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Happy Tours is a tour operator and travel wholesaler with over 20 years of experience in car rentals. We specialize in leisure and business clients traveling to the United States and Canada, and due to our volume sales with major nationwide car rental companies we are able to offer deeply discounted and promotional rentals.

What are the age requirements for renting a car?

In order to rent a car in the United States and Canada, and qualify for these promotional rates, the renter must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license from the country of residence (non-U.S.), and a major credit card in his/her name. The minimum age for renting a car in the United States is 21. However, drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 will be charged an underage fee of U$ 25.00 p/day in addition to the regular rental charges.

What kind of Driver's License do I need in order to rent a car in the U.S.?

The only Driver License (driving permit) necessary to rent a car in the U.S. is your original and official driver's license from your country of residence, along with your passport.

How can I pay for my rental vehicle?

All car rental reservations confirmed by Happy Tours are to be paid directly to the rental car company at the time the vehicle is collected (picked up). Payment is accepted via major credit cards (Visa, Master & Amex) in the renters name. In case a credit card is not presented at the time the vehicle is picked up the renter will be subject to Alamo’s Cash Qualification requirements, which includes: Making a cash payment for the full amount of the rental, leaving a refundable deposit in the amount of U$ 250.00 per rental week and, presenting a valid passport and return airline ticket. Cash qualifications are subject to change. Some non-aiport locations require a credit card at the beginning of the rental, therefore; will not allow cash payment rentals.

What kind of vehicle documents will I receive when I collect the vehicle?

In the U.S. the only rental vehicle documents that you will receive at the time the vehicle is picked up will be the rental agreement contract. The rental agreement is the only document you will need, and all necessary information pertaining to the vehicle's registration, which you may need to present to the local authorities if requested, will be included in the rental agreement.

Where shall I collect the rental vehicle at the Miami Airport?

At the Miami Airport all car rental companies are located outside of the airport terminal. In order to retrieve your rental vehicle the use of the Free Shuttle bus service will be necessary and is offered by most major car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Hertz & Thrifty. The shuttle buses run continuously (24hrs p/day) and can be found at "Rent a Car" designated areas at the arrival terminal.

Where should I pick up my rental car at the Port of Miami and/or Ft. Lauderdale?

All car rental companies serving the ports of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are located outside of the port. If arriving via a cruise line, the use of the "Free Shuttle" bus service will be necessary in order to retrive your rental vehicle, which is offered by most major rental car companies: Avis, Alamo, Hertz & Thrifty. If leaving on a cruise ship, you will need to return the car to the same location and the rental car company will provide a free shuttle service to the port.

May I rent a car in one city and return it to a different city?

Yes, in the U.S. all major car rental companies allow vehicles to be returned in a different city than they were rented. Cars rented in the State of Florida and California, for example, may be returned to any location within the same state at no additional cost. However, in some states there will be charges for returns to different locations and in most states a one way drop charge will apply for returns to a different state. The one way fee amount will vary by city and state. Regardless of the state of rental, a vehicle may be driven unrestrictedly throughout the continental United States, and as long as returned to the same location, no additional charges will apply.

How can I pay for a Traffic Citation?

In the U.S., all traffic citations are issued against the driver's driving permit (driver's license) and not to the the vehicles tag (license plate). Therefore, no information will be supplied or charged to the car rental company. A moving traffic violation citation is a matter strictly between the traffic authorities and the driver of the vehicle, therefore; it is the drivers responsibility to pay for the citation and satisfy the citation requirements. Traffic violations may be paid by checks in U.S. currency that shall be mailed to the address indicated on the citation, and in many cases, depending on the city where the infraction took place, payment may be made online with a credit card.

What happens if I commit a toll infraction?

Toll Roads (roads that require payment for use) are common in many cities in the U.S . In most cases, a special lane is dedicated for vehicles equipped with a prepaid toll transponder which allows for drivers to drive by without having to stop and pay. However, when a vehicle not equipped with the transponder drives through this lane, a picture is taken of the vehicle's tag and an infraction notice is sent to the vehicle's owner (in this case the car rental company). As a result, the car rental company will charge the renters credit card for the amount of the unpaid toll charges in addition to the cost of the toll infraction, which can vary from $10 to $50 per occurrence, depending on the city and road. These charges may take up to 30 days after the vehicle is returned to appear on the customer's credit card bill.

How can I pay for a parking ticket.

In case you receive a parking citation for a parking infraction in the United States, you will have up to 30 days to pay the original amount. Instructions for payment are given on the parking ticket itself and most cities offer an online credit card payment option. If the citation is not paid within the first 30 days, then penalties and interest will be assessed and the original amount may increase as much as 200% from the original amount. If payment is not voluntarily made within the time allowed it will then be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle (car rental company), which will in turn charge the amount to the customer's credit card on file.