Last updated Nov 29, 2024 at 6am ET
Renting a car can be surprisingly costly, often ranging from $50 to $150 per day depending on the location, season, and vehicle type. However, you can use a VPN to significantly reduce these expenses by bypassing the price adjustments set by car rental companies.
Car rental providers use a technique called dynamic pricing, which tailors rental costs based on factors like your location, browsing history, and even device type. This means that a user browsing from the US may see a higher rate than one browsing from Mexico or Spain for the same vehicle. By connecting to VPN servers in countries where car rentals are generally priced lower—such as Argentina, Turkey, and Portugal—you can potentially unlock cheaper rates on your booking.
After testing over 20 VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN emerged as the top choices for securing the best car rental deals. These VPNs stand out for their large server networks, reliable speeds, and robust privacy features, making it easier to test different country locations seamlessly and find the best price. Read on to see how you can use a VPN to cut down on car rental costs and avoid dynamic pricing!
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How to get a cheap rental car with a VPN
By connecting to regions with a lower cost of living, you can access the best deals and avoid inflated prices based on your location.
- Download a reliable VPN with a large network of global servers. I recommend NordVPN now 74% OFF!
- Connect to servers in countries with cheaper car rentals. Try Argentina, Turkey, or South Korea for the best savings.
- Clear your browser’s cookies and cache to avoid price hikes from your previous searches.
- Search for car rentals on popular sites like Avis, Sixt, or Hertz.
- Compare rental prices across regions by switching between different country servers.
- Book from the cheapest location while still connected to your VPN.
Best VPN for cheaper car rental: shortlist
- Ultimate VPN for cheap car rentals in 20249.7
- Car rental VPN with servers in 100+ countries9.4
- Reliable no logs car rental VPN9.1
How can a VPN help you get cheaper car rentals?
The best VPN can help you book a cheaper car by changing your IP address and anonymizing your traffic. Car rental services can drop or increase prices depending on your location.
As you can see in the picture, Hertz offers different car prices depending on whether you’re in the UK or Switzerland. If I booked from Switzerland, I would have to pay around $300 more for the same Nissan Rogue! The same applies to other major vehicle rental companies like Avis, Sixt, or Enterprise.
With a VPN you can change your location and IP address, making it seem like you’re in a different country. That way, you can switch servers, explore rental websites, and find the cheapest possible deals with a VPN.
VPN servers to rent cars cheaper
Choosing the right VPN server can lead to significant savings on car rentals, due to dynamic pricing based on location. Regions like Argentina, Turkey, and Mexico typically offer lower car rental rates, making them excellent server choices. Testing different servers with a reliable VPN provider can help uncover the best deal for your rental needs.
| Car renting place | Car model | Days | Price before a VPN | Price after a VPN | Servers used |
| New York, US | Toyota Rav4 | 3 | $180 | $145 | Argentina, Turkey |
| Los Angeles, US | Honda Accord | 5 | $300 | $240 | Mexico, Portugal |
| Miami, US | Hyundai Elantra | 7 | $420 | $315 | Turkey, India |
| Paris, France | Renault Clio | 2 | $120 | $95 | Mexico, Argentina |
| Berlin, Germany | BMW 3 Series | 3 | $450 | $370 | Turkey, Portugal |
In my experience, servers in Argentina, Turkey, Mexico, India, and Portugal consistently offered the best price reductions, especially for popular models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda Accord, and BMW 3 Series. This method proves most effective for US and European rentals, where price differences are often significant.
I also tested a week-long booking from Denver International Airport with the cheapest car to see whether the prices differ. I selected the 5 most prominent car rental companies and 7 countries from different continents to find the cheapest location for booking cars with a VPN. I then tested a week-long booking from Denver International Airport with the cheapest car option to see whether the prices differed.
| Car rental company | Hertz | Sixt | Avis | Enterprise | Alamo |
| USA | $477.86/week | $546.31/week | $424.14/week | $677/week | $618.17/week |
| Japan | $281.50/week | $596.42/week | $424.14/week | $677/week | $628.05/week |
| Argentina | $343.72/week | $596.42/week | $282.74/week | $669.82/week | $598.73/week |
| Australia | $447.11/week | $596.42/week | $423/week | $573.23/week | $568.23/week |
| UK | $352.49/week | $617.74/week | $441.24/week | $597.22/week | $563.63/week |
| Switzerland | $577.18/week | $623.40/week | $446.24/week | $669.82/week | $575.51/week |
| Turkey | $487.56/week | $596.42/week | $446.24/week | $669.82/week | $613.34/week |
The table reflects the varying prices of weekly rentals for a standard car (economy or compact) in different regions. As you can see, prices are typically more affordable in countries like Japan and Argentina compared to the USA and Switzerland, where prices can be significantly higher.
On average, rental prices in the USA and Switzerland are notably more expensive, with some providers such as Enterprise and Hertz having the highest rates. On the other hand, countries like Japan and Argentina show significant savings, making them more attractive options for travelers looking to reduce their car rental costs.
A reliable VPN, such as NordVPN can help bypass location-based pricing disparities, offering a chance to rent a car at more competitive rates, especially from countries with lower rental costs.
