Kaohsiung Car Rental: 4 Reasons Why Renting a Car in Kaohsiung
Explore Under Coziness: Kaohsiung is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, where peak temperatures can surpass 37.6 degrees Celsius. While scooters are a popular means of transportation, opting for Kaohsiung car rental can help you avoid being in the intense sunlight for too long.
Explore Beyond Motorbikes: With a rental car, you can effortlessly explore various attractions spread across different areas of Kaohsiung. You can Head to Qijin Island for seafood delights, enjoy night views from the Martyrs’ Shrine, and stroll through the Pier-2 Art Center. Plus, it is a gateway to southern Taiwan, with easy access to Kenting by renting a car from the Kaohsiung High-Speed Rail Station.
Safe Driving Environment: Driving in Kaohsiung is generally safe and less hectic compared to Taipei. The wider roads and slower pace contribute to a more relaxed driving experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a comfortable driving atmosphere.
More Options Than You Think: Apart from the well-known rental street on Kexue Road, there are numerous affordable, budget-friendly, and quality car rental shops throughout Kaohsiung. This list highlights some budget car rental options in the city, giving you more choices for your trip.
Kaohsiung Car Rental: Essential Documents
- Valid passport or residency permit
- Physical drivers license
- International Driver’s License
- Credit card
List of Major Countries’ Reciprocal Driver’s License Exchanges
According to the “List of Major Countries’ Reciprocal Driver’s License Exchanges” reference criteria, countries or regions that have signed reciprocal driver’s license agreements with Taiwan can use their international driver’s license or local driver’s license to drive in Taiwan.
- First, go to the “Table for Driving License with Our Taiwan Reciprocal Countries” and find the corresponding continent or region according to your passport country.
- Download the version according to your language preference.
- You can determine the applicable validity and transferability based on the issuing area on your driver license.
Therefore, international travelers visiting Taiwan or Taiwanese travelers venturing abroad should remember to consult this table for driver’s license regulations and ensure they have the necessary documents in order to avoid any inconvenience during their journey.
Kaohsiung Car Rental: Car Rental Platform Comparison
Here’s a comparison between major car rental platforms.
| gogoout | Expedia | Priceline | Klook | Rentalcar.com | |
| Price per day (USD) | from $43 | from $79 | from $68 | from $40 | N/A |
| Insurance | Included | Add-ons | Add-ons | Included | N/A |
| Locations (Cities) | 6 cities, 11 counties, and 9 HSR Stations | 3 main cities in Taiwan | 3 main cities in Taiwan | 6 cities, 11 counties | N/A |
| Variety of Vendors | 14 vendors | 3 vendors | 5 vendors | 12 vendors | N/A |
| Customer Reviews | Provided | Not provided | Not provided | Provided | N/A |
Kaohsiung Car Rental: gogoout – Streamlined Budget Car Rental Platform: Reserve in Three Steps
- Open Gogoout’s website and enter the location, date, and number of seats.
- Compare the different types and prices, and click on ‘Book Now.’ (Remember to click on International driver licence filter)
- Check the summary and store policy, then submit!
Kaohsiung Car Rental: Car Rental Companies Reccommendations
Below, we provide car rental companies in four areas: High-Speed Rail Station, Train Station, Downtown, and Kaohsiung Airport.
High-Speed Rail Station
IWS Rent-A-Car
IWS Car Rental is a chain rental car store based in Taiwan. With branches spread throughout Taiwan, the Kaohsiung location is conveniently situated just across from Exit 4 of the High-Speed Rail station!
Highlights: Tesla Model S rentals available, wide vehicle choices, comprehensive insurance included, full tank refueling, thoughtful freebies, airport and city shuttle.
Car Type:
Compact Cars: Nissan City, Tiida, Livina/ Honda Fit, Mitsubishi Colt Plus, Toyota Vios, Yaris
Mid-Size Cars: Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Fortis, Toyota Altis
SUVs: Ford Kuga, Honda CRV, Odyssey/ Mitsubishi Outlander
Premium Cars: Volkswagen Golf/ Audi A3, A6
Business Travel Vehicles: Hyundai Starex, Ford Tourneo Custom
Special Car Model: TESLA Model S
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Mon to Sun)
Address: No. 65, Wenfu Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, 813
Pony Car Rental
Pony Car Rental is a renowned vehicle rental company, and it was awarded with The Most Popular Brand in The National Brand Yushan Award. Lots of foreign companies partner with Pony Car Rental for short business trips.
