, among other giants in the industry. In addition, it is the only comparator that you can pay in 12 installments without interest and not pay IOF.
Compare prices on Rent Cars right now, click here!
How to find the best price de car rental in las vegas
You have to be aware: Not always finding the best price means you'll pay cheaper in the end, lol. Okay, now you must be asking yourself: "How so?".
People explain. Websites often offer very low prices on car rentals. However, his insurance is not included.
Let's say you are going to pay R$600 for 10 days of car rental. However, when you arrive in the United States, the rental company forces you to take out basic insurance against damage to the vehicle. This can greatly increase the final rental amount.
Generally, mandatory insurance is around USD 20 a day. In other words, at the end of the day you think you will pay R$600 for 10 days by car, but then you are forced to pay another 200 dollars (in the current conversion, R$700). Believe it or not, but unfortunately this happens a lot with those who rent a car outside the country.
So it's always good to keep an eye out! Try to find offers that already offer full insurance so there are no surprises later.
Combine a car with complete protection of the vehicle and third parties, with online payment without IOF to get better prices. Pay up to 12 interest-free installments with RentCars clicking here!
How to get IOF discount and still pay in 12 installments
US car rental comparison sites usually charge IOF (6,38% more on purchase) and don't give you the option to pay in installments. Therefore, the website RentCars ended up becoming our favorite option to find the best prices.
The site does not charge IOF (already guaranteeing almost 7% off) and lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. To top it off, you always pay in reais – and you don't have to pray for the exchange rate when closing the card. It is the only one today that gives these payment terms. It is worth it.
To find the best price, enter RentCars by clicking here.
Cars for rent in Las Vegas – Which model to choose?
There are several models of cars for rent in Las Vegas. You can choose between categories that suit different budgets: compact, convertible, economy, luxury, SUV, standard and even vans, ideal for groups of friends.
To choose the best model, it all depends on the profile of your trip. If you're with your family, it's worth opting for cars like an SUV. Couples, on the other hand, can save with a compact or splurge on a beautiful sports car.
If you're planning multiple purchases in Uncle Sam's land, take that into account and opt for a model with a more spacious trunk ?
>> Read our What to do in Las Vegas guide to fully plan your trip
What you need to know BEFORE renting a car
Check out all the information you need to know BEFORE renting a car.
- Required Documentation
- What is the deposit amount on car rental?
- Is it worth taking out car insurance?
- Types of car rental insurance
- Rent at the airport or in the city?
- Returning the Car in Another City
- Cautions when renting a car in the USA
- car gps in usa
- Is a child car seat in the US mandatory?
- Is it worth buying a car seat instead of renting it?
Required Documentation
An international license is not required to rent a car in the USA. Just a valid driver's license and passport are enough for you to drive away. We made a checklist for you to write down and not forget anything when renting a car there:
- Be over 21 years old;
- Valid Brazilian CNH (driver's license);
- Passport;
- Credit Card (for security deposit);
- Proof of online booking of the car.
#DicaImportant: Notify your bank that you are going to travel! As the car is one of the first things you come across when you arrive in the United States, it is likely that your card will not pass if you forget to make the travel notice. Notify your manager or travel through your bank's Internet Banking.
What is the deposit amount on car rental?
The security deposit is a value that the rental companies “block” on the credit card when picking up the car upon arrival in the United States. This value is blocked only by “precaution”. In this way, the rental company is prevented from any theft, unpaid accident or any other expense that the lessee decides not to pay.
Generally, the deposit amount is a little scary, although it varies according to the category, rental duration and type of car. However, there is no need to worry. They will not charge you anything if everything goes smoothly during the rental.
Therefore, it is always important to ensure that your car is insured so that there are no unforeseen circumstances during the trip.
Is it worth hiring or US car insurance?
Car insurance in Las Vegas is always a necessary expense. We never know what might happen along the way. A tap in the parking lot, an accident or even theft of the car.
In outlets, for example, we've already heard reports of cars having their glass broken to steal what's inside. So it's always important to prevent yourself.
However, there are two ways to buy car insurance in Las Vegas:
- From Credit Card
- Direct with the Lessor
Credit Card Car Insurance
Generally, cards with Platinum, Black and other premium brands offer automatic coverage for the vehicle, if the purchase is made through it. So, you don't have to pay extra for car insurance.
However, you have to remember: credit card car insurance only covers damage to the vehicle! Third party damage is not covered by credit card insurance.
