AUTOMOBILE RENTAL

Auto rental companies are located in the major cities of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and to a lesser degree in La Ceiba and Roatán. Most major companies are represented by franchised owners. To name a few are Budget, National, Blitz, Hertz and Avis. Passenger cars, pick up trucks and four wheel drive vehicles are readily available.

All major credit cards are accepted, in fact, just as it is in the United States, it is an almost must. Large cash deposits can substitute for a credit card, this is negotiable with each car rental agency. Rates are slightly higher than in the States. Pay attention to special customs some may have, for example if you pick up the car with a quarter of a tank of gasoline and return it three quarters full, many will not give you credit for the gasoline. USA customs are often out the window. Ask questions if you have any doubt. Check the car thoroughly for scratches and damage. Check the tires and mechanical condition, have them fix any problems before you leave.

One of the best is the Toyota Rent A Car, very professional with reasonable rates. Toyota has offices in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and Roatán. The phone number of the Tegucigalpa office is 33-5790 or 33 4004, SPS office 57-2644 and 57-2666 Roatán office near the airport 45 1166 (a branch is also at Fantasy Island). The office in San Pedro Sula is within walking distance of the Hotel Gran Sula.

The Honduran company - Molinari Rent A Car has offices in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Tegucigalpa telephones 32-8691, 32-3191, fax 38-0585, airport 33-1307. In San Pedro Sula phone 52-999, 52-2704, 53-2639, airport 65-2580 or fax 52-2704. In La Ceiba, Hotel Paris, 43 0055 or 43-2371.

Maya Rent A Car has offices in SPS, 3 Ave. N.O. 7 y 8 Calles No. 51, good selection of cars, but backward rental policies. Take care as to your liability, amount of returned gas and carefully check your bill for possible errors. Maya's telephone is 52-2670, 52-2671 or fax 52-8890. Branches are also at the airport 56-2463 or Hotel Copántl 52-7255 and in Tegucigalpa 31-4158, 32-0682 or fax 32 6133.

Hertz is located in front of the Hotel Honduras Maya, Tegucigalpa, telephone 39-0772, 39-0774 or fax 32-0870, 34-3784 (airport).

Avis Rent A Car has offices in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Roatán, telephone 33-9548 (Toncontin Airport), 32-0088 or 32-3191, fax 39 5710 (Teguz.), 53-0955 (SPS) and 45-1568 (Roatan). The SPS address is Boulevard Morazán #58. In Tegucigapla the office is located at the Hotel Honduras Maya. They have offices at all four major airports. Web site: http://www.avis.com

Many of these rental agencies have offices at the airports. Reservations can be made and your car will be waiting for you.

If you are planning rather extensive driving (like I do), it is more economical to pay the unlimited mileage rate. If you don't it is easy to run a very high bill and not be aware of it.

One more thing, some credit cards offer insurance coverage to their customers as part of their services. American Express and several Visa cards, for example, offer collision insurance, best to check coverage before you rely on it. Not all types of vehicles are covered and foreign coverage may be limited. Reports indicate American Express coverage is excellent and supportive.

Here is a list of several other car rental companies:

Blitz Rent-A-Car, Hotel Gran Sula, San Pedro Sula, 57-8830 or 52-2405.

Budget Rent-A-Car, SPS airport, 56-2267. In Tegucigalpa they are located at the airport, telephones 33-5161 or 33-5171.

Dollar Rent-A-Car, 3a Avenida, 3a y 4a Calle N.O., San Pedro Sula, telephone 52-7626 or 68-2337.

National Rent-A-Car, Colonia El Prado, Tegucigalpa, telephone 33-2653 or 33-2641.

Rev. 9/20/96