Landing at Seychelles International Airport with a confirmed vehicle can be one of the simplest ways to begin a trip on Mahé. Landing without clear pickup instructions, deposit information or enough luggage space can create the opposite experience.

A Seychelles Airport car rental is most valuable when the vehicle will be used for several journeys, not only for the transfer from the airport. It gives travellers direct access to their accommodation and the freedom to visit beaches, restaurants and viewpoints without arranging separate taxis.

The important decision is not simply which car has the lowest daily price. Travellers should compare the total cost, payment conditions, insurance excess, luggage capacity and airport handover procedure before confirming a reservation.

Airport Car Rental or Taxi: Which Option Makes More Sense?

Taxis and public buses are available at Seychelles International Airport. The right choice depends on the itinerary, arrival time, luggage and number of planned journeys.

Travel Situation	Practical Option	Reason
One hotel and few planned trips	Taxi or hotel transfer	A car may not be necessary if most of the stay is spent at one resort.
Several days exploring Mahé	Rental car	One vehicle can replace several separate taxi journeys.
Family with children and luggage	Rental car or arranged transfer	Private transport makes luggage and child-seat planning easier.
Late evening arrival	Confirmed rental pickup or transfer	The meeting point and after-hours arrangements should be agreed in advance.
Travelling to Praslin shortly after arrival	Transfer to the ferry or domestic terminal	A Mahé rental may not be worthwhile for a short connection.

A rental car becomes commercially attractive when it saves the cost and waiting time associated with several individual transfers. Compare the complete rental cost with the expected cost of taxis for the full stay.

Reserve the Vehicle Before Flying

Advance booking gives travellers time to compare vehicle categories and read the conditions without making a rushed decision after a long flight.

A reservation should not be treated as complete until the supplier confirms the vehicle or category, total price and airport collection instructions.

The confirmation should clearly state:

• Vehicle category
• Rental dates and times
• Total price
• Deposit amount
• Accepted payment method
• Insurance and excess
• Airport meeting point
• Supplier contact number
• Cancellation conditions

If any essential detail is missing, request clarification before travelling.

Select the Car by Luggage Capacity, Not Only Seats

A vehicle advertised with five seats may not have enough boot space for five passengers and their suitcases. Passenger capacity and luggage capacity should be considered separately.

Car Category	Suitable For	Luggage Consideration
Mini	One or two travellers	Best with light luggage. Check the boot specification before booking.
Economy	Couples and short island journeys	Suitable for a limited number of medium-size bags.
Compact	Two to four travellers	Provides more flexibility for suitcases without being difficult to park.
Compact Crossover	Families and travellers with child seats	Offers additional passenger and luggage space.

Compact vehicles are generally practical for Mahé because many roads are narrow and winding. A larger vehicle may provide additional space, but it should only be selected when the passenger or luggage requirements justify it.

The model shown in an offer may be an example followed by the words “or similar”. If an exact model, transmission type or boot size is important, obtain written confirmation before paying.

Compare the Total Rental Price

The daily rate is not enough to evaluate an offer. Two vehicles with similar advertised prices may have different airport fees, deposits, insurance excesses or mileage conditions.

Check whether the total price includes:

• Mandatory taxes and rental fees
• Airport delivery and collection
• Basic insurance
• Unlimited or limited mileage
• Additional driver
• Child seat if required
• After-hours pickup
• Hotel collection at the end of the rental

Compare the amount payable for the complete rental period. A slightly higher daily rate can represent better value if it includes services that another supplier charges separately.

Understand the Deposit Conditions

Deposit requirements can vary by supplier and vehicle. Selected offers may have a low deposit or no deposit, while other vehicles require an amount to be blocked or charged to a payment card.

Confirm:

• The exact deposit amount
• Whether it is charged or temporarily blocked
• Which cards are accepted
• Whether the card must belong to the main driver
• When the amount is released or refunded
• Whether additional insurance changes the deposit

A no-deposit offer does not automatically remove the driver’s financial responsibility for damage. The insurance excess and exclusions must be reviewed separately.

Check the Credit Card Requirement

Some suppliers accept debit cards or cash, while others require a credit card in the main driver’s name.

Payment for the rental and provision of the security deposit are two different transactions. A supplier may accept a debit card for the rental price but require a credit card for the deposit.

If the customer does not have a credit card, the selected offer must clearly confirm that one is not required. This condition should appear in writing before the reservation is completed.

