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How To Rent A Car Perth: All Your Questions Answered!

If you’re searching for how to rent a car in Perth, Western Australia, then look no further! As a resident of this great state, I’m excited to stop the overwhelm and help you make a decision. You’ll be able to confidently navigate your way through renting a car in Perth by the end of this article.

My biggest worry when booking hire cars in Perth WA was that there was always so many companies to choose from and I never knew which Perth car hire companies were legit, or which ones were going to leave me standing at the airport without a car. Especially in a foreign country! Do you ever feel the same?

First and foremost, most travelers want to know about the most trustworthy and best place for car hire in Perth WA. When I rent a car in Perth, I recommend and I always use Discover Cars, and you can see why below.

Discover Cars have a searchable directory of over 500 vehicle rental agencies across Australia, including Perth, so you can find the perfect car for your needs at the most competitive price.

Alright, ready to learn the ins and outs of renting a car in Perth? Let’s get into it, starting with the most frequently asked questions about Perth car rental.

🚗💨Don’t have time to read the whole article? Find cheap car rentals in Perth here!

View from a car showing a flock of sheep crossing a country road lined with trees, a common pastoral scene near Margaret River, depicting the region's rural charm.
Going on a road trip in Western Australia is exciting! You never know what you’ll find, but you’ll need to find a decent car first!

Rent A Car Perth FAQ

Is it safe to rent a car in Perth?

Yes – it’s definitely safe to hire a car in Perth Australia! Western Australia is one of the safest places you will find in the world.

That’s not to say that bad things don’t happen in Perth, because they do.

However, if you’re prepared, which you will be after this article, you should feel perfectly safe renting a car in Perth

Is it safe to drive in Perth?

Yes, Perth is generally a very safe place for drivers. The roads are well-maintained and there are plenty of signs to help guide you along the way.

The only downside to this experience is that you will have to drive in a foreign country, where the road rules may differ from those of your home country.

Also, be mindful that during the peak tourist season in Western Australia (ie. Christmas, Easter, and long weekends, and summer in general), traffic can become heavier than usual – although people have told me before that what I consider really busy on the roads is nothing compared to other countries, so take that with a grain of salt!

Make sure you adhere to the speed limits and drive carefully to ensure your safety as well as others.

Read my post on tips for driving in Australia which covers that most important things you need to know if you’re a first time driver to Australia!

How are the roads in Perth and Western Australia?

The roads in Western Australia are generally very well maintained, and it’s easy to get around the state.

The highways between Perth and the major towns and cities are in great condition, and the main roads around them are too. With so many scenic routes to explore, you can take the road less traveled and uncover some true gems.

So, unless you’re traveling somewhere off the beaten path in a remote location, you should be fine with a mid-size or economy car, and shouldn’t need an SUV or 4WD.

🚗🚗🚗Are you looking for more information on the different road trips you can take from Perth?! Check out these detailed guides, including stops, tours, and places to stay along the way: PERTH TO KALBARRI, PERTH TO EXMOUTH, PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER, PERTH TO BUSSELTON, PERTH TO PEMBERTON, so you can travel WA like a PRO! 🚗🚗🚗

A black SUV parked on a sandy trail surrounded by dense Australian bushland under an overcast sky, indicating a day out in the natural landscapes of Margaret River.
A car parked up near a bush track in Margaret River, in the states south west

Should I get a car rental in Perth?

If you’re a visitor coming to Western Australia, then absolutely – renting a car is the best way to get around. It allows you to explore at your own pace and see all the wonderful sights that Perth and Western Australia have to offer. Plus, it’s really affordable and convenient!

Compare this with trying to book taxis, or ubers, or manage tours, or figure out how to get somewhere with public transport, or try to figure out what you’re meant to tip your drivers or if you’re meant to tip them at all… just trust me on this.

In my time working in accommodation in Margaret River in the southwest of WA, I only came across a few people that came to Margaret River without a car, and I can tell you now, they did not enjoy their experience at all.

