Renting a Car in Georgetown - All You Need to Know

The public transportation in Georgetown is fairly decent with trishaws and buses as the basic means of transport. Rapid Penang is the sole public bus provider in Georgetown. Other options are the open-topped double-deckers, called Hop-On Hop-Off buses which are primarily for tourists, and the Penang Hill Railway. Full-size buses, known as the Central Area Transport throughout the major stops in Georgetown for free. Taxis also cater to the city of Georgetown. However, the rates at night are much higher, almost double sometimes which makes car rentals a popular option in Georgetown.

Top Car Rentals in Georgetown

1. Big Thumb Rent a Car Ventures

After being in the car rental service since 2011, this car rental has managed to establish itself as one of the strongest and solid competitors in Georgetown. Their specialties include free delivery, new cars which are well kept, direct booking and their experience in the field. Although it is a small local brand, its services are absolutely 5-star. They have a variety to choose from, right from compact, sedan, MPV, executive sedan, and 4WD. A few of the cars listed include- Perodua Viva Elite Auto 1.0ez, Perodua Myvi Auto 1.3 Facelift, Perodua Bezza 1.3l Sedan Auto, Nissan Almera Auto 1.5l, Toyota Vios 1.5g 2020 Facelift, Toyota Avanza 1.5g 2019, Honda New Facelift Civic Auto 1.8l, Bmw Bmw 320i M Sport 2020, and many more. They also provide for driver services, emergency breakdown services, and Insurance and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

Address: 86, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 13-231 6681
Appointments: i1rentcar.com

2. PG Car Rental Services

The MVP of this car rental in Georgetown is its mobile reservation service which makes it easier to book a car from almost anywhere in the world. Their prices are inclusive of unlimited mileage and collision damage reduction (CDR). The cars available to rent are Proton Wira 1.5, Hyundai Accent 1.5, Hyundai Getz 1.4, Perodua MYVI 1.3,Proton Saga FLX, Proton Persona 1.6, and Toyota Unser MPV 1.8. 

Address: 536, Jalan Abdullah Ariff, Taman Padang Tembak, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-441 0088
Website: http://www.penangcar-rental.com/

3. KD Car Rental & Tours

KD rental cars have quite a few good cars to pick from. Their options include - Perodua Viva 1.0 (Auto), Perodua Axia 1.0 (Auto), Perodua Myvi 1.3 (Auto), Proton Saga 1.3 (Auto), Proton Persona 1.6 (Auto), Perodua Bezza 1.3 (Auto), Nissan Almera 1.6 (Auto), Perodua Alza 1.5 (Auto), Proton Exora 1.6 (Auto), Toyota Innova 2.0 (Auto), Hyundai Starex 2.5 (Auto), and many more. The rental charges for these cars depend on whether it’s a weekday or weekend. On a weekday, the cars could cost anywhere between RM 80 to RM 600. Whereas on the weekend, the cars could cost RM 100 to RM 650 depending on the choice of your vehicle. 

Address: Jalan Batu Uban 1 Gelugor, 11700 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 13-444 3665
Website: https://kdcarrentaltours.blogspot.com/

4. Asia Star Adventures Car Rental

Starting from a small economic 4-door car up to a large estate car, this Georgetown car rental has all to offer. Established in 2001, they promise to provide you with the cheapest car rentals. They provide for all kinds including economy, medium, and large. A few of these cars include - Axia, MYVI, MYVI Extreme, Bezz, and Exora. The rentals start from RM 119 per day and differ depending on the vehicle you choose. They are also rated as no. 1 best car service by Trusted Malaysia.

Address: 91A, Muntri St, Township, 10200 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-444 9977
Website: https://asiastar2u.com/

5. Penang MPV Car Rental ( Kereta Sewa MPV Penang )

Known for their smooth transactions and up-to-date cars with friendly and professional services, this car rental service surely have some of its own fans. What makes the entire booking process easier is the availability of WhatsApp services for inquiries and bookings.

Address: Level 1, at Lemon Inn Counter, 108A/B, Jln Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, Taman Sri Damai, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-410 6262
Website: https://abu-danish-car-rental-penang.business.site/

6. Hawk

Having 20 years of experience in car rental services, Hawk is still run by its founders. One has to meet their rental standards to rent a car. The rental rate is inclusive of the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). they also have options for Super Collision Damage Waiver and Personal Accident Insurance. They also allow for Inter-city rentals and have their rental offices spread throughout Malaysia.

Address: 53-01-A, MBf Tower, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-202 2102
Website: https://www.hawkrentacar.com.my/ 

7. New Bob Rent-a-Car & Tours Sdn Bhd

With more than 60 years of experience in car hire, tour, and hotel booking for all rental, they provide you with the best quality cars ranging from economy to business class. They are in collaboration with famous brands ensuring their customers with economical offers and exceptional customer service. The car rentals begin from RM 80 increasing up to RM 330, depending on your choice of vehicle. You can choose from Perodua Bezza,  Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, Toyota Avanza, Honda City, and many more.

Address: 11, Jalan Gottlieb, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-642 1111
Website: https://bobcar.com.my/new2/

Documents Required for Renting a Car in Georgetown

• Driving license: To rent a car, one must have a full driver’s license with a photograph and be held for at least a minimum of 2 years. Tourists here on a short-term visit, require a valid foreign drivers’ license. (International Driving Permit (IDP)/ International Driving Licence (IDL). 
• Proof of Age: One must be of 23 years of age for driving. You might have to pay a ‘young driver's fees’ if you are of 21-25 years of age while renting a car, and a ‘senior driver's fees’ if you are above 65 years of age above the rental fee.

Things To Remember

• Hidden Fees: Make sure to take a printed copy of your online booking of the rental car along. The car rental service might try to charge you extra, but with your printed copy, they won’t be able to.  However, if you are less than 25 years of age, you might have to pay extra fees.
• Collision Insurance: The car rental service will offer you collision insurance for extra fees. However, it is only wise to take one if it is not already included or covered otherwise.
• Driving Restriction: Most of the rental car companies in Georgetown place a restriction on driving out of state or another country. Check for the same since cars might be fitted with tracking devices and you will end up in trouble if that is the case.
• Previous Damages: Beware of previous damages when the car is first handed over to you. Make note of even small damages and bring them to the notice of the company.
• Maintenance Issues: If you come across a vehicle and see wear and tear, check for maintenance. Check for air conditioning, the air in the tires, and proper level of fluids.
• Owner's Manual: Ask for an owner's manual since it is always better to have information about the car you are driving handy.
• Extra Set Of Keys: Ask for a spare set of keys from the rental company. Losing keys under unfortunate conditions in a city lesser known can be stressful.
• Getting Gas: Ask the company for details on getting the gas if you are not so aware of the place.
• Extra Pay For Extra Drivers: Even if all your drivers meet the age requirement, you will have to pay extra fees for every extra driver. Hence, plan out the number of drivers would you need. 
• Avoid Extra Airport Fees: Rental car companies are legally liable to pay the airport the surcharge (airport fees). So, avoid renting from the airport.

As intimidating as it might seem at first, renting a car in Georgetown is quite easy.