By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:00 pm: |
Hi everyone. My husband and I just booked a trip to Bonaire May 3-10. First time for both of us. We are staying at the Divi. Do not have any transportation lined up yet to get from airport to resort. Can anyone recommend a good place to rent a vehicle from the airport? Or would we be better off using a taxi until we get settled in? I don't know where to begin.
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #500) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:22 pm: |
April
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By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:52 pm: |
Mick, the resort wants around $16 per person for the 1.5 mile journey from airport to resort, which seems a bit excessive to me when you could possibly rent a small car for almost as much for the entire day. Anyway, who do you rent from?
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1315) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:04 pm: |
If you booked a package deal with the Divi they will tell you to take a cab from the airport and they will settle with the cabi at the front desk. If you rent from the airport, simple directions will get you to your resort, and when you leave, the truck will be droped off at the airport...
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By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #831) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:43 pm: |
April, there are many rental agencies on Bonaire. The ones that are not located at the airport will meet you there. Check out www.infobonaire.com for a list and the websites. A truck is easy for divers for shore diving so you may want to think about that.
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By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:55 pm: |
I'm thinking about this place:
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By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #832) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:27 am: |
April ... we have used Island Rentals and been very happy with them.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1316) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:07 am: |
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By Judy Workman (BonaireTalker - Post #69) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 4:11 pm: |
Ron, Quit telling everyone about Poppy! There won't be any trucks when we need them! She truly is a gem. See you and your better-half in May; we'll be back at Divi.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1318) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 6:56 pm: |
Look forward to seeing you Judy, tell Ron I said HI!!!
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By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:06 pm: |
Susan, Judy, and Ron ... thank you all so much for your guidance. I sent Poppy an email and will wait to hear what she has to offer. And I'm feeling good about Island Rental as a close backup.
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #502) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 11:05 pm: |
April
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1321) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 11:49 am: |
April, we stay north of town(Bonaire Oceanfront Apartments). Judy & Ron have a timeshare at the Divi. We used to stay at the old Dive Inn, when they had apartments by the sea. Bert owns the Dive Inn now, but the apartments are closed. Our first trip this year is May7th-21st. Then we will return for two weeks in October. Have a nice trip! I'll bet not your last!!!
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By Judy Workman (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 2:23 pm: |
April,
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By April (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 2:36 pm: |
Another question ... is the rate quoted by the various vehicle rental agencies firm, or does one have the option of bargaining for a better rate?
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By blue mcright (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #139) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 5:02 pm: |
April, We used Bencho Car Rental when we were there for three weeks in August. They don't have an office at the airport but will bring the vehicle (we had a pickup) there for you. Really nice people, competitive pricing, great service.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1322) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 5:56 pm: |
April, You have to spell out what you want to all of the companies. If you want A/C, Power/Sterring, you have to tell them and the charges will change. Also CDW insurance, and taxes are added on to the bill. Poppy gives you a ALL-IN price, many don't...
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By April (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:59 am: |
I am so confused on the insurance issue. CDW vs credit card insurance programs. Is renting a vehicle even worth the potential hassle should an accident occur? I'm hung up on this issue of insurance.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1325) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:25 pm: |
Your credit card's will not cover CDW on trucks. Call your C/C companies and ask for explanation. If you use American Express card you can call the company and request the "Preimium Car Rental Protection Plan". There is a one time charge for the truck on your card if you rent the vehical with that card. If you get CDW from the rental company it is between $11-15 a day! If you wish to drive without insurance, well, that is not recomended. The words "All-In" means all taxes, insurance, and extra charges are included...
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By Sparty (BonaireTalker - Post #84) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:36 pm: |
I understand your concern. For me, renting a car is always the most stressfull part of traveling out of the US. I always have a sigh of relief once the vehicle has been returned.
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By April (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:37 pm: |
Ron, which method do you use ... AE? I'm likely going to go with Poppy. Is she ok with the AE arrangement, that I'd deny the insurance she offers?
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By April (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:46 pm: |
Sparty, thank you for your very informative reply. I have read as many of the older posts on this topic as I could find, but still find it confusing. But from what it sounds like now, the AE coverage is something I need to call my card issuer about. $25/onetime w/ no deductible versus $10-15/day w/ $500+ deductible. I know the final decision is up to me and each option has its pros/cons. But it's nice to know how others have handled this very difficult decision. Anyway, thanks to everyone for being so helpful.
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By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1362) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 1:15 pm: |
and, as was stated above, if you are not going to be the only one driving the vehicle, tell the rental company that when you get the vehicle. there is an extra cost, but usually only about a $5 one time charge, for extra drivers, regardless of the length of the rental.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1326) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 2:45 pm: |
April, Poppy, is ok with Amex. I use mine every trip to Bonaire. You MUST call Amex and add the Preimium Car Rental Protection Plan to the card number that you use. There is no deductable and a $2500 personal property benifit for property in the vehical... Have fun on your holiday, don't worry about the small stuff...
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #504) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:02 pm: |
Lest anyone should misunderstand. None of the AE insurance covers damage to other cars or property. Only the car or truck you are renting is covered. The gal at Budget said there was liability in their provided coverage, Hmm Maybe $25,000 but truthfully I'm still not sure. I know that Vince has said that your umbrella policy covers you. However I checked with my agent (State Farm) and he said no coverage and State Farm does not write it for overseas rentals.
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By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #626) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:15 pm: |
I'm using Poppy in two weeks. Our first time using them and we'll let you know how it goes.
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By April (BonaireTalker - Post #16) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:18 pm: |
Marge, I look forward to hearing back about your experience. How are you handling insurance?
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By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #627) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:59 pm: |
I waive the coverage and use the AMEX card
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By ron DeMink (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 3:18 pm: |
CDW is just what it says collision damage waiver, damage to YOUR rental is covered...I'm not sure you can get any coverage for damage to another vehicle. I am sure thaat there arent any USA companies that cover you in a foreign country. If there are I havent found them.
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By George Blanchard (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #289) on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 5:41 pm: |
Hi April, we just returned from Bonaire after a 2 week trip. We stayed at the Divi, our 15th visit. We rented from Hertz on the Divi property after we checked in. It is easier for us to get our bags and get to the property by taxi. It is $9 US from the airport and there are always taxis available.
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By Terry Armour (BonaireTalker - Post #54) on Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 11:40 pm: |
April, We have used AB Car Rental and they are very easy to work with. We get a Group 2 pick-up. We usually get the CDW insurance but this last time we opted for full insurance. Good thing we did, we hit 1 dog and damaged the front bumper. I'm sure there are many good rental companies, just wanted to let you know about AB.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1413) on Monday, February 25, 2008 - 11:00 am: |
If you hit an animal in the States, It is law in my city, to call the police. The body gets disposed of properly, and the owner of the animal gets notified. Maybe if someone in Bonaire, missing a pet dog, can finally explain to their kids, that their dog isn't coming home. 21 days later the truth comes out!
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By April (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Monday, February 25, 2008 - 9:14 pm: |
The part about hitting the dog was better left unsaid. As an avid animal lover, now I cannot get that thought out of my head.
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By YucatanPat (Sand$-A3) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #128) on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 3:19 pm: |
Terry, my wife and I am a very strong supporters of the NGO Bonaire Animal Shelter, and these would have been the people to contact with regard to your unfortunate incident with a dog. With all the advice you have provided over the last 5 days, 65 posts by my count, I thought you would have known this.
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By Terry Armour (BonaireTalker - Post #97) on Monday, March 3, 2008 - 12:15 am: |
Nice trucks...AB Carrental
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