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Home » Car Hire Seychelles — Frequently Asked Questions

Car Hire Seychelles — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about hiring a car on Mahé with Bargain Car Hire — from age limits and insurance to delivery, island travel, fuel and driving in Seychelles. Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help.

Booking & Payment

How do I book a car?

Choose your car and dates on our booking form, tell us your arrival details, and we'll confirm by WhatsApp or email. It only takes a few minutes, and you deal with us directly — no booking middleman.

How much does car hire on Mahé cost?

Rates start from €45 per day, with bigger discounts the longer you rent. Unlimited mileage, a free second driver and free airport or ferry delivery are always included.

How do I pay, and what currencies do you accept?

We accept payment in Euros (EUR) and Seychelles Rupees (SCR), by cash or card. Your booking confirmation will set out the total clearly before you arrive.

When do I pay for my rental?

You confirm your booking in advance and pay when we hand over the car, at the airport, ferry jetty or your hotel. There is no deposit and no large hold on your card — you simply pay your rental rate.

Do you take a deposit?

No — there is no deposit to pay. We keep things simple: you book your car, we deliver it, and you only pay your rental rate. No large security hold on your card.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your pick-up time — no charge and no questions. Just let us know on WhatsApp or by email.

Do you offer discounts for weekly or long-term rentals?

Yes. The longer you rent, the lower the daily rate — weekly and multi-week bookings get our best prices. Tell us your dates and we'll quote the discounted rate.

Should I book in advance?

Yes. Cars sell out fast in peak season, and booking early gives you the best choice of vehicle and the best rate. We recommend reserving as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Delivery & Collection

Do you deliver to Seychelles Airport (SEZ)?

Yes — we deliver your car free of charge to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), fully fueled and ready, so it's waiting for you when you land. Collection at the airport is also free.

What happens if my flight is delayed or I arrive late at night?

Just give us your flight number when you book. We track arrivals and adjust the delivery time to match your actual landing, including delayed and late-night flights, at no extra cost.

Do you deliver to the Cat Cocos ferry jetty?

Yes. We deliver and collect free of charge at the Cat Cocos ferry jetty in Victoria, ideal if you're arriving from or heading to Praslin or La Digue.

Can you deliver to my hotel, and what does it cost?

Delivery and collection at Seychelles Airport and the Cat Cocos ferry jetty are always free. For hotels, we cover around 95% of Mahé: hotel delivery is €15 and hotel collection is €15, so you can choose either or both when you book. Tell us where you're staying and we'll confirm.

Can I collect in one place and drop off in another?

Yes. Because delivery and collection are free at both the airport and the ferry jetty, you can mix and match to suit your travel plans — for example collect at the ferry and drop off at the airport.

Island Travel & Driving

Can I take the rental car to Praslin or La Digue?

Our cars stay on Mahé. To visit Praslin or La Digue, park free at the Cat Cocos ferry terminal in Victoria (or return the car to us there), cross as a foot passenger, and hire a car or bicycle on the other island. We're happy to time your drop-off around the ferry schedule.

What side of the road do you drive on in Seychelles?

In Seychelles you drive on the left-hand side of the road, like the UK. Roads are mostly narrow and winding, so a small, easy-to-handle automatic is ideal.

What are the speed limits in Seychelles?

Speed limits are 40 km/h in villages and built-up areas, 65 km/h on open roads, and 80 km/h on the Bois de Rose dual carriageway near Victoria. Roads are narrow and winding, so speeds are naturally low.

Is it easy to drive on Mahé?

Yes, with a little care. Roads are narrow, hilly and winding, and can be busy near Victoria, so we recommend a compact automatic. Take your time and watch for buses and pedestrians.

Is parking easy and free on Mahé?

Parking is free at almost all beaches and attractions. In central Victoria, use the public car parks — some are pay-and-display on weekdays. Never leave valuables visible in a parked car.

What happens if the car breaks down?

Message or call us on WhatsApp and we'll help straight away — we're a local Mahé team, not a distant call centre. In the rare event of a mechanical problem we'll get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Requirements & Documents

What is the minimum age to rent a car?

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driving licence for at least 1 year.

What documents do I need?

You'll need a valid driving licence and a passport or ID. A national licence is accepted; an International Driving Permit is also fine if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

Not if your national licence is in the Latin alphabet — that's accepted for the length of your stay. If your licence is in another alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit alongside it.

Can I add extra drivers?

A second driver is included free on every rental. Just make sure each driver meets the age and licence requirements and brings their licence to the hand-over.

The Cars, Insurance & Extras

Is mileage unlimited?

Yes. Every rental includes unlimited mileage so you can explore all of Mahé without extra charges.

Is insurance included?

Yes. Every rental includes comprehensive insurance that covers accident damage. It carries an excess (maximum deductible) of €1,000 — the most you would pay towards repairs if the car is damaged. You can halve that to €500 with our optional Collision Damage Waiver (see below).

Is there an excess, and can I reduce it?

The included insurance has an excess (maximum deductible) of €1,000 — that's the most you'd pay towards damage; there is no deposit held on your card. For extra peace of mind, add our optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at €20 per day, which reduces the excess by half, to €500.

Are the cars automatic and air-conditioned?

Yes — our whole fleet is automatic, air-conditioned, well maintained and comfortable, chosen specifically for Mahé's roads. Models include the Hyundai Grand i10, Suzuki Celerio, Suzuki Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Toyota Taisor.

Do you have larger cars or SUVs for families?

Yes. For more space and luggage room we offer compact SUVs — the Suzuki Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Toyota Taisor — alongside our smaller city cars. Tell us your group size and we'll match you to the right vehicle.

Do you provide child or baby seats?

Yes. We offer a child seat (suitable from about 3 months to 3 years) and a booster seat (4 to 10 years), each €10 per day. Just add the one you need when you book.

Optional Extras & Prices

Add any of these when you book — all optional, all clearly priced, no hidden fees:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) — €20/day — halves your insurance excess from €1,000 to €500
  • Child seat (about 3 months–3 years) — €10/day
  • Booster seat (4–10 years) — €10/day
  • Hotel delivery — €15 (one-time)
  • Hotel collection — €15 (one-time)

Airport and Cat Cocos ferry delivery and collection are always free, and every rental already includes unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance and a free second driver.

Are petrol stations easy to find, and is fuel expensive?

Petrol stations are plentiful along Mahé's main coastal roads — Victoria, Providence, Anse Royale and Beau Vallon — and most accept cards. Fuel prices are reasonable, and because Mahé is small you won't use much to explore the island.

Still Have a Question?

We're happy to help with anything not covered here. Get in touch on WhatsApp or start your booking and we'll confirm every detail with you.