Best VPNs for cheaper car rental: overview
- NordVPN – ultimate cheaper car rental VPN with loads of servers & best speeds
- Surfshark – multiple device VPN that will let you find the cheapest car booking prices
- Proton VPN – a privacy focused VPN for cheap car rental
If you want to avoid car rental price fluctuation and save some cash while traveling, a reliable VPN will surely help. I tested over 20 popular VPNs and selected the Top 3 – NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN. The chosen services offer breakneck speeds, loads of servers worldwide, and extremely user-friendly interfaces across different devices.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN to get the cheapest car rentals
111
6400
24/7 live chat, Email
- The fastest VPN on the market
- Easily bypasses geo blocks & firewalls
- Threat Protection feature
- Only 10 simultaneous connections
NordVPN is the best VPN for saving money on car rentals globally. It offers 6400+ servers in 111+ countries, so you can easily switch regions and find the best prices.
I found that connecting to servers in Argentina and Turkey consistently resulted in lower car rental rates, often reducing costs by up to $100 or more. For example, booking with a server in Argentina dropped the rental price from $477 to $343 with Hertz. Similarly, using a Turkey server for Avis saw a reduction from $446 to $441, offering significant savings compared to US-based bookings.
To stay undetected by car rental sites, it’s important to use features like obfuscated servers, which hide your VPN traffic and make it appear as if you’re browsing without any protection. This NordVPN feature prevents websites from flagging and blocking VPN connections, which could otherwise result in higher prices or errors during the booking process.
Beyond car rentals, using a NordVPN while traveling abroad offers several other benefits, such as securing your online activities on public Wi-Fi, accessing region-locked content on streaming services, and protecting your privacy from prying eyes. You can use NordVPN on 10 devices simultaneously, so you can download apps or use browser extensions. To avoid pesky ads, viruses, and trackers, you can use Threat Protection for a distraction-free online experience.
NordVPN also offers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. At the moment, you can grab a NordVPN discount code and get this industry-leading VPN for $2.99/month only!
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – inexpensive VPN for booking cheap rental cars
100
3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- Loads of servers in US & Europe
- Great speeds with WireGuard tunneling protocol
- CleanWeb for ad-free websites
- Some features cost extra
Surfshark is an excellent and inexpensive VPN that can unlock cheaper car rentals. It boasts an impressive network of 3200 servers across 100 countries: there is no doubt that you’ll find a location where renting cars is super cheap.
Unlike many other VPNs, Surfshark can be set up on as many devices as you want. Much like with NordVPN, using Surfshark’s servers in Argentina and Turkey, provided the most noticeable price reductions. For instance, connecting to a Turkey server helped drop a rental rate from $441 to $350 for a compact car with Avis, while switching to an Argentina server reduced a Hertz booking from $477 to $343.
To stay undetected by car rental sites, Surfshark offers Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode, which help mask VPN traffic and make it appear as though you’re browsing without a VPN. These features ensure that car rental websites don’t detect or block your connection, which is key to accessing better rates. Moreover, ads and malicious sites will be a thing of the past with the CleanWeb feature, and you won’t have to worry about lags or slow loading speeds with the WireGuard tunneling protocol.
In addition to helping with car rentals, with Surfshark you can enjoy secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, prevent geo-restrictions from blocking content like streaming services, and protect your personal information from hackers.
Right now, you can get a Surfshark discount coupon and get a plan for as little as $1.99/month. Surfshark offers a free 7-day trial, and If you’re not satisfied with the service, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. It makes Surfshark an excellent choice for those who want to test the VPN’s ability to lower car rental costs and other travel-related expenses before making a long-term commitment.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. Proton VPN – a privacy-focused VPN for cheap car rental
112
8600
Email, knowledge base
- Excellent privacy features
- Open-source and independently audited
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Limited number of servers compared to competitors
Proton VPN is a top choice for users who prioritize security and privacy in their online activities. With 8600+ servers across 112+ countries, Proton VPN allows you to connect through various regions while maintaining high levels of privacy.
When using Proton VPN to reduce car rental prices, I found that connecting to servers in India and South Korea provided notable savings. For example, connecting to a South Korea server reduced the price of a car rental from $477 in the USA to $389 with Hertz. Similarly, by switching to an India server, the rental price with Avis dropped from $441 to $359. These savings were substantial when compared to booking from high-cost countries like USA.
Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature, which routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Iceland or Switzerland, ensures that your connection remains anonymous and secure. This extra layer of protection helps you avoid detection by car rental websites, ensuring you can access the best rates without worrying about being flagged as a VPN user. Additionally, ProtonVPN is designed to be transparent with its open-source software, which has been independently audited to ensure there are no security flaws.
Its commitment to user privacy and unlimited bandwidth, makes it an excellent option for those concerned about their online security. Beyond car rentals, Proton VPN provides robust privacy protections when browsing the web, especially on public Wi-Fi, which is often targeted by hackers. It also helps you bypass geo-restrictions, unlocking access to content and services that may be unavailable in your current location. Additionally, Proton VPN offers support for up to 10 devices simultaneously so that you can protect all your gadgets.