Travellers who want to compare current vehicle, deposit and payment conditions can review the available offers on RentGo Seychelles before choosing a car.

Review Insurance and Excess

Basic insurance may be included in the rental price, but it can still leave the driver responsible for an excess. This is the amount the customer may need to pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen.

Review:

• The coverage included in the price
• The amount of the excess
• Available additional coverage
• Excluded vehicle parts
• Accident reporting requirements
• Roadside assistance conditions

Tyres, glass, mirrors, keys and the underside of the vehicle may be excluded from basic coverage. Conditions vary, so they should be checked in the selected offer and rental agreement.

Additional insurance should be evaluated according to the reduction in financial responsibility, not only its daily cost.

Confirm How Airport Pickup Works

Airport pickup does not always mean that the supplier has a permanent desk inside the terminal. Local rental partners may use a meet-and-greet service.

A representative may meet the customer in the arrivals area, near the terminal exit, in the car park or at another agreed location.

The booking confirmation should provide:

• An exact meeting point
• The representative’s contact number
• Instructions for delayed flights
• Any after-hours fee
• The documents required at pickup

Save the confirmation offline or take a screenshot. This avoids depending on mobile internet immediately after landing.

Provide the Correct Flight Number

Enter the correct flight number and scheduled arrival time when booking. This allows the supplier to monitor the flight and coordinate the handover.

If the airline changes the flight number or arrival time, notify the supplier. Do not assume that revised information will be received automatically.

Late evening arrivals require particular attention. Confirm that the representative will wait, identify any after-hours fee and request a contact number that will be answered at the expected arrival time.

Prepare the Driver’s Documents

The main driver will normally need a valid driving licence, passport or identity document and the payment method specified in the booking conditions.

Some travellers may also require an International Driving Permit. Requirements depend on the issuing country and the supplier, so this should be verified before departure.

The driver’s name entered during booking should match the documents and payment card. Differences in spelling can delay the rental handover.

Minimum age and driving experience requirements may apply. A young-driver fee can also be charged depending on the supplier’s conditions.

Inspect the Vehicle Before Driving Away

Inspect the car before signing the final condition report and leaving the airport.

Take clear photographs or a short video showing:

• Front and rear bumpers
• Doors and body panels
• Wheels and tyres
• Windscreen and mirrors
• Roof
• Interior
• Fuel level
• Mileage

Existing scratches, dents or stains should appear on the rental document. Test the lights, indicators, air conditioning and seat belts before leaving the pickup area.

Ask which number to call in case of an accident, breakdown or tyre problem. Keep the rental agreement and emergency contact details available during the trip.

Prepare for the First Drive from SEZ

Traffic drives on the left in Seychelles. Drivers accustomed to the opposite side should adjust the seat, mirrors and controls before leaving the airport.

Mahé’s roads can be narrow, steep and winding. Some sections have limited space at the road edge. Reduce speed before bends and allow enough room for buses, pedestrians and approaching vehicles.

Enter the accommodation into an offline map before beginning the journey. The first trip should be direct and unhurried, particularly after a long flight or an evening arrival.

Avoid leaving luggage visible inside an unattended vehicle. If a stop is necessary before hotel check-in, choose a suitable parking area and keep valuables with you.

Plan the Vehicle Return in Advance

Return arrangements should be confirmed at pickup rather than left until the final day.

Check:

• Return location
• Required return time
• Fuel policy
• Instructions for early departures
• Key return procedure
• Contact number for delays

Allow enough time for refuelling, the final inspection and the walk to the terminal. Take photographs of the exterior, interior, fuel gauge and mileage after parking the car.

Final Booking Checklist

1. Confirm that the reservation has been accepted.
2. Check passenger and luggage capacity.
3. Review the total price and mandatory fees.
4. Confirm the deposit and payment method.
5. Read the insurance excess and exclusions.
6. Save the airport meeting instructions.
7. Provide the correct flight number.
8. Prepare the required driver documents.
9. Understand the fuel and mileage policies.
10. Confirm the vehicle return procedure.

A well-selected airport rental can save time from the first day of a Mahé trip. The right offer combines a suitable vehicle, transparent total price, acceptable deposit, clear insurance conditions and a confirmed meeting point.

Compare the full conditions before paying and keep all confirmation details available offline. These steps reduce uncertainty at the airport and help travellers begin their journey with a vehicle that genuinely fits their plans.