Western Australia is an extremely vast state, I don’t think you even really realize until you are here, how far away everything is from everything else, and ultimately the best way to see it is with a car, otherwise you will just miss out on the best sights and waste heaps of time trying to figure out how to get to places, and time is the most valuable commodity on a holiday!

I’ll only say it one more time, unless you are booked on an organized tour out of Perth, I would highly recommend you hire a car.

🚗Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Is there Uber in Perth?

Yes, there is Uber in Perth, and also in the smaller cities of Bunbury and Busselton, but you will not find Uber anywhere else in Western Australia. In short, without a hire car, you’ll have to use taxis, buses, trains and tours to get around the state, so it’s near impossible to manage.

A cow stands by the roadside at dusk in Margaret River with a waterlogged field in the background, highlighting the agricultural aspect of the region against a sunset-painted sky.
Proof that it’s always important to pay attention driving on country roads in Western Austraila – here was a cow I nearly hit a little while ago!

Where’s the best place for Perth car rental?

Are you wondering about car hire at Perth Airport? The best place for Perth rental cars is at Perth Airport (code: PER).

If you plan to fly in and out of Perth Airport, hiring a car there is the best convenient decision. Most rental companies have a selection of vehicles available at the airport, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.

A car rental in Perth city might be cheaper, but you’ll end up spending more by the time you’ve paid for a taxi to get there.

You will also save time if you rent a car at Perth Airport, as you will be able to hit the road straight away after collecting your luggage.

What’s the best car rental in Perth Airport?

When it comes to car rental in Perth Airport, there are lots of great options and most companies offer the same level of service. It’s a matter of personal preference and what type of car you need.

To help you decide, it’s best to compare the different companies and their prices using a comparison website like Discover Cars. You can also check customer reviews to get an idea of what other people think about their services.

This is why I love renting with Discover Cars, because I can see reviews from recent customers.

Overall, there is no one best car rental in Perth Airport, so it’s best to do your research and find the one that suits you best!

A white pickup truck with a camper trailer and bicycles parked under the shade of trees on a dusty road, suggesting preparations for an outdoor adventure in the Margaret River region.
Plenty of sight to be seen driving around WA!

What’s the best company for cheap car rentals in Perth?

If you’re looking for cheap car hire in Perth, then check out Discover Cars. They offer a range of cars to suit all budgets and requirements, from economy to luxury and SUVs.

They also offer great deals on longer-term rentals, so if you’re planning a longer trip around Western Australia, then Discover Cars is a perfect choice.

How much does renting a car in Perth cost?

Are you wondering the cost of car hire in Perth? The cost of renting a car in Perth will depend on the type of vehicle you need, how long you rent it for, and your age.

If you’re looking for a good deal, then compare prices on Discover Cars or other comparison websites to find the cheapest option available.

Generally, though, you can expect the cheapest rental car available to start at about $50 per day, and the price to go upwards from there.

What do I need to rent a car in Perth?

It does vary from company to company, but generally, this is what you will need to rent a car in Perth:

  • Your Australian or International Drivers Licence (most car companies will accept all English language driving licenses, but you may require an international driver’s licence if your license is in another language)
  • Your Credit Card (they will not accept debit cards or other people’s credit cards)
  • Your Medicare Card or Passport (as a second form of ID)
  • You must be at least 25 years or older (some companies will rent to you if you’re under 25 and over 21, but they will probably charge you extra fees for this)
Two people cycling down a long, straight dirt road flanked by lush greenery under a bright blue sky, enjoying the scenic landscape of the Margaret River region.
Plenty of interesting looking roads in WA

How do I hire a car in Perth?

It’s easy to do car renting in Perth. All you need to do is the following easy steps:

  • Use Discover Cars to find a car you like, for the dates you like, from the location you like.
  • Check reviews and double-check dates and locations. Weigh up the cost of picking up a car at the airport versus picking it up in the city (I always prefer the airport so as to save time)
  • Compare offers between different cars, including policies and prices.
  • Book your preferred car. I always recommend booking a car in advance because it’s usually less expensive, and if you wait until you arrive, the rental companies may be all sold out of your preferred vehicle, therefore leaving you with vehicles that might be out of your price range.