At the moment, Proton VPN offers competitive pricing, with a monthly cost as low as $2.99/month. And if you want to save even more, I encourage you grab a Proton VPN discount code now valid in November 2024. Proton VPN offers a 7-day free trial for mobile users, so you can test its capabilities before committing. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can explore its full range of benefits without any risk. The provider also has a free plan for users who want to try it out before committing.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
How to use VPN to get cheaper car rental: detailed guide
You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to get cheaper car rentals by disguising your IP address and keeping your location private. All you have to do is:
- Choose a reliable VPN service. A VPN with a wide selection of server locations is ideal for finding regional discounts. Look for VPNs that emphasize fast speeds and security, such as NordVPN now 74% OFF.
- Clear cookies and use Incognito mode. Before each search, clear your cookies and cache to avoid price hikes based on your search history. Opening an incognito or private browsing window can prevent websites from tracking your activity.
- Connect to different server locations, for example, Argentina or Turkey. Open your VPN and connect to a server in a region with potentially lower rental prices. Try searching with servers from neighboring countries or regions known for lower cost of living.
- Compare prices across different regions. Once connected, search for your car rental as you usually would. Check the same rental options across several regions to identify the most affordable rates.
- Book and confirm. After finding a lower price, book directly while still connected to the VPN. Be sure to use a payment method accepted internationally, like a credit card, as some payment systems might flag VPN transactions.
Other cheapest ways to rent a car
To find the cheapest way to rent a car, it’s essential to compare options and plan ahead. Booking in advance, using car rental comparison websites, and leveraging discounts or loyalty programs can significantly reduce costs. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, these tips will help you secure the best deal on a rental vehicle without compromising on quality.
- Consider off-airport locations. Renting a car at the airport is often more convenient, but it’s generally more expensive due to additional fees and surcharges. Opting for rental locations away from the airport can save you up to 20-30% on rental fees.
- Rent from local or smaller companies. National rental chains aren’t the only option; local or smaller companies often offer better rates and are more flexible with discounts. While some may not have as many vehicle options, they’re likely to have fewer hidden fees and lower daily rates.
- Choose economy cars. Economy or compact cars not only cost less to rent but are also fuel-efficient, which helps reduce overall travel expenses. If space or luxury isn’t a priority, choosing a smaller model can be one of the simplest ways to save.
- Book in advance for lower rates. Car rental prices generally increase as the pick-up date gets closer, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking your car at least a few weeks in advance can help lock in a lower rate. Last-minute rentals are usually more expensive, so avoid waiting too long to reserve.
Car rental prices - Rent for longer periods. Surprisingly, longer rentals often have lower daily rates. For example, a weekly rental may cost less per day than a three-day rental due to promotional pricing. If you need the car for just a few days, consider checking weekly rates—you may get a better deal even if you return the car early.
- Use membership discounts or credit card perks. Many memberships (AAA, Costco, AARP) offer discounts on car rentals. Similarly, certain credit cards provide rental car discounts or even insurance coverage, allowing you to skip the added cost of the rental agency’s insurance.
NordVPN is the best virtual private network to hunt for discounts and cheaper car bookings. It’s super easy to use and has servers in 111+ countries. So, hopping through regions and getting the best prices will be easy. Not to mention, it offers unparalleled security & privacy, thus, you can stay assured that your precious data is safe while traveling.
Conclusion
Currently, NordVPN is the best VPN for car rental because it offers access to over 6400 servers in 111 countries, allowing you to easily switch regions and find the most affordable rental prices globally. By connecting to servers in countries like Argentina or Turkey, you can significantly lower car rental rates compared to booking from more expensive regions like the USA or Switzerland.
Not only does NordVPN help you save on car rentals, but it also enhances your online security while traveling, ensuring that your data is protected, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, it can help you bypass geo-restrictions for streaming services, secure your personal information, and even lower costs for other digital services like flights and hotel bookings.
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FAQ
How to get cheaper car rental?
To get cheaper car rentals, use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to connect to a server in a region with lower rental prices. Clear your cookies and use Incognito mode before searching to avoid price hikes based on your browsing history. Try regions with a lower cost of living, like Argentina or Turkey, and compare prices across different locations to find the best deal.
Do rental car prices fluctuate?
Yes, car rental prices differ. The costs depend on the season, your location, age, and other factors. To avoid over-the-top car rental prices, you can use a reliable VPN to get an IP address from a country where booking vehicles is not as expensive. After that, you can compare the prices on different car rental companies’ websites.
What country should I set my VPN to for cheaper car rentals?
According to extensive research, you can get the best car rental prices in the UK. Compared to US prices on Hertz, you can save almost twice as much on the same car when booking from a British VPN server. Nevertheless, you can try other regions to compare prices and save the most money.
What is the cheapest company to rent a car from?
The cheapest company to rent a car from often depends on your location and the specific rental dates. However, companies like Sixt, Hertz, and Avis tend to offer competitive rates, especially when you use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to book from countries with a lower cost of living. To get the best deal, always compare prices across different providers and regions.
