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Rental cars out of Tocumen

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Jackson351
  7/31/2018 00:15 EST

I've had horrible experiences renting cars out of Tocumen airport. Does anybody have any recommendations as to who to use?
Basically I book my flight with expedia, etc., and pay a reasonable amount to add a rental car - maybe even too low. So before traveling... I even call expedia and confirm that this is the absolute price I will pay when I get to Tocumen. (about $20-25 per day) So of course that all goes out the window, and I get arrogant and unfriendly people at "ABC name brand" rental car counter. Basically saying too bad we won't honor that price even though I have the document saying that's what I'm supposed to pay. Then I basically get screwed and have to pay a ridiculous price.

Will probably be traveling down in a month or two, and don't want to go through this for the 3rd time!

Oh yeah I gave expedia hell, but it never gets taken care of.

Help!!

Thanks.

Capt1313
  7/31/2018 07:58 EST

I have used ACE Rental cars numerous times. They do demand a deposit but have always honoured the price plus the bullsh!t insurance scam, which they all charge. Best thing to do is make reservations at more than one agency, so if they don't honour the price go to the next, they will some come to the trough.
Buena suerte. Capt

MikeMc
  7/31/2018 08:04 EST

I use Hertz as my business has a direct bill account with them. I did have an issue with them accepting the Hertz "credit card", which is just their plastic with my account number on it. But they did accept it and all was fine. The rate on my reservation was what I got.

I will be back in September and after speaking with the manager, the direct bill issue is resolved. I'll find out!

AlMud
  7/31/2018 09:36 EST

I always book three separate cars. Hertz, Budget and Thrifty are my preferences. Poor service with National couple of trips ago.

If one does no like the vehicle choice, go to a different counter. Expect to pay $40 to $50 per day for what car manufacturers (not rental agencies in US or Panama) consider a mid size car or small SUV like a Nissan Altima or Toyota RAV4.

AlMud
  7/31/2018 09:37 EST

By the way:: I book through AAA for two reservations and the Hertz site directly.

AlMud
  7/31/2018 09:37 EST

By the way:: I book through AAA for two reservations and the Hertz site directly.

XSMEMORIES
  7/31/2018 11:20 EST

Hi are you the person that bought at Playa Blanca? If you're not bringing a lot of stuff you could take a Decameron shuttle out here then rent a car out here. A lot of people just rent close, they still hit you up for the insurance. Sheila

Jackson351
  8/2/2018 01:25 EST

Thank you to all who responded. I'll try to take the info given, and use it. I may PM some of you for more details.

Thanks!!

lisaw333
  8/2/2018 11:06 EST

The only place that we have ever been able to waive that insurance, is by renting at Dollar Rent a Car at the Albrook Airport in PC ... we have been successful at this twice now ... it has saved us a substantial amount of money ... we tell them our credit card company insures us internationally, and they make us sign a waiver form. Typically we've been paying just under $30 a day that way rather than the 45-55 a day with the Panama insurance.

So now, we take a cab or Uber to Albrook from Tocumen and rent there, then return the car and take a cab back to Tocumen ...

This is a much better experience for us all the way around, as we also get to skip having to drive through most of the horrendous traffic in PC as well since our destination is usually Chiriqui ...

lisaw333
  8/2/2018 11:12 EST

PS it doesnt cost any more to rent the car at Albrook AP and return it directly to Tocumen ... we just prefer to return to Albrook, and catch a cab ...

pfaffy1
  8/2/2018 14:46 EST

Do all major US credit card companies insure internationally....MC, Visa, etc. Or does it depend on the bank issuing the card? I have one from Chase and B of A.

sweethomepanama
  8/2/2018 15:02 EST

you need to check with your bank that issues the card. We even ask for a letter from the bank addressing the insurance issue.

lisaw333
  8/2/2018 16:52 EST

it does depend, you would have to call to enquire

llseldon
  8/2/2018 17:28 EST

This is where having an American Express CC helps, they covering rental car insurance in foreign countries with only about 7 country exceptions.

pfaffy1
  8/3/2018 00:59 EST

Thanks to everyone who responded with suggestions. You all helped a great deal.

Panamaholmes
  8/3/2018 09:11 EST

Here is a problem with using a credit card for your insurance. If you damage your car in Panama, the rental agency will make you pay for the damages up front and you are required to seek reimbursement from your credit card company. Sounds fine, but then your credit card company will require a form from the rental car company in Panama attesting to the damage. If the rental car company refuses or simply fails to fill out the form, your reimbursement request dies on the vine. Happened to me with American Express and Hertz Tocumen. Personally, I would rather pay the insurance in Panama and know that I will not have any hassles.

llseldon
  8/3/2018 12:19 EST

Well from the person I talked to who had damage one time, he said American Express insurance covered him, it use to cost $25 for 30 days coverage.

AlMud
  8/3/2018 16:59 EST

Hit a large rock, my fault, in 2013. Hertz charged me $250 and outlined the damage in the rental contract. Paid for the rental with AMEX card. AMEX credited my account for the $250 deductible on the Hertz insurance.. I had to submit a copy of the contract with damage outlined for reimbursement.

Panamaholmes
  8/3/2018 22:43 EST

Amex would have covered me too. The problem was that Hertz Tocumen (which is not really even affiliated with Hertz USA) wouldn’t fill out a form verifying they charged me and Amex would not pay me without it.

llseldon
  8/3/2018 23:32 EST

Wow Panamaholmes, I’ll just back off, my Panama niece put me a good agency & fortuneately I never had problems but I backed up my remtals usuing my American Express CC.

tradewinds
  8/15/2018 00:33 EST

Lol, same happened to me in DR.
Apparantly the insurance bought through Expedia or any other third party will not be honored so dont bother getting it. Best get it from the counter to avoid the hassel cuz in the end you will pay for it.
We have used National Rent a Car in Panama and bought their 0 deductable insurance and had a peace of mind. Good Luck

Chicab80
  8/16/2018 16:52 EST

I had a similar experience when I traveled last year but it was through travelocity. They don't include insurance in the price. Insurance is crazy high in Panama when renting a car. I recommend looking outside of Tocumen. I can't recommend where though...I have family in Panama and of course we use "our guy". They tell me not to rent from Tocumen. I apologize for not being much help though. Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone.

sweethomepanama
  8/19/2018 19:22 EST

Does anyone know about rental car companies in Santiago, Las Tables or Chitri ?

ranaverde
  8/19/2018 22:16 EST

Thrifty in Chitre.

AlMud
  8/20/2018 09:44 EST

There is a branch of National at the Mykonos hotel.

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