Now you have your car booked, what do you do once you arrive to pick up the vehicle?

  • Inspect the car carefully in the presence of a sales assistant and make sure all damage is documented and photographed.
  • Be sure to ask about what to do in the case of a breakdown or accident.
  • Check if you need to return the car with a full tank of petrol, what the charge is if you don’t, and where the nearest petrol station to the hire place is.

Ok, you’ve enjoyed your holiday, and now you need to return your car, what do you do?

  • Fill up your car as close to the drop-off point as possible.
  • Return your car during opening hours.
  • Get a sales assistant to inspect the car in your presence immediately upon your return.
  • Get a written statement acknowledging the car was returned undamaged.
  • If there is damages, sort them out on the spot.
A black Toyota SUV parked on a dirt road in the dense bushland of Margaret River, indicating an adventurous excursion into the natural wilderness.
Car parked in the Boranup Forest, near Margaret River

How far can you take a rental car out of Perth?

If you are planning on doing some country driving, this is worth checking out with the rental company you want to book. I’ve seen some companies which have a 500km limit from Perth, (however you can pay extra to go further), while others have a limit of 100km per day.

Most of the ones I’ve seen have unlimited mileage, which is what you want in Western Australia, so just make sure you have this. It’s basically impossible to keep to under 100km a day if you’re driving around Perth and beyond!

How old do you need to be to hire a car in Western Australia?

This depends from car hire company to company, but you generally have to be 25 years old to hire a car, although some companies accept people below 25 and above 21, as long as they pay an extra fee.

🚗Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Do you need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Australia?

If you have a driver’s license in English, most car hire companies will accept this. If it is in a different language, you will generally have to obtain an international driving permit, but just check what the conditions are for the car you’re hiring if you’re not sure.

How long can you drive on an overseas license in WA?

You can drive on an overseas driver’s license in Australia for up to three months. After that, you will need to obtain an Australian driver’s license.

Hopefully, that has answered a lot of your questions when it comes to hiring a car in Perth! Now you are full bottle on that, let me talk to you about some of the most important driving tips there are for driving on Western Australian roads.

Driver's perspective of a long dirt road ahead, flanked by native shrubbery under the bright Australian sun near Margaret River, evoking a sense of adventure and exploration.
A Western Australian dirt road (only a few roads are like this :))

Wrapping Up: Rent A Car Perth

Renting a car in Perth is the perfect way to explore this beautiful part of the world. Whether you’re driving around the city, driving from Perth to Margaret River, making a daytrip to the Pinnacles, or spending the day at the beach, you’ll be able to get around with ease and freedom. Just remember to adhere to all of the tips listed above to maximize your safety and enjoyment.

Also, if you need to know the most trustworthy and best place to rent a car in Perth, I recommend and I always use Discover Cars, because of their massive, searchable directory of over 500 vehicle rental agencies across Australia, including Perth, so you can find the perfect car for your needs at the most competitive price.

A Toyota Hilux parked near a coastal viewing area at Margaret River, with the rough surf of the ocean in the background, ready for a day of beach activities or fishing.
Car parked at the Margaret River Mouth

Australia Travel Planning Guide

🚑Should I buy Australian travel insurance?

100% YES! — Australia has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I like SafetyWing – their Nomad Insurance starts at just $1.50 USD a day!

🚗Should I rent a car in Australia?

Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Australia! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, and even if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll want to rent a car. If you are visiting Margaret River, it will be even more important that you hire a car, you’ll need it to be able to get around and see all the great attractions and wineries!

🏨What’s the best way to book my Australian accommodation?

My go-to for Australian hotels is Booking.com. Pretty much all registered accommodation use Booking.com (but not necessarily any of the other major booking platforms), and even most of the holiday homes and caravan parks use Booking.com too!

If you’re planning a trip to Australia where you will stay at multiple locations, it’s super handy to have all your accommodation listed in one place, and accommodation owners like Booking.com because it’s easy to contact the guests using the messaging platform if the guest has an international phone number.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to Margaret River!