Rental Cars
Important Facts About Taxis and Rental Cars in Cuba
For vacationers traveling abroad, if you are in a tourist section, taxis and rental cars are generally very safe. The tropical paradise of Cuba is no different. Taxi and rental car services are most times reliable, however if you find yourself trying to use these services outside of population centers caution needs to be taken. There are nuances to utilizing both taxis and rental cars in Cuba.
Rental cars can be found most commonly in or close to hotels. Other major locations for rental dealerships can be found near drop-off points of cruise ships and at airports. Finding locations from which to rent vehicles can be simple, however finding a reliable service can be a challenge. Situations have occurred in which patrons have had difficulty receiving the same vehicle that they reserved ahead of time. In many cases the rental company will try to give any car available to the renter, not just the one which was preferred.
Another issue which can arise with the rental car system involves traveling with young children. Many vacationers have found that it can be difficult to find a reliable source of children’s seats. It is recommended to bring your own booster seat for the car if it is at all possible.
Beyond these situations, the system of car rental is very good in Cuba. The taxi system works similarly well. The most significant threat can come from unregistered taxis. In many instances the travelers may have to negotiate price, and price negotiations can be tricky. Care should be taken, because the traveler has a significant risk of being ripped off. It is also possible to end up with rather uncomfortable travel situations if one tries too hard to find the more economic rates. However, as mentioned before, these flaws are limited, and easily overcome by the positive aspects of Cuba’s taxi system.
One primary upside of the rental and taxi systems comes as a result of the overall infrastructure of the nation. Cuba has a system of highways that are well paved, at least in relation to other Caribbean countries, and relatively safe for travel. Speed limits are kept well in check allowing for easy travel. Traffic issues can be present in major cities as tourists and citizens crowd to make their way through the streets. While this problem is consistent, the overriding theme in transportation is comparative ease, when compared to other tropical vacation destinations.
Another advantage of using taxis in Cuba comes is the variety of options available. This aspect is especially present in Varadero and Havana. The main alternative to a traditional taxi comes in the form of Coco-taxis. These vehicles are small, three wheeled cabs. These egg shaped vehicles are generally orange or yellow and make basic commutes a unique experience. At first glance they appear slow and insufficient to meet most travel needs, but on the road these cabs move swiftly through the streets. Coco-taxis offer services for a lower price then most taxi companies. The cost is negotiable and paid in advance, and is not a set fare for services.
Other varieties of taxis can be found around Cuba. The most common of these is horse drawn cabs. This rustic means of travel is often accompanied by lanterns after dark, and can provide a very relaxing commute. Many vacationers to Cuba wind up not relying on any transportation service by spending the entirety of their vacation at their resort. Cuba has many modern resorts in which visitors find that they have everything they need in or close by to their hotel.
However, if visitors to Cuba want to soak up the country’s distinct culture and history, they must venture out of the confines of their resort. The taxi and rental car market in Cuba provides a steady service to tourists. All things considered, vacationers can count on these services to get them where they’re going. The variety of ways to get around the tropical island coupled with the overall reliability of the roads makes travelling around Cuba an experience that can be quite rewarding. There are limitations, of course, but these are easily overshadowed by what the Cuban system of rental cars and taxis has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Rental cars?
I am driving from NJ to Florida (about 2500 miles there and back) How much would a rental car cost excluding the expensive gas. Do the rental car places charge you by the mile or what? Anybody know? Thanks in advance.-
ANSWER:
You can get them for a certain amount of days with unlimited miles but it's like /day at the cheapest plus insurance.
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QUESTION:
Rental Cars???
when i am looking for a good first car, i am a teen, should i even consider a used rental car to buy?-
ANSWER:
i second jns123s comments. In addition, ex-rentals tend to have been very well serviced, have performed more miles cruising rather than commuting, have been well tested (if something was gonna break it will have done and been fixed!) Also, the yards selling them will have no objection to you spending a whole day driving everything. Get the model and colour you like, negotiate hard, (as u have no trade-in, go in at 25% below the list, move up slow) chuck 2" larger wheels and tyres on it, enjoy your new car at a bargain price.
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QUESTION:
rental cars??
say you got a rental after a car accident, and you purchase a new car and havent returned the car in almost 3 months. what happens?? say they have been caling but you havent returned any calls back. can you go to jail for that? does anyone know what can happen??
first its not me its my mother, and she got it after we got into a car accident and yeah lets just say shes lazy. she took the car somewhere and left it. can i tell the rental place and not be in trouble for it??
i just found out a month ago she hadnt returned and when i confronted her about it she told me she was going to take it in and from what i understand they are still calling her...
oh and the other parties insurance company is paying for it... i wanna call and tell them were its at but i dont wanna get into trouble-
ANSWER:
The best thing for your mother to do is just go ahead and turn the car in. and tell her not to ignore their calls. She needs to call them. As long as she ignores their calls, she is just digging herself a deeper hole. What the hell is she thinking anyway, doesnt't she know that she has to take it back where it is rented from?? If the other insurance companty is paying for it, it may be that they have stopped paying for it and the rental company is wanting their car back. I am surprised that there isn't already a warrant out for her arrest. I strongly suggest that you take the matters in your own hands and let them know that you know where the car is (for your mother's sake) if it makes her mad, oh well, she will just have to be mad and she will have to get over it, they will not be able to go after you legally, unless your name is tied in to the rental. if it isnt, you are fine. It is going to be up to the rental company and possibily the insurance company as far as any charges filed, if not already done.
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QUESTION:
How car rental companies move their cars from one location to another?
I am working on an application and need to understand how car rental companies move their cars from one location to another when there are too many cars left by customers at one location. One way is to give dirt cheap one way rental offers to customers originating some specific location. However, I am trying to understand do they use auto transport companies to do this for them? If yes how much business auto transporters get one average from such scenarios?Also, do car rental companies have some sort of contracts with auto transporters saying they will move rental cars always or on demand basis?
Thanks for your time!
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ANSWER:
Wut about those trucks that carry cars around?
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QUESTION:
Is it possible to find a rental cars history?
I bought a car from a lady I work with (it's a 1999 Chevy Lumina), and I bought a carfax report after I bought it for fun to just see it's history, and it turns out it was a rental car in Greensboro, NC for a year. Now, I will say this car is an excellent car, with no problems whatsoever, and it never has anything major (just the usual things car have like batteries or tires). In my opinion it is as dependable as a new car, and one of the best cars I've owned. For fun, (I'm really into the history of my cars), is there any possible way to see the history of my car when it was a rental? All I know was that it was in Greensboro, NC, but I dont know which company owned it. It says it was a major company is all..... Is there some type of way I can see it's history? The carfax report doesn't help me, because I want to know about it WHEN it was a rental.Thanks!
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ANSWER:
There are no such stats anywhere for that.Your only option would be to contact the rental car company and ask them. And I guarantee they will not help you. Most businesses don't keep records, even in their computers, for more than 7 years.
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