Another option you should consider is renting a car for the specific period you plan to travel. Cars may be rented by the day, week, or month from companies that are listed in the yellow telephone pages under "Automobile Rental and Leasing".

In order to rent a car as a foreign visitor you:

• Need an international driver's license or a country license and an international permit.



• May be asked to pay in advance a portion, if not all, of the anticipated costs.



• May be required to pay with cash, with a check from a United States bank, or with a major credit card. Most companies will require a major credit card. Your check will have to be approved by the office from which you are renting the car. Costs of car rental vary from city to city and from company to company and will be based on the size of the car you rent and the time you will keep it. A modest additional charge will cover your insurance.



• Need to be 25 years or older (21 for some dealers).

Other things to know:

• Prices vary considerably depending on the companies, the size of the car, and whether the car is new or used.



• Don't forget that the cost of gas (after the first tankful is used up) is your responsibility. Also, there may be an additional charge for mileage.



• If you have a US driver’s license, it is very convenient to book a rental car by phone or online by going to the company’s website. You will have to choose a pick-up location. Most companies have offices around the city and at the airport as well.



• Rates for airport pick-up tend to be lower.



• Some companies will offer a free service to pick you up from your location (e.g. Enterprise), but, generally, this offer is not available at offices located at the airport.

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Also see:

• How do I apply for a New York driver's license?
• I want to get a driver's license, but I don't have a social security number, what should I do?