Wahdah

Malaysia, with its mix of bustling cities, pristine beaches, and lush jungles, has something to offer to every traveler. While public transportation is readily available, many tourists and locals are choosing to rent cars for the convenience and freedom it provides. Renting a car in Malaysia offers the luxury of traveling at your own pace and the opportunity to explore less-visited places. 

Over the past few years, car rentals have seen a surge in popularity in Malaysia. With the country’s growing number of scenic routes, it’s no surprise that travelers are opting for this mode of transport. Car rentals offer the flexibility to tailor your journey according to your schedule and preferences, something public transport may not always provide. However, there are several factors you need to consider to make your car rental experience hassle-free. This article will guide you through what you need to know before renting a car in Malaysia. 

Choosing the Right Car Rental Company

Reputation is key when selecting a car rental company. Companies with a long-standing reputation often have more streamlined processes, better customer service, and a wider range of vehicles. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or travel experts can provide invaluable insights. 

Research the companies you find. Take your time to find the right car rental company, and don’t just go with the first one you find. Get a sense of which companies offer the best value and service by comparing prices and reading reviews.

Everything about Car Rental Rates, Car Insurance Coverage and Budget

Your budget will greatly influence the type of car you can rent. Hence, it is important to consider your rental car needs such as the number of passengers, intended travel destinations, and luggage space before you start looking for car rental companies. 

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, sometimes spending a little extra ensures a better experience. For example, a more expensive SUV will prove to be valuable if your trip consists of a lot of outskirt road trips. 

Besides, always ensure to ask about car insurance coverage. While most companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) and/or personal accident protection (PAP), some come with hefty fees or companies may try to sell you additional services or protections with additional fees. 

Some credit card companies also cover collision damage on rentals of up to 30 days, so you might not need any insurance coverage from the car rental companies at all. Your car insurance for your personal vehicle may also extend coverage to rentals. Hence, it is strongly recommended to check with your credit card company or insurance company before processing for car rental.

Vehicle Selection

Choosing the right vehicle is perhaps one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when renting a car. Your choice will influence your overall driving experience, safety, and even the budget. 

Malaysia offers a variety of terrains, from smooth highways to rugged mountainous roads. If you’re planning an adventure in the Cameron Highlands or exploring the nature trails in East Malaysia, a 4×4 or an SUV would be a more appropriate choice. These vehicles offer better stability, higher clearance, and are generally more capable of handling off-road conditions. 

If your journey will mostly be within city limits, like exploring Kuala Lumpur or Penang, a compact or a sedan would be a suitable choice. These cars are easier to maneuver, park, and are generally more fuel-efficient.

If you’re traveling with family, especially with young kids, then you’ll need a vehicle with plenty of space. A minivan or an SUV that provides ample space for both passengers and luggage would be ideal. 

Car Rental Terms and Conditions

Understanding the fine print is crucial. This includes cancellation policies, what is covered under the insurance provided, and any restrictions that may apply, such as a minimum or maximum rental period or geographical limitations on where you can drive the car.

You may find WAHDAH’s terms and conditions here.

Car Booking Process

In Malaysia, renting a car has become increasingly convenient, especially with digital advancements and user-friendly platforms. Most of the processes can also be done online. Much like the fine print, during the booking process, ensure that everything is selected according to your needs including the vehicle type, date of rental, insurance coverage, additional features, etc. Make sure that there are no additional fees and that you only pay for what you need. 

Returning the Vehicle

1. Ensure Fuel Tank is Filled

When it’s time to return the car, ensure it’s in the same condition as when you picked it up. Fill the gas tank if required by the rental agreement. Usually, the car rental company will rent you a car with a full tank of petrol and expect the same when it is returned. Some car rental companies will require you to show them the receipt for your last petrol station visit. Hence, make sure to check and keep the receipt with you. 

2. On-Time Return

Always return the car at the agreed-upon time. Additional fees may be charged from your deposit if the car is returned late. If it looks like you might be late, call the rental agency as soon as possible to discuss your options.

3. Check and Inspect

Check for all your belongings in the car before returning the car. Some cars are scheduled to be rented out immediately, so it might be difficult to retrieve your belongings afterward. After the vehicle has been inspected and all terms met, make sure to get the final paperwork that indicates the car has been returned.

4. Deposit Repayment

Lastly, inquire about the return of your security deposit if applicable, and ask how long it will take for it to be returned. Usually, it’s credited back to your account within a week, but this can vary depending on the company and the mode of payment.

Wrapping Up

As we’ve seen, renting a car in Malaysia involves multiple steps, each crucial for ensuring a smooth experience. But with proper planning and budgeting, your road trip through Malaysia promises to be a memorable one. 

Interested in experiencing the beauty of Malaysia at your own pace? Your journey begins with the right rental car. In WAHDAH, we offer an extensive range of high-quality cars at a competitive price. Besides, our customer service team is readily available through live chat, call, and email to address all your concerns with the rental. Visit https://www.wahdah.my to browse our extensive range and make a reservation today.

If you are planning to stay in Malaysia for an extended period of time, be it a foreigner coming to Malaysia or a local traveling to another state, you might be thinking about how to navigate around the bustling cities and scenic countryside. Not every area in Malaysia has the convenience of public transport such as LRT in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Even with public transport, some countryside areas are not covered. One solution that is gaining popularity and worth considering is long-term car rental. Also known as monthly car rental in Malaysia, this service allows you to rent a vehicle for an extended period, typically several weeks or months. 