Therefore, even when purchasing car insurance through the card, the rental company will try to sell you the coverage to third parties. However, it's up to you whether you want to take a chance without it or not.
Direct Car Insurance with the Rental Company
In the case of purchasing car insurance directly from the rental company, then you will need to pay a little more. Especially if you decide to hire at the counter, when picking up the car. Generally, rental companies charge close to the value of the car rental itself. That is, it doubles the amount you were expecting to pay.
Therefore, our tip is to try to find through the RentCars cars that already come with full coverage for damage to the vehicle and third parties. In addition, you already pay in real, here in España, so you don't fall for any prank from the rental companies. To complete, you can also spread up to 12 interest-free installments and not pay IOF.
To find fully insured cars, enter RentCars by clicking here.
Types of car rental insurance
What often confuses us are the types of car rental insurance. What is the difference in LDW or PAI coverage, among other things. To explain it better, we did a detailed research on what each type of coverage offered by rental companies and credit card means:
CDW and LDW are common terms used in car rental insurance jargon. In the end, they refer to the same thing – loss or damage to your rental car.
CDW insurance
It is short for Collision Damage Waiver – This provides coverage in the event of a collision or damage to the vehicle.
LDW insurance
This is short for Loss Damage Waiver – This provides coverage in the event of theft or total loss of the vehicle.
ALI Insurance
Additional Liability Insurance means that if you are involved in an accident with your rental car, you (the driver) are insured against bodily injury and property damage to third parties up to a certain monetary amount.
PAI insurance
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) provides coverage in the event of accidental death and covers emergency medical expenses for the renter and all passengers in the car. The amount of coverage varies according to the rental company.
PEP insurance
It also concerns passenger coverage. Personal Accident Insurance covers the renter and passengers in the event of an accident during the rental as a driver or passenger. It covers accidental death, some medical expenses, assistance and rescue.
Rent at the airport or in the city?
A good tip is to compare car rental values in Las Vegas picking up/dropping off at the airport or downtown. Often, prices are more attractive if you want to pick up the car at a rental company far from the airport. But first, it's worth doing the math to see if the difference is worth it.
To compare, hop on Uber and simulate the price from the airport to the rental company's address. Do not forget to calculate the values of the round trip, in case you return the car in the same place.
If the financial difference is advantageous, it is worth renting a car by picking up/delivering in the city center. However, if your focus is convenience, don't think twice: choose to pick up the car at the airport.
Returning the car in another city
Taking the car and driving to another city is a common practice for those who rent a car in the United States. If you choose to take a roadtrip through California or want to explore the national parks in the region, you will likely opt to return your car in another city.
Some rental companies charge an extra fee for this type of return, so remember to factor this extra into your planning. the website of RentCars let you know if you have these additional values.
care to rent a car in las vegas
Who warns friend is: renting a car in Las Vegas may seem very easy, but it can involve pranks. It's part of every trip, however, if you know beforehand, you won't fall for them when picking up the car at the rental counter.
You can lock a car here for a great price, but then you arrive at the counter and they will want to charge you USD 19 per day for additional driver, insurance or even warn you that you have a limit of km to use during the trip. .
So, before closing your Las Vegas car rental, make sure your car includes the following:
- unlimited mileage
- Vehicle and Third Party Insurance
- Define how many drivers will drive the car and see if it is worth paying the extra for an additional driver.
Rental car upgrade
Another important tip: Often, when you arrive at the counter, the rental company will not have the car in the category you chose on the website. So they usually give you a car upgrade when you get there.
However, we have been through situations where the employee kept insisting that we pay for the upgrade BEFORE saying that the car in our category was finished. Denying the upgrade, the employee said that she would give her a better car anyway.
#AnotaADica: Stay tuned and don't accept to pay more for upgrades right away! See first what they will offer you within what you have already paid.
car gps in usa:
Let's tell you something: it's not worth hiring the GPS when renting a car in Las Vegas. You would pay about USD 10 a day to have the GPS, that is, on a 10-day trip it would cost about USD 100 more for it.
First, if you take a car in categories above economy, your car will probably already come with an integrated GPS. To replace GPS, there are several more cost-effective – and effective – ways to get around cities across the United States.
Learn to download maps offline
If you want to save money, a good tip is to download the map of the city that you go offline on your cell phone. Look how to download offline map in google maps app in this post here. However, if you visit more than one city, take roads or even need to know traffic information, this is not the best solution.
