If you are planning to visit Istanbul, you might be tempted to rent a car at the airport to explore the city and its surroundings. However, before you make that decision, you should be aware of some of the risks and challenges that come with renting a car in Istanbul airport. Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid renting a car in Istanbul airport and look for other alternatives.
- You might get scammed by unscrupulous car rental companies. According to many customer reviews, some of the car rental companies operating in Istanbul airport have a reputation for being dishonest, rude, and unprofessional. For example, Green Motion, a car rental company that claims to be eco-friendly, has received many negative reviews from customers who complained about being overcharged, having their deposits withheld, receiving damaged or dirty cars, and being treated poorly by the staff123. Some customers also reported that Green Motion is affiliated with Sixt, another car rental company in Istanbul airport, and that they use the same cars and staff45. Another car rental company that has received many complaints is Avec, which is accused of providing cheap and unreliable cars, cancelling reservations without notice, and having poor customer service637. Some customers also claimed that Avec is related to Green Motion, as the manager of Avec is the nephew of the owner of Green Motion6.
- You might face traffic congestion and parking problems. Istanbul is a large and crowded city, with over 15 million inhabitants and millions of vehicles. Driving in Istanbul can be stressful and time-consuming, as you will have to deal with heavy traffic, narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and frequent road works. Finding a parking spot can also be a challenge, as parking spaces are limited and expensive. You might end up wasting your time and money on driving and parking instead of enjoying your trip.
- You might violate the rules and regulations of driving in Turkey. Driving in Turkey requires a valid driver’s license, an international driving permit (if your license is not in Turkish or English), a passport, a credit card, and a car insurance. You also need to follow the traffic laws and regulations, such as speed limits, seat belts, road signs, tolls, etc. However, if you are not familiar with the driving culture and conditions in Turkey, you might make mistakes or break the rules unintentionally. For example, you might not know how to pay the tolls electronically, how to deal with the traffic police, or how to avoid the congestion charge zones. If you violate any of the rules or regulations, you might face fines, penalties, or even legal consequences.
Therefore, renting a car in Istanbul airport might not be the best option for your trip. Instead, you should consider other alternatives, such as public transportation, taxis, or private transfers. Public transportation in Istanbul is cheap and efficient, with buses, metro, tram, ferry, and cable car services covering most of the city. Taxis are also widely available and affordable, but make sure to use licensed and metered taxis to avoid being ripped off. Private transfers are another option for convenience and comfort, as you can book online or by phone a professional driver who will pick you up from the airport and take you to your destination.
By avoiding renting a car in Istanbul airport, you can save yourself from potential problems and enjoy your trip more. Istanbul is a beautiful and fascinating city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. You don’t need a car to explore it; you just need an open mind and a sense of adventure.
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