Car Type: Honda FIT, Nissan KICKS, Hyundai STAREX, Volkswagen CARAVELLE, etc.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Mon to Sun)
Address: No. 623-2, Chongsin Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, 813
Kaohsiung Train Station
Spring Rent A Car
Spring Rent A Car is well-known for motorcycle rentals, which is a favorite choice among people from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia who love taking island trips. They also have cars available for rent. Plus, you can easily pick up your rented vehicle right from the airport.
Car Type: Nissan LIVINA
Operating Hours: 08:00 – 21:00 (Mon to Fri)
Address: No. 368, Jiuru 2nd Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung City 807 , Taiwan, Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung City
Kai Sa Car Rental
Kai sa Car Rental has been established over twenty years. It is located near the rear station of Kaohsiung Train Station, approximately a 15-minute walk away. The shop also offers pick-up and drop-off service from the High-Speed Rail station, train station, and bus terminal. Among the vehicles available for rent at Kai sa Car Rental, the majority are standard sedans and 7-seater vehicles, perfect for serving the needs of general travelers and business trips.
Car Type: Honda CITY, Toyota WISH, Hyundai ELANTRA
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Mon to Fri)
Address: No. 108, Jiuru 2nd Rd, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, 807
Downtown Kaohsiung
Qi Sheng Car Rental (Near Cultural Center MRT Station)
Located in the Lingya District of Kaohsiung City, Qi Sheng Car Rental is just an eight-minute walk from Exit 3 of the Cultural Center MRT Station. Qi Sheng Car Rental caters not only to travelers seeking affordable five-seater and multi-passenger vehicles for their journeys but also fulfills the needs of business professionals. You can find nine-passenger business vehicles available for rent at Qi Sheng Car Rental!
Car Type: CITY、CIVIC、YARIS、 VIOS、ALTIS、 WISH、FIT、Benz CLA 、BMW 5 series.
Operating Hours: 09:15 – 21:30 (Mon-Fri)
Address: No. 91, Kaixuan 2nd Rd, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, 802
Yi Da Car Rental
Yi Da Car Rental specializes in renting wedding car, sedans, SUVs, and vehicles with 5, 7, or 9 passenger seating options.
Car Type: HONDA HR-V, TOYOTA Corolla Cross, MAZDA Mazda3
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Mon-Fri)
Address: No. 579, Kaixuan 3rd Rd, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, 802
Kaohsiung Airport
IWS Car Rental (Kaohsiung Airport)
Car Type: Volkswagen Golf, HYUNDAI Custin, FORD Foucs
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Mon-Fri)
Address: No. 207, Cuiheng S Rd, Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City, 81243
Pony Car Rental (Kaohsiung Airport)
Pony Car Rental is a renowned vehicle rental company, and it was awarded with The Most Popular Brand in The National Brand Yushan Award. Lots of foreign companies partner with Pony Car Rental for short business trips.
Car Type: TOYOTA Vios, Yaris, NISSAN Livina, Sentra, LUXGEN MPV, MERCEDES BENZ Vito.
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Mon-Fri)
Address: No. 32, Yanhai 1st Rd, Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City, 812
Kaohsiung Car Rental: Common Insurance for Car Rental in Taiwan
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance: According to government regulations, car rental companies are required to provide compulsory insurance coverage for rented vehicles. This insurance provides basic medical coverage for the driver, passengers, and pedestrians involved in accidents.
Alternative Liability Insurance for Third Party: The coverage provided by Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance is limited to a maximum payout of 2 million NTD for death or disability, and 200,000 NTD for medical expenses related to injuries. However, it does not cover expenses such as repairs for the other party’s vehicle or medical costs exceeding the limit. To address these limitations, third-party liability insurance serves as a crucial insurance product to safeguard your financial well-being in case of a traffic accident, compensating for the deficiencies of compulsory insurance.
Driver and Passenger Insurance: It provides coverage for injuries sustained by individuals on our side.
Automobile Burglary and Automobile Damage Insurance: It covers the rented vehicle in case of damage. However, please note that this coverage is limited to collisions with other vehicles and does not cover self-inflicted damage or damage of unknown origin. Additionally, the insurance may not fully reimburse the damages, and the renter may still be responsible for a portion of the costs, as well as any loss of business during the vehicle repair period.