Find out how to get unlimited internet while traveling
In this case, to stay connected and go with peace of mind to more than one city, the best option is to buy an international chip from AMERICA CHIP for your cell phone. This is our favorite option, which we always choose on every trip.
In addition to having GPS, you have unlimited calls, access to WhatsApp, unlimited 4G and much more. You buy the cell phone chip, receive it at your house here in España, and insert it when you are on the plane. When you get there, you can use your cell phone normally, like here in España. The price is also much better than buying a car GPS.
Buy now the international cell phone chip with AMERICA CHIP by clicking here!
Is a car seat in Las Vegas mandatory?
A car seat is mandatory in the United States for children under 5 years old. Car rental companies offer car seat rental when you pick up the car at the counter.
The price of “Child Seats”, as they are known, range from USD 10 to USD 15 per rental day.
In addition, it is good to pay attention to the positioning of the car seat. Children under 2 years old must ride with the “Child Seat” with their back to the driver.
Children over 2 years old and up to 4 years old can walk forward-facing. However, they must still use the child seat, called the “Child Seat”
For those who have children over 4 years old, a good option is to check the so-called “Booster Seat”. These car seats help children to position themselves better in the car and become more comfortable with the safety five. It's like a cushion for them to get taller when sitting in the car seat. Check 'Booster Seat' availability when you arrive at the counter.
If the rental company doesn't offer it, it's worth going to a Wall Mart or supermarket and buying one.
Now, children up to 12 years old must always ride in the back seat of the car. It's law in the United States.
Is it worth buying a car seat instead of renting it?
We didn't find this option practical. Even because, you need to leave the airport or the rental company with the child in the car seat. So, for you to buy it in another store, you would need to do the following:
Rent the car seat from the rental company for a day, go out to buy another one and come back to return the rented car seat to the rental company. Can you imagine the trouble?
This idea is only worthwhile for those who really want to buy a car seat for children in the United States and bring it to España. If not, it is better to rent the car seat directly from the rental company and enjoy your vacation time.
How to drive in Las Vegas USA
Check out all the information you need to know about driving in Las Vegas:
- US traffic rules to be aware of
- How US car parks work and prices
- Supplying in the United States
- US Gasoline Price: How Much Does Gasoline Cost in the US?
- How tolls in the US work
It's like they say: If you're from São Paulo or any big Brazilian city, you're prepared to drive anywhere in the world, lol! Jokes aside, if you're wondering how to drive in Las Vegas, it's super easy.
The roads are excellent, without potholes, well signposted and have wide lanes for cars. Las Vegas has traffic, but it's pretty easy to get around there.
US traffic rules to watch out:
There are some traffic rules in the United States that are different from Spain. Therefore, after making your car rental, it is good to be aware to avoid honking or even an accident.
"Stop" face plate:
A Pare plate, unlike España, really means stopping! No taking a peek and passing by, without fully braking the car. This gives a fine there and can even cause an accident.
Generally, “Stop” signs are located at intersections. The preference is always given to those who arrived first, stopped the car and are ready to cross again.
Free traffic light to turn right:
With this rule I've already been honked a lot! In the United States, traffic lights are free to turn right. That is, even if the traffic light at the intersection is red, you can enter the street on your right without any problems.
It's good to stay tuned: the rule always applies, EXCEPT in cases where there is a sign saying that turning to the right on that street is prohibited. Stay tuned!
Carpool track “Ride”:
One of the things I love about the US traffic rules is the carpool lane. You will see on the roads and highways a continuous line in the left lane, like the bus lanes in España. However, there this track is called Carpool.
It is only allowed to walk in this lane if you have more than two people in the car! This lane saves many times in Las Vegas traffic. Worth using if traveling with more than one person.
Traffic lights before entering Highways “Highways”:
In some places, before the junction of a street with a highway, there is a traffic light that changes quickly between green and red. It is a traffic light for you to be careful and not to enter the express lane for good. Stay tuned!
How do the parking lots in las vegas
Parking lots in the United States vary depending on the city visited. In Las Vegas, for example, there are some free parking spaces in hotels on the famous Strip street, which is where everything happens there. Even if you are not staying, you can park your car at these locations.
However, the iconic MGM began charging for spaces, and other hotels joined in to ensure this source of income. So, it is likely that in the future all parking lots in the region will have a charge – a way to control who stops the car there ;(
Off the Las Vegas Strip, free parking is easy. A few charge a fee, but it's nothing too expensive.
