Key Takeaways & Tips
- Decide if you really NEED a car or can get around using public transport/Uber/taxi/scooter
- If searching in person — walk to different hire car companies (they are everywhere) and ask for the best cash price
- If searching online — shop around and check reviews, also check the broker reviews (if you go through one)
- Make sure you’re confident driving! It’s not only the wrong side of the road (for Aussies), but locals drive like crazy!
- Make sure you are insured — whether that’s through the hire car company or your external travel insurance (or both!)
- Understand your maximum liability if you are to have an accident (don’t assume you won’t — the roads are madness)
- Avoid paying with a credit card (if you can)
- Make sure you have (and carry) your license and international driving permit. We’ve experienced multiple traffic stops. English is often limited.
UPDATE: 31st May 2024
We have now returned our hire car after nearly 3 months. I honestly can’t believe how quick the time has gone — and that we didn’t have an accident! The roads here are good, but the drivers are wild.
We dropped it back yesterday afternoon with nearly no fuel (as we received it). Took it through a carwash on the way (100 lira) and wiped out the inside.
We were advised we were meant to return it by 10am (it was on the contract, but we missed it). I had messaged earlier and they hadn’t mentioned anything. He said it’s usually a half-day fee, but they would waive it. They gave the car a quick check, a short drive, and came back with a thumbs up.
They charged 300 lira ($15) out of our bond for internal detailing, which felt fair — it was clean but not detailed. The rest of the 2,700 lira deposit was returned via Wise.
All in all, a really good experience and we’d use them again.
UPDATE: 10th May 2024
Quick update as our rental comes to an end. We originally hired the car for 400 lira/day for 75 days. We tried to extend for 5 days now our flights are booked, but unfortunately, the rate had jumped to 1000 lira/day.
Frustrating, but understandable — we’ll be well into high season by then. Still wouldn’t change anything I said below. Just something to keep in mind!
Hiring a car in Antalya was something we discussed, but decided on when we realised we’d need to drive up to Geyikbayırı every second day for climbing. It also meant we could book more affordable accommodation slightly outside the city.
We looked at staying up in the mountains (where the climbing is), but even the climber bungalows/campsites were pricier than expected. And with limited non-climbing things to do, we probably would’ve still needed a car.
Antalya is actually well-connected — plenty within walking distance, good public transport, lots of taxis and e-scooters. Uber works via the local taxis. There’s also a bus to/from Geyikbayırı twice a day.
We started by walking around Antalya city centre getting quotes for long-term hire. We asked for the cheapest car possible for 2.5 months. Prices varied wildly — most quoted 1000–1400 lira/day ($50–70 AUD). Way over budget.
One semi-dodgy looking shop quoted us 324 lira/day ($15), but with no reviews or trace of the company online, we passed.
We ended up going with Mutlu Rent a Car — about a 10-minute walk from the city. They had a clean, proper office, a few staff, and a 4.8/5 rating from over 300 reviews.
I checked travel forums, but recommended companies were all too expensive. And the ones people warned about had horror stories:
- Cars mysteriously disappearing
- Dodgy charges
- Withdrawing extra funds from credit cards and ghosting you
Safe to say — I was anxious. I wanted a good deal without being ripped off.
We got an older Fiat diesel manual for 500 lira/day ($25). The owner wouldn’t budge on price — which we actually took as a good sign. After all the research, this seemed like a fair deal heading into peak season.
He explained the insurance thoroughly. Our max liability in case of an accident was 15,000 lira ($750), which is really low compared to others (many were $5,000 AUD+).
The paperwork was clear, detailed, and he seemed genuinely decent. We took a chance.
Documents Needed:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
Some places don’t require it — but get it anyway. It’s $49 AUD from RAC and valid for 12 months.
👉 RAC IDP Link
Even if the car hire company doesn’t ask for it, your travel insurance probably will — and you don’t want a denied claim because of a missing piece of paper.
Insurance Tips:
- Make sure your travel insurance covers rental car excess — and check how much
- Many only cover $2,000, while your excess might be $5,000 — leaving you out of pocket
- This also protects you in case of shady charges from a less reputable company
A few bumps along the way…
We’re now 6 weeks in and here’s what’s happened:
- When we first picked up the car, the check engine light was on and it was making noises. We swapped it for a newer one the next day.
- There was barely any fuel — annoying but noted, and they said to return it empty too.
- The baby seat strap broke. They swapped it out — no fuss. The seat was free anyway.
- At the 1-month service, a screw was in the tyre. Could’ve been there before, who knows? We paid 200 lira ($10) and they even drove Jacob to the tyre shop.
No drama. No red flags.
They also take it back every 4 weeks for a quick service, which I appreciate. And they respond fast via WhatsApp — gives peace of mind.
We’ll update again once we return it in another 6 weeks, but for now — that’s our experience renting a car in Antalya!
Til next time,
R