Want to learn more about long-term car rental in Malaysia? Let’s dive into this article where we covered the benefits & things to know about the service. 

What is Long-Term Car Rental?

Long-term car rental is a service offered by many car rental companies. It allows customers to rent a car for extended periods, typically ranging from several weeks to months. Unlike a car lease, a rental doesn’t require a credit check. This service differs from traditional car rentals, which usually last from a few days to a couple of weeks and it is ideal for people who are on extended vacations, business trips, or in transition.

Benefits of Long-Term Car Rental

Cost-Effective

Compared to a short-term rental, renting a car long-term is usually more cost-effective as car rental companies generally offer better rental packages for long-term renting. In general, renting a car for a long period of time can be more economical than renting for short periods. Besides, you do not need to worry about the vehicle resell value and additional costs such as maintenance fee and insurance that comes with buying a car.

Convenience

Long-term car rental eliminates the hassles of car ownership such as maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. Maintenance and repair coverage is often included in long-term leases, so you don’t have to worry about unforeseen expenses.

Flexibility

Long-term car rental usually allows you to choose from a variety of cars depending on your needs and preferences. Not only that you can always switch to a different car model when needed, but you can also choose the length of the rental that best suits your needs and the flexibility to extend the rental period.

Considerations for Renting a Car Long-Term

Budgeting

Before committing to a long-term car rental, the first question to ask yourself is how will you plan your transportation budgeting for the next couple of months. Consider doing some financial planning and decide if long-term car rental is the best option. While long-term rentals can be more economical than short-term rentals or buying a car, the costs can still add up. Ensure to factor in the monthly rental fee, fuel costs, and potential toll fees into your budget and conduct a comprehensive comparison before making your decision.

Understand the contract and the terms

A contract or a rental agreement will be presented when applying for a long-term car rental in Malaysia. The rental agreement should be read carefully and it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions thoroughly. This includes the rental period, payment terms, insurance coverage, mileage limits, the procedure for extending the rental period or returning the vehicle early, and any restrictions or additional fees that may apply.

Maintenance Policies

It is vital to familiarize yourself with the rental company’s maintenance and repair policies. Usually, regular maintenance is covered in long-term car rental services but there are always caveats and different policies for incidents such as unexpected repairs, major damage, and accident. Knowing what to do if the car breaks down or the procedures for reporting such incidents is important.

Insurance Coverage

While this is discussed and covered in the second point above, due to the complexity and implication it might have, insurance coverage should be discussed in detail when considering renting a car long-term. Most car companies include basic insurance in the rental agreement and usually, it is charged alongside your rental fee. However, it is still worthwhile to consider the option for additional coverage considering that the rental is for an extended period. It is strongly recommended to consider the nature of usage for the vehicle, your needs, and your budget, then compare different car insurance policies before deciding if extended insurance coverage is necessary.

Miscellaneous

Lastly, make sure all the small details are considered before committing to a long-term car rental. These include the rental company, vehicle type, vehicle condition, additional services, and more. The last thing you want after committing to a long-term plan is finding out that you are engaged to a bad rental company with unreliable and bad services, or choosing the wrong type of vehicle that doesn’t suit your needs, or even worst, a problematic vehicle that caused you the additional hassle. Remember, it’s always better to ask too many questions than too few when renting a vehicle, especially for the long term. Being clear about the details from the start can save you from unexpected costs and complications later on.

Wrapping Up: Embrace the Convenience of Long-Term Car Rental in Malaysia with WAHDAH

Welcome to Indonesia and enjoy its extraordinary cultural heritage. Driving in Indonesia can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience, especially for foreigners who are unfamiliar with the local traffic rules and driving habits.

To ensure you experience a safe journey, here are some tips for you to drive like locals in Indonesia:

1. The Odd-Even System (only in Jakarta)

One of the most important things you must remember when driving in Jakarta is The Odd-Even System, better known as ‘Sistem Ganjil Genap’. 

At the moment, this unique system is only available in Jakarta, which allows vehicles with odd-numbered license plates to operate on certain days and even-numbered license plates on others. 

The policy restricts private vehicles from entering specific zones or roads based on the last digit of their license plate number. For example, vehicles with license plate numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are allowed on certain days, while vehicles with license plate numbers ending in even digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are allowed on alternate days.

For more information on the roadmap, kindly visit the Odd-Even Policy and Guidelines using Google Maps and Waze.

2. e-Toll Card (e-Money)

For a seamless experience when driving across Jakarta, you must remember to buy an e-Toll card. You can directly purchase with us or at Indomaret or Alfamart.

Get the card for Rp150,000 and top it up with a minimum credit amount of Rp50,000 to pay for road fares, parking, and public transport like KRL Commuter Line and buses. You can even use it at any selected minimarkets and supermarkets when shopping.

3. Tips for Parking

If you are traveling through Indonesia you might see a lot of people who guard U-turns or Lawson, Indomaret and Alfamart parking areas.

Indonesian culture pays the guards as they are assisting us in parking our cars and keeping the cars safe even though they are not the official parking staff.

You might want to pay them a minimum of Rp2,000 for their service and help as a gesture of goodwill and courtesy.

4. Child Seat

If you are traveling with children, ensuring the safety of your toddler is your utmost priority and responsibility. The type of car seat required may differ based on your baby’s height, weight and the specifications mentioned in the car’s manual.

We highly advise you to include a child seat to enhance your child’s comfort and safety. Please remember to add the infant seat during the booking process.