Unpleasant surprise from AVIS South Africa

Question

I rented two times in Avis Car Rental South Africa last month.

My first rental should have cost 4,638.00 ZAR but they charged me 8946.06 ZAR. Charged 3050.14 ZAR for something called "Misc Charges".

My second rental should have cost 847.68 ZAR and they charged me 1011.88 ZAR.

In both cases they charged me for fuel but the tank was FULL when I delivered both cars. Avis employees at the delivery station saw it was full and they both denied me a receipt. THEY DENIED ME A RECEIPT.

I read in Tripadvisor that is normal to do that in South Africa but I can't believe how absurd it is.

I can't believe that. It's a mafia.

MTChandler · Accepted Answer

If there are charges on your credit card bill that you think are incorrect then start a "disputed charges" case with your credit card company. They will ask the retailer - in this case, Avis - to justify the charges.

However, I would also take a look at the agreement that you signed when you rented the vehicle. If you waited until you arrived in South Africa to rent the vehicle then there is a good chance that the contract you were given was for South African residents. This contract has different terms and conditions than the ones that overseas visitors get. For example, an overseas visitor will get unlimited kilometres for the length of the rental whereas a resident will only get 100 or 200 kilometres per day for free and will be surcharged if they go beyond that allowance. Some of the additional charges may be as a result of this. It is something that you should check.

It is also worthwhile asking whether you are being charged for any traffic offences - specifically speeding - and if so can they provide copies of the notice from SAPS or the relevant authority.

fabriciom765 · Answer

My contract was for international visitors (https://www.avis.co.za/car-hire-offers/visiting-south-africa/international-visitors) and included unlimited mileage, VAT, Super Collision Damage and Theft Loss Waivers, tourism levy, rental contract fee, location surcharge. I returned the car on February 23 so I think is to early to receive any traffic offenses. I saw there was something wrong when they denied me a receipt. I use to rent with Avis in the US so I know how it should work.

I'll do that. I'll call my credit card and tell them I don't recognize those charges.

expanderly · Answer

Stupid question, but did you call and ask what the charges are for?

When renting outside my home country, I always tell them I need a receipt of the final bill (including any additional charges) for my employer. In fact I normally travel for work so this is usually true, but I'd say it even if I wasn't traveling for work if the rental company didn't want to provide a final receipt.

I also always take pictures of the car and the gas gauge, too. If you have a record/receipt of the gas fill up near the rental agency on the day you returned it, that would be helpful.

I would absolutely contest the part of the charges you didn't agree to pay.

Puncho22 · Answer

Which Avis' were these, just so future travelers can be aware? Thanks

cbir · Answer

It’s not a mafia.

I’ve been charged for tolls that were charged to the electronic toll gadget in the car, unbeknownst to me. Tolls were paid in cash and charged to the gadget. My fault for not knowing. I’ve always brought the car back full but never been charged for it (or it was insignificant so I let it go). We had a cracked windscreen and not charged as we took the windscreen and tyre cover - we drive on a lot of rural roads so rocks get kicked up often. We get scratches we cause buffed out before returning the car. There are always some!

That’s what credit cards are for - the added service we get when using them (not the convenience!). Dispute the charges and they’ll sort it out.

I always book with Avis as they have the most outlets should something go wrong.

Saion C · Answer

I have booked an Avis group A from OR Tambo and one from Cape town airport for our trip end of this month. The groupA says Hyundai i10 or similar.

Do they give a 1.2L or a 1.0L one(there's quite a power difference).What other cars they may give in Group A.

Also, will there be an automatic tolling machine in the car or do we need to pay in cash at all toll booths.

Edited: 6 years ago

pulltheother1 · Answer

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.What are forum guidelines?

Biertje2015 · Answer

I have had plenty of mystery charges from Avis when renting in SA. On the plus side they have always refunded me if I complain. The forum loves them, but I don't see that they are any better than any of the other big multinationals.

MRahul · Answer

On Avis, you can log on to their website with your reservation number and get an e-receipt.

Saion C · Answer

Came back from the trip.Rented two cars from Avis Johannesburg airport and from Cape Town airport. Here goes my experience:

Avis Joburg- The guy at the reception tried to push for tyre insurance, windscreen insurance and what not which we kept denying.

Booked a Group A car, got a 1.1L Hyundai i10. The car was clean but highly underpowered. I really had to work the engine to get it up the slopes.

Returned the car full tank, took a picture of the fuel gauge(thankfully) , got it confirmed with the inspector and guess what got a refuelling charge of 3.5ltr along with a service charge in the invoice!! On sending the customer care the pic for the fuel gauge with the odometer reading they refunded the fuel amount but not the service charge.

Avis Cape Town - Lady at reception was pleasant, didn't push for anything extra. Gave us a free upgrade to Grand i10(Group B). Returned car full tank, invoice was as expected.

However, I got a charge of 22USD today on my credit card from Avis(i. e two weeks after return from South Africa). Not sure it is for which reservation, Cape town or Joburg. Checked for traffic fines, at their portal, nothing.Have sent mail to customer care again to know the cause. No response yet. Will have to raise a dispute if no justification is given. :(

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Unpleasant surprise from AVIS South Africa

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