Navigating Rental Car Woes: A Traveler’s Experience at LAX

Renting a car as an international traveler should be a straightforward process, but sometimes, unexpected policies and outdated systems turn a simple errand into a frustrating ordeal. My recent experience at LAX with Thrifty and Hertz revealed a surprising policy requiring international travelers to use a credit card from the same country as their driver’s license. Here’s what happened, how I dealt with it, and tips to avoid similar issues in the future.


The Frustration: Thrifty and Hertz’s Fraud Prevention Policy

After arriving at LAX, I headed to Thrifty to pick up a rental car using my Australian driver’s license and a U.S. credit card. To my surprise, they refused to rent me a car, stating that their fraud prevention policy required an Australian credit card to match my Australian driver’s license.

I thought this might be an isolated incident, so I went to Hertz. Unfortunately, they enforced the same policy, citing fraud prevention rules specific to the LAX location. This was perplexing, as such a policy is not common across the U.S. or even at other branches of the same companies.

The situation escalated further when I attempted to pay using my Australian credit card via Google Pay on my smartphone. The transaction was declined, likely due to exceeding the tap limit set by my bank. At this point, I had no choice but to leave without a rental car.

The Solution: Finding a Better Deal at Europcar

Thankfully, not all rental companies share this restrictive approach. I discovered Europcar, which not only offered a better deal but also did not impose the same policy. They accepted my Australian driver’s license and U.S. credit card without any issues, making the process smooth and hassle-free. This positive experience with Europcar was a relief after the challenges I faced with Thrifty and Hertz.

Why Do These Policies Exist?

The policy requiring a credit card from the same country as the driver’s license appears to be a measure to prevent fraud. While this might help rental companies reduce chargebacks and fraudulent rentals, it disproportionately affects legitimate international travelers who often carry credit cards and licenses from different countries.

Unfortunately, these policies seem to be inconsistently applied. I’ve rented cars across the U.S. without encountering this issue, which makes it even more frustrating when it happens at a major international hub like LAX.

How to Avoid Rental Car Issues in the Future

  • Use a Global Rental Car Company: Consider companies like Europcar, Sixt, or Avis, which often have more traveler-friendly policies.
  • Prepay Online: Many rental car services allow you to prepay online, which can bypass the need to use a credit card at the counter.
  • Call Ahead to Confirm Policies: Before booking, call the specific rental location to confirm their requirements for international renters.
  • Bring Multiple Payment Options: Carry both physical and digital credit cards (e.g., through Apple Pay or Google Pay).
  • Increase Tap Limits on Your Card: Contact your bank to increase the contactless payment limit on your card.
  • Have a Backup Plan: Consider alternatives like ride-sharing apps (Uber or Lyft) or peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Turo.

Why Europcar Stood Out

Europcar’s approach to international travelers was refreshing. Their straightforward acceptance of my documents and payment method made it clear that not all rental companies operate under the same rigid guidelines. Europcar not only saved me time but also offered a better deal, proving that flexibility and fairness are possible even in high-demand locations like LAX.

Takeaways for International Travelers

While my experience with Thrifty and Hertz at LAX was far from ideal, it highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected rental car policies. By understanding potential pitfalls and planning ahead, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother start to your journey.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Always confirm the rental company’s policies beforehand, especially at major airports.
  • Prepaying online or using internationally friendly companies like Europcar can save you from last-minute surprises.
  • Carry multiple payment options and ensure your cards are equipped to handle high-value transactions.
  • Have backup options in mind, like ride-sharing or peer-to-peer rentals, to avoid being stranded.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as an international visitor comes with its fair share of challenges, and renting a car shouldn’t be one of them. While policies like the ones at Thrifty and Hertz may claim to prevent fraud, they can feel more like an inconvenience for honest travelers. By choosing companies with traveler-friendly policies and preparing for potential hiccups, you can keep your journey on track.

If you’re renting a car at LAX or anywhere else, consider Europcar or similar companies that prioritize customer convenience over rigid, inconsistent rules. Safe travels!


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