Budget Car Rental Bonaire airport?

[jennfl]

We have some gift cards for Budget and would like to use them for a rental for our upcoming trip.

Are they pretty reputable?

 

[jepuskar]

I would say yes...just ensure to really inspect the truck/car with them when they note the damages before you take it. (This goes for any rental agency there, not just them). I've had no bad experiences there, but I always do this.

Take the full coverage on the insurance unless your insurance will cover it. I never do this (do as I say, not as I do) but I tell myself I should when I check I don't want it.

I've never needed it, but I did see some drama one time when a couple from Brazil wished they had it.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I've used Budget on a couple of occasions.

I would call ahead of time to inquire about using gift cards. Not sure they'll accept them.

I paid extra for "truck" coverage (policy through American Express) and then used my Amex card to rent the trucks. I didn't encounter any problems, but as jepuskar warned, check the truck out carefully before you take possession of the vehicle.

 

[RJP]

Not on Bonaire specifically, but I've had trouble using car rental gift/discount cards obtained from WITHIN the US at locations outside the US. Don't let the logo/name/online booking service fool you. Typically the franchisee's are from completely different companies altogether, and probably cannot accept the gift card, since the money from the purchase of the gift card went to Budget US as opposed to whoever owns the Budget name/servicemark in Bonaire.

 

[Bas Noij]

Yes, Budget is very reputable and yes, you should get in touch with them to make a reservation and make sure they accept those vouchers locally.

 

[jennfl]

I am curious if they will accept the Visa gift cards. I've emailed them three times in the last week with no response. Thanks for the replies!

 

[jepuskar]

I am curious if they will accept the Visa gift cards. I've emailed them three times in the last week with no response. Thanks for the replies!

They are on island time. No seriously.

Also, do you know how to drive stick? Unless things have changed recently the majority of rental vehicles are manual transmission...there are automatic but they come as a premium.

J

 

[jennfl]

Yes, I can drive a stick. I Survived driving a little four speed car with bicycle tires in Costa Rica for a week! I can now drive pretty much anything, anywhere I'm thinking. We wanted to save a few bucks, so chose the four speed tiny car with no four wheel drive. BIG MISTAKE! I can't believe that car actually got through those mountains.

I just sent Budget another email. I'll wait I guess. I have lots of time before the trip.

 

[RJP]

Yes, I can drive a stick. I Survived driving a little four speed car with bicycle tires in Costa Rica for a week! I can now drive pretty much anything, anywhere I'm thinking. We wanted to save a few bucks, so chose the four speed tiny car with no four wheel drive. BIG MISTAKE! I can't believe that car actually got through those mountains.

I just sent Budget another email. I'll wait I guess. I have lots of time before the trip.

I'd suggest picking up the phone. And be sure to get the name of whoever you talk to. Because if you're told that you will be able to use them on the phone... chances are whoever you talk to when you actually get there will tell you something different.

:d

 

[jepuskar]

I agree with RJP...pick up the phone. Plus the ring tones down in Bonaire are fun to listen too.