Kaohsiung Car Rental: Car Rental Essentials
Fuel Level
The fuel level will be verified to ensure it corresponds with the fuel gauge reading indicated in the contract. If the fuel level is lower than it was at the time of vehicle rental, the customer will be responsible for paying the service fee and the additional fuel cost.
Fuelling
| Fuel Nozzle Color | Octane Number | Grades of Gasoline |
| Red | 98 | Premium |
| Yellow | 95 | Midgrade |
| Blue | 92 | Regular |
| Black | N/A | Diesel |
Mileage
The ending mileage will be checked when returning the car and subtracted from the starting mileage. If it exceeds the free mileage, an additional fee will be charged. If not, no additional fees will be incurred.
Highway driving
The speed limit on the main lanes is 100 to 110 km/h (62 to 68 mph). However, there are a few sections with speed limits of 60, 80, or 90 km/h (37, 49, or 55 mph).
Parking
When looking for parking options in Taiwan, you have the choice of parking on the side of the road or utilizing outdoor parking lots or underground facilities operated by department stores. It’s important to understand the significance of the three line colors: red, yellow, and white, as they convey different meanings. Remember, parking on a red line is strictly prohibited. On a yellow line, you are permitted to park for a maximum of 10 minutes solely for loading or unloading passengers or goods, but be sure not to leave your vehicle unattended. However, parking on a white line is generally allowed unless additional signs indicate otherwise. It is crucial to be observant of signage and local regulations to avoid penalties or potential towing.
Accidents
If an accident occurs, please remain calm and do not leave the scene. Immediately call 110 for emergency services and notify the rental company staff. The police and rental staff will assist you as soon as possible.
Returning the car
Please arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time to avoid affecting your flight or other transportation after the return process, as the process takes about 20 minutes.
The first thing to do when returning the car is to park the vehicle in the designated location, pull up the handbrake, and turn off the engine. The passengers are responsible for unloading their luggage, while the driver and the rental staff inspect the vehicle together.
The staff will first inspect the vehicle’s body together with the rental agreement to confirm if there are any new damages or abnormalities and make a note on the agreement.
Highway tolls
All vehicles are equipped with an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. The rental staff will check the system to confirm the total mileage used on the highway during the rental period and charge NT$1.2 per kilometer, according to Taiwan regulations. Payment can be made in cash on the spot.
Traffic tickets
Due to the operating hours of Taiwan’s regulatory agencies, if there are traffic violations such as running a red light or speeding, it will take longer to process, usually around 1-3 months.
If a traffic ticket is issued and needs to be paid, the rental staff will notify the customer of the ticket’s details and amount by email and deduct the payment from the deposit or credit card. After confirming that there are no outstanding tickets or payments, the remaining deposit will be refunded, or the credit card pre-authorization will be voided.
Car damage fees
If an accident or car damage occurs during the rental period, the rental staff will determine if the journey can continue. Compensation and related issues will be handled according to the vehicle’s return to the repair shop for inspection. After the repair shop confirms and provides a quote for the repair time, the fee can be settled on-site.
Kaohsiung Car Rental: Rules and Customs
Traffic conditions
Public transportation isn’t very popular here due to the limited subway options, consisting of just two lines, as well as the infrequent and small-sized buses. The streets of Kaohsiung are spacious, and it’s a common sight to see older individuals on motorcycles making right turns at red lights. Additionally, in Kaohsiung, you might occasionally come across people riding motorcycles without helmets.
Speed cameras
There are a large number of speed cameras installed on the roadside, with some of them being prominently displayed, accompanied by signs before reaching the camera. However, it is advisable to remain vigilant as there might be cameras discreetly hidden in unexpected locations, such as bushes.
Alcohol breath test
Routine inspections usually begin at 11 PM and end at 3 AM.
Eligibility
To rent a car in Taiwan, the minimum age requirement is 20-year-old.
Driving Behaviour
Motorcycle is a very common means of transport for lots of people in Kaohsiung. Due to their presence, it is crucial to remain vigilant as they can emerge from unexpected directions. Additionally, it is advisable to utilize turn signals to communicate your intentions to drivers behind you, as this practice not only promotes safety but aligns with the common behavior of Taiwanese drivers. Employing these measures helps mitigate the risk of accidents and ensures a smoother flow of traffic.
Kaohsiung Car Rental offers four compelling reasons to choose car rental in the city, along with a comprehensive guide to navigate every aspect of the process. From insurance insights to road rules and even specific company suggestions, this resource ensures a seamless and worry-free exploration of Kaohsiung’s vibrant offerings.
