Under-cutting Avis and Hertz on-airport at King Shaka
At King Shaka International Airport (DUR), First Car Rental sits in the on-airport rental area alongside Avis and Hertz, but regular South Africa visitors pick it for lower daily rates on Polo/Vivo‑type cars compared with the big internationals. You collect and return within the airport precinct, so there’s no off-site shuttle delay when you land or when you’re racing a 20:30 departure back to Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Rental desks, including First Car Rental, operate in the terminal arrivals hall during standard flight banks, typically from the first morning arrivals around 06:00 to late‑evening landings near 23:00. The counter is walkable in under 5 minutes from baggage claim, but one reviewer reported a Saturday morning wait because only one agent was on duty while two flights came in. If you’re landing on a busy Durban leisure weekend, mentally budget 20–30 minutes for paperwork.
Rates from First Car Rental at DUR often undercut global brands by several hundred rand on a 3–5 day booking, especially on compact and economy classes, but TripAdvisor users warn that the standard insurance excess can be higher unless you buy extra cover. Expect the agent to offer daily top‑up insurance at the desk, sometimes close to R150–R250 per day depending on category and coverage. If your credit card already includes car hire excess cover, bring the policy details printed or saved offline.
Regulars who rent in South Africa do a slow 3–5 minute walk‑around at the King Shaka car park before leaving, filming video of every panel, wheel, and the windscreen while a First Car staffer watches. They cross‑check that marks are written on the damage sheet, paying particular attention to tyres and rims, which come up often in online complaints. Snap the current fuel level and odometer too, especially if you’re starting just under a full tank.
Google and other reviews mention disputes over minor scratches and chip marks at return with some First Car branches, plus admin fees when tolls on the N2 or M4 and traffic fines are processed later. Deposits can sit on your card for several days after drop‑off, so don’t count that money for same‑weekend spending in Durban. Keep toll slips and fuel receipts until the final statement posts.
Step-by-step from arrivals to your First Car Rental
- 1. After landing at DUR, follow the “Car Rental / Car Hire” signs from baggage claim; walking time is about 3–5 minutes.
- 2. Join the First Car Rental queue in the arrivals hall and have your passport, driver’s licence (plus IDP if needed), and credit card ready.
- 3. Confirm the quoted daily rate, total estimated charge in rand, insurance excess amount, and any one-way or cross‑border fees before signing.
- 4. Walk with the agent’s diagram to the car park outside the terminal and do a full video walk‑around, checking tyres, rims, and glass carefully.
- 5. Photograph the fuel gauge and mileage, then exit following the signs toward the N2 or M4, depending on whether you’re heading to Durban CBD, Umhlanga, or the North Coast.
- 6. On return, refuel within 10–15 km of the airport to avoid high refuelling charges, then follow “Car Rental Returns” back to the same parking area.
- 7. Ask staff to mark the car as returned with no new damage on their handheld device, keep your copy of the slip, and watch your card for the final charge and deposit release over the next few days.
One last tip: if more than one of you is eligible to drive, add a second driver at the desk; it’s usually cheaper than dealing with any unlisted-driver argument after a traffic incident.