Fueling in Las Vegas
Looking forward to fueling your own car after booking your car rental in Las Vegas? There's always that doubt about how to fill up the car in the United States. Even for those who have been several times.
When filling up in Las Vegas, you will go through a self-service system. You can insert your card directly at the gas station and fill the tank with the amount you think is necessary.
There are two ways to fill up your car in the US:
The first way is by inserting the card into the pump. The machine will give you the choice of petrol or diesel to put in the car. After choosing, she releases the hose. Just open the cap of the car, insert the gasoline and then return the hose to the pump.
The second way is to make a prepayment for gasoline inside the convenience store. Visitors must present an international or Brazilian credit card. Another option is to pay in cash. So, you give the cashier a sum of money, fill up your car, and then come back for change if necessary.
US Gasoline Price: How Much Does Gasoline Cost in the US?
The price of gasoline in the US is calculated by gallons. So the account is a little more complicated. One gallon equals about 3.78 liters of gasoline or diesel. So what will appear at the pump is not liters, as here in España.
The average gallon of gasoline in the US is about USD 2,70, which is equivalent to a price of USD 0,70 cents per liter. If you want to see up-to-date prices, it's worth checking the Global Petrol Prices website.
How tolls in the US work
Most of the cars you rent in Las Vegas will already come with a type of “Non-Stop” (Sun Pass or E-Pass), on which you don't have to pay a toll. However, it is always good to ask if the vehicle is already equipped with the device before picking it up at the rental company.
Most tolls in the US do not have attendants. You need to throw the coin of its value into a basket. The value depends on toll to toll. That's why it's always good to keep an eye out and have change in hand.
Trouble on the Road
It happens to even the best travelers: the tire is flat, the car is towed, you get a ticket. After all, how to deal with these unforeseen circumstances during your car rental in Las Vegas?
Check out how to troubleshoot on the road below:
- Traffic fine in the USA
- My car is being towed USA, now what?
- How to apply for Car Insurance
Traffic fine in the USA
If you get a traffic ticket in the US, it is likely that the amount will be charged to the credit card you used to rent the car. In some cases, this amount ends up not even being discounted.
However, it is always good to be super attentive and avoid any kind of fine. Because if in España it's already expensive, nobody deserves to be fined in dollars, right?
My car is being towed usa, and now?
This has already happened to us. When you see that your car is being towed, that despair hits. So, what to do? We help you.
The first thing, take everything out of your car, always, lol! Including the car rental agreement, which contains all the necessary telephone numbers and information in case of mishap. Leave it in a place you won't miss it.
And of course, before stopping the car, check if parking is allowed in the place. If it's misunderstood, ask someone.
But if you're unlucky, and your car is towed, you'll need to get it out of the parking lot where they leave unmarked cars. Call your rental company and they will give you all the information.
How to apply for Car Insurance rented
If you are involved in any accident, always have your car insurance company's phone number handy. You will need to call car insurance in case of any mishap. Calls can be made to collect.
If you paid by credit card, leave the policy number saved in your email, along with the emergency phone number. If you did it directly with the rental company, also keep the pamphlet with the information.
That's why we also advise you to buy the AMERICA CHIP international cell phone chip, which breaks the biggest hoops in situations like this. That's because it offers unlimited calls and 4G. It is worth the small investment to have comfort during the trip.
Buy your cell phone chip with AMERICA CHIP by clicking here!
How to get good prices on US car rental
We really like RentCars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!
#Here's a tip: Try to find cars with full car and third party insurance coverage. Thus, you avoid inopportune surprises when picking up the car.
Rent your car without IOF, paying in reais and with all extras at the best prices at RentCars by clicking here
Las Vegas Travel Insurance
Taking out travel insurance for Las Vegas is an excellent way to ensure a smooth trip and avoid worries. Having the assistance of insurance gives you the peace you need to enjoy your destination and know that you have support if you need it. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES
Read more:
- What to do in Las Vegas – The 9 best tips to enjoy the city
- Las Vegas Landmarks – The 5 attractions you need to know
- Where to Stay in Las Vegas – hotels we love and recommend
- Las Vegas Casinos – Top 10 to put on the list
- Las Vegas Shows – The 10 must-see shows in the city
- Wedding in Las Vegas – 5 steps to plan the ceremony there
- Is America Chip Good? – What I Need to Know Before Buying
- Las Vegas Travel Insurance – Discover how to find the ideal
