10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rentals in Singapore

Renting a car in Singapore can provide convenience and flexibility for both tourists and locals. However, car rental costs can add up quickly if you're not careful. The good news is that with a bit of planning and know-how, you can significantly reduce your rental expenses without compromising on quality or convenience. In this article, we'll share ten practical tips to help you save money on your next car rental in Singapore.

1. Book in Advance, But Check Last-Minute Deals Too

One of the most effective ways to secure a good rate is to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or holiday periods. Rental companies often offer better rates for early bookings.

However, if you have flexible plans, sometimes last-minute deals can offer substantial savings as rental companies try to fill their inventory. The sweet spot for advance booking is typically 3-6 weeks before your rental date.

2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms

Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Use various comparison websites and apps to check prices across different rental companies. Some platforms to consider include:

• Rental company websites (often have exclusive deals)
• Comparison sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Klook
• Local Singapore car rental platforms

Remember to check for any hidden fees or additional charges that might not be included in the initial quote, such as insurance, additional driver fees, or young driver surcharges.

3. Choose the Right Vehicle Size

While it might be tempting to upgrade to a larger or more luxurious vehicle, selecting a car that matches your actual needs can lead to significant savings. Consider:

• The number of passengers and amount of luggage
• The types of roads you'll be driving on
• Fuel efficiency (especially important in Singapore where petrol prices are relatively high)

Singapore's compact size means that even smaller cars are perfectly adequate for most journeys around the island.

4. Rent for Longer Periods

Many car rental companies offer reduced rates for longer rental periods. If you need a car for 5 days, it might be cheaper to rent for a full week if the weekly rate offers a substantial discount. Always compare the total cost rather than just the daily rate.

5. Be Strategic About Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

In Singapore, rental rates can vary depending on the pick-up location. Airport rentals often come with premium charges or fees. Consider:

• Comparing rates between airport and city center locations
• Using public transport to reach a non-airport rental office if the savings are substantial
• Ensuring your pick-up and drop-off locations are the same to avoid one-way rental fees

6. Watch Out for Fuel Policies

Different rental companies have different fuel policies, and choosing the right one can save you money:

• Full-to-Full: You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. This is usually the most economical option if you plan to do a fair amount of driving.
• Full-to-Empty: You pay for a full tank upfront and can return the car with any fuel level. This is rarely cost-effective unless you're certain you'll use almost all the fuel.
• Same-to-Same: You return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you received it. Keep track of the initial fuel level to avoid charges.

In Singapore, given the limited driving distances, a full-to-full policy usually works best for most renters.

7. Understand Insurance Options

Insurance can significantly impact your rental cost. Most rentals come with basic insurance, but rental companies often try to upsell additional coverage:

• Check if your credit card offers rental car insurance coverage
• Verify if your personal auto insurance extends to rental cars (for Singapore residents)
• Consider third-party insurance options which may be cheaper than those offered at the rental counter
• Understand the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and whether it's necessary given your circumstances

8. Take Advantage of Membership Discounts

Various memberships and loyalty programs can provide substantial discounts on car rentals:

• Frequent flyer programs
• Hotel loyalty programs
• Credit card member benefits
• Automobile association memberships (like AA Singapore)
• Corporate or organizational discounts

Always ask about available discounts when booking, as they might not be automatically applied.

9. Avoid Airport Surcharges and Extra Fees

Be aware of additional fees that can increase your rental cost:

• Additional Driver Fee: Some companies charge extra for more than one driver.
• Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 (or sometimes 30) may face additional fees.
• GPS Rental: Use your smartphone's navigation instead of paying for a GPS device.
• Child Seat Rental: Consider bringing your own if traveling with children.
• Late Return Fees: Be punctual to avoid hourly penalties.

Read the fine print of your rental agreement to understand all potential charges.

10. Consider Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing

An alternative to traditional car rental, peer-to-peer car sharing platforms connect car owners with renters. In Singapore, platforms like GetGo, CarClub, and TribeCar offer competitive rates, especially for short-term rentals.

Benefits include:

• Often lower rates than traditional rental companies
• Greater variety of pick-up locations across residential areas
• More flexible rental durations, including hourly rentals
• Sometimes more relaxed age restrictions

Bonus Tip: Timing Matters

Car rental prices in Singapore can vary significantly depending on:

• Season: Prices tend to be higher during peak tourist seasons (June-August, December-January) and local holidays like Chinese New Year.
• Day of Week: Weekend rentals (especially Friday to Sunday) are often pricier than weekday rentals.
• Time of Day: Early morning or late evening pick-ups may offer better rates.

If your schedule is flexible, experimenting with different rental dates and times could yield significant savings.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Singapore doesn't have to break the bank. By implementing these ten money-saving strategies, you can enjoy the convenience and freedom of having your own vehicle while keeping costs manageable. Remember that a little research and planning beforehand can lead to substantial savings in the long run.

Whether you're a tourist exploring the Lion City or a local resident needing temporary transportation, these tips will help you navigate the car rental market more economically and confidently.

Have you used any of these strategies to save on car rentals? Do you have additional tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!