Any traveler worth their salt knows that having access to your own car can be a game-changer for your trip itinerary - particularly if you plan to venture beyond the main cities. It allows to to set the pace, change plans last minute, and, most importantly, freely explore interesting off-beaten-track destinations that would be nigh unreachable otherwise. In Georgia, this truth becomes amplified. Not only is renting a car highly advisable in Georgia if you wish to explore the more rural parts of the country - it’s the case even if you’re only planning to visit major cities.
While the capital, Tbilisi, has a well-connected public transportation system, that’s not true for intercity travel - public transport connecting even two major cities changes depending on seasons and demand (some routes may be entirely canceled in late fall and not restart until mid-spring), the schedules tend to be irregular, and local nuances may make it very hard to stick to your plans.
On the other hand, having a vehicle at your beck and call almost instantly takes care of this problem: it allows you to visit precisely the places you wish to visit, be it large urban centers or small rural villages. But to ensure everything goes smoothly, first, you must learn a few crucial details about renting a quality car in Georgia. In the guide below, we’ll break down all the intricacies of the process to make sure you’re well-informed when making your booking.
Renting a car in Georgia is a comparatively simple and quick process as long as you’re able to satisfy a couple of requirements and provide key documents.
Firstly, while the legal age of driving in Georgia is 18, most rental companies require drivers to be at least 20 years old (depending on the type of vehicle, the age requirement might be higher, but this is generally true for standard cars). You will need to provide a valid driver’s license for the appropriate category (e.g., Type B), and, in most cases, the driver’s license should be issued at least one year prior, proving you’ve got some experience in the road. While it’s not the law that foreigners with less than a year’s experience cannot drive on Georgian roads, it is an inner standard policy for most companies.
Your driver’s license must be in English or, at least, bilingual. If it’s in a language widely recognized in Georgia (which may be the case for your local language), you must have it translated into English and notarized before flying in. An international driver’s license isn’t mandatory, but having one can make it simpler to hire a car in Tbilisi and streamline interactions with local authorities.
When renting, you may also be asked to provide a passport or visa to verify your identity and the validity of your documents. Lastly, ensure you understand the insurance coverage provided by the company.
The rental contract is a vital document that outlines the terms of your agreement. A well-compiled contract protects both sides’ interests, so confirm it provides all the key details before signing.
The contract must specify the full rental period. For example, if you’re renting a car at Kutaisi airport to be delivered upon your arrival, your contract should start from the exact date and time of pick-up to the date you’re required to return the vehicle.
The contract should clearly break down the costs and outline the daily fee, any additional charges (including for other drivers and using additional equipment in the vehicle), applicable taxes, and possible fines for breaking any part of the contract.
As most bookings these days are done online well before the trip, some rental companies might ask for a deposit, especially if the contract is supposed to be long-term, concerns multiple-vehicle bookings, or premium vehicles. Others might allow you to pay in full at the time of pick-up without requiring a deposit. These details should also be outlined in the contract.
Insurance coverage is another critical section. Basic third-party insurance should be included in the contract no matter what (do NOT trust any company that provides uninsured services), but you, if possible, upgrade to full insurance to better cover your bases. This upgrade is typically priced individually based on the company, vehicle, and length of service.
Lastly, the agreement should also cover the fuel policy, mileage limits (if applicable), and any penalty you might expect if you break any part of the contract. The terms can greatly differ across companies, so do your research before booking your vehicle. To learn about Starcar’s term, specifically, start by reading our FAQ.
Georgia has no restrictions on travel territories for rentals when you’re driving a standard vehicle. However, you do need to use some common sense and logical thinking when making your booking - just because it’s allowed, doesn’t mean every type of vehicle will do for all situations.
If you plan to stick to major urban areas, a sedan will be enough. But if you’re planning to visit mountainous regions like Kazbegi or Svaneti, you should book a 4x4 SUV. These areas have rough terrain, with many unpaved roads that can be dangerous if you’re unprepared.
Some companies will even allow you to use your rental to travel across borders and visit neighboring Armenia or Azerbaijan. That said, you’ll need additional paperwork, typically a Power of Attorney (POA). It’ll permit you to take the car outside Georgia and requires around 7 days to prepare. While some companies may expedite the process, doing so can be more costly and complicated, so plan ahead.
If you return your rental vehicle later than the agreed-upon time, contact the provider company and inform them as far in advance as possible. Late returns typically come with a fine, but there’s no specific set amount. Each company has its own internal policy, and the majority handle late returns on a case-by-case basis.
In most cases, the company will charge an additional fee for the extra time. The final penalty will depend on multiple factors: from how late the vehicle is returned to what model the vehicle is. If the delay extends beyond a certain threshold, you might have to pay for an entire additional day of service.
This is why paying attention to the initial agreement is important - such details should be outlined in the contract.
Yes, but only with a fully transparent company that provides clear guidance, sets clear terms, and is always available to provide additional information if need be. Finding a trustworthy rental can be hard and a wrong choice might derail your entire trip just as easily as the right one may help make it unforgettable.
That’s where we come in! Use Starcar’s car rental services in Kutaisi, Batumi, or Tbilisi and we’ll ensure your Georgian adventure is off to a quick and smooth start! We operate on a 24/7 basis, and you can always get in touch with our Support team via WhatsApp, with any questions regarding your booking!
