💸 Typical Costs of Hiring a Car

Car rental prices in Durban vary widely by vehicle type, rental duration, and booking date, but here are some typical ranges:

🚙 Daily Rental Rates

Small Economy Cars: Often from around €10–€30 per day for compact or economy cars (e.g., small hatchbacks).

Medium/SUV Cars: Around €30–€50+ per day depending on size and season.

Premium & Luxury Vehicles: Higher end rentals can be €60+ per day.

In local terms, many agencies list economy rentals around R690–R800 per day, with weekly rentals averaging a few thousand rand’s worth depending on the car class.

📅 Weekly & Longer Rentals

Booking for a longer period (e.g., a week) often brings the average daily cost down, plus you may find seasonal deals during off-peak months.

⛽ Fuel costs aren’t typically included in the rental rate, so factor local petrol prices into your budget when planning longer drives.

🪪 Legal Requirements for Renting & Driving

Before you pick up a vehicle in Durban, make sure you meet these standard requirements:

📄 Valid Driving Licence

You must have a valid, current licence from your home country.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required or strongly recommended, especially if your licence is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet.

🪪 Minimum Licence Age & Experience

Many car companies require drivers to have held a licence for at least 1 year, and the minimum age is usually 18–21 years depending on the company.

Some agencies may add a surcharge if you’re under 23 or under 25 years old.

💳 Credit Card Requirement

Most rentals require a credit card in the driver’s name to cover the security deposit and possible charges. Debit cards and cash are often not accepted.

Deposits can be several thousand rand, depending on the car type and insurance options.

👀 Things to Be Careful Of
📋 Read the Fuel Policy

Rental companies often have different fuel policies. Full-to-Full (you pick up and return with a full tank) is usually most fair — avoid pre-paying for fuel at inflated prices.

🔒 Understand Your Insurance and Excess

Standard rates often include a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), but you might still be liable for a high excess (deductible) if damage occurs.

Check whether you can buy additional coverage to reduce your excess or add roadside assistance.

🚫 Extra Fees to Watch Out For

Be aware of common extra costs including:

Airport surcharges or tourism levies when collecting at King Shaka International Airport.

Administration fees, additional driver fees, and young driver surcharges.

Potential “e-toll admin fees” or other minor vehicle tech charges.

📸 Document Vehicle Condition

Before you drive off, inspect the car carefully for any scratches, dents or issues. Taking photos or video helps avoid disputes about damage when you return the car.

🚦 Tips for Driving in Durban

South Africa drives on the left side of the road (same as UK, Australia).

Obey local speed limits and traffic signs — radar cameras and traffic enforcement are common.

Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible — especially outside the city.

Keep valuables out of sight when parked.

📌 Final Booking Tip

To compare options, prices, and secure your car hire for your trip to Durban, you can use this car booking platform:
👉 https://travel.beagent.online/cars
— an easy way to plan and reserve your vehicle before you travel.