The Whole Truth About Car Rentals at Resorts: Tourists Get Caught Every Day 0 16

Renting a car at a resort seems simple: you pick up the keys — and freedom of movement is guaranteed. But the reality is that every day dozens of tourists find themselves in unpleasant situations. Most often, this is because no one reads the contract to the end, believes the verbal promises of rental staff, and doesn’t even take photos of the car before leaving. We studied traveler reviews, spoke with guides and vendors in tourist areas, and gathered unexpected facts that are usually kept quiet.

The Most Common Trap — "We’ll Handle Everything Later"

At popular resorts, whether it’s Antalya, Dubai, or Egypt’s Hurghada and Marsa Alam, renting a car is possible right at the hotel reception. Tourists are in a hurry, they are promised that "everything will be quick" and "we’ll bring the documents to your room." And the person leaves without a real contract in hand.

The problem manifests later: the contract turns out to have many more clauses and payments than discussed. Many tourists lose their deposit — sometimes hundreds of euros are deducted for "minor scratches" that tourists claim they did not leave.

Photo Documentation — The Law of Survival

An employee of a large car rental chain in Antalya says: "We always warn clients to photograph the body, interior, and windows. But nine out of ten are in a rush and ignore it. The outcome is predictable: even old defects suddenly become the renter's fault."

Tourists are convinced that if the rental is from an international brand — everything will be fair. But local branches often operate under their own rules. And disputes are useless afterward.

Insurance That Doesn’t Insure

Another myth that many believe: "full insurance" protects against everything. But in contracts at resorts, there are dozens of exceptions: damage to the undercarriage, mirrors, windows, tires, interior, parking bollards, and in some countries — even hits from animals.

Surveys show that more than half of tourists believe that with "Full Insurance" they can park however they want. They were shocked to learn that damage to wheels is the most common charge, especially in countries where curbs are high and parking is tight.

Full Tank — Full Surprise

There is another nuance: different interpretations of the phrase "full to full." In Spain or Cyprus, it is common to give a car with a "nearly full" tank and require it to be returned the same way. But how to define "nearly"? This is also used as a reason for fines. One tourist recounted that she stopped at a gas station before returning the car and added just a couple of liters — the needle barely moved. The rental company claimed that the gas was underfilled by 10 liters. She could not prove otherwise.

Police — Not on the Tourist's Side

Some travelers are convinced: if a dispute arises — the police will sort it out. But local cops are often busy with other matters and do not intervene in conflicts between private companies and clients. And if it concerns a traffic fine, it automatically goes to the company — which then doubles the amount for the tourist, adding "administrative services."

A guide from Dubai confirms: fines for speeding, parking, or improper turns are the main reason why the deposit is not fully returned. And sometimes the tourist learns about this only at home — with a letter about the deduction of funds.

GPS Traps: The Navigator Is Not to Blame

At resorts, there are zones where entry is only permitted with a resident card: old city centers, historic districts, waterfronts. The navigator does not warn, and the fines are huge. For example, in some Mediterranean countries, entering the "red sector" can cost as much as the entire week’s rental.

Locals know where entry is prohibited, but tourists do not. And again, the deposit diminishes.

Local Rules — No One Explains

As vendors in tourist areas say: "The tourist is sure that since it’s a vacation — everything is allowed." But hidden norms apply:

• In Greece, fines for parking near ancient sites are strict

• In the UAE, you cannot leave a car in sandy areas — towing is immediate

• In Egypt, road markings are often conditional, and the responsibility lies with the tourist

What rental companies sell as "transport for freedom" turns into a game of attentiveness.

And There Are Contracts "in Arabic"

Many companies provide clients with a translation in English, but the actual legal text is in the local language. And if a dispute arises, the court only considers the original. And the original may contain clauses that were not in the English version.

The editorial team checked several standard contracts in Dubai: the translation matched only partially. No one will tell the tourist about this on-site.

Where You Can Rent Calmly

We asked experienced tourists who rent cars every year for their advice:

• Large international brands — only on the condition of a complete written contract on-site

• Pick up and return the car at the airport — fixed rates and fewer disputes

• Avoid street points without an office and guarantee of deposit return

• Check reviews not on one platform, but on several

And also — document every detail: from the spare tire to the mats. After all the hassle, you can enjoy a meal, for example, at a restaurant in the center of Antalya, where tourists praise the ayran and kebab. But it’s better to choose places with clear rules and checks — this affects not only your wallet but also your mood.

Conclusion

Renting a car at a resort is freedom only under one condition: if the tourist takes responsibility for the details. The contract, insurance, photo documentation, knowledge of local rules — all this helps avoid conflicts, losses, and a spoiled vacation.

Those who sign without looking end up in the statistics: as rental staff say, every day someone loses their deposit "out of foolishness."