US, Car Hire and Driving...?

Discussion in 'Off topic discussions' started by Mistress Watchful, Oct 25, 2009.

  1. Mistress Watchful
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    Mistress Watchful Dont believe the hype ;oP

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    After I leave the Fall Gathering I am going to stay with a friend near Dallas for a few days. She will be mostly at work, so I need to go shopping on my own.

    Any hints on car hire in the US? I will need to pick up and drop off at DFW. I am hoping that the car will have SatNav... is that standard in US hire cars or do I have to ask?

    And any tips on driving!? I have a feeling that red is stop (duh!) but flashing red is sort of "turn right if feeling lucky!"

    Where can I cram on US driving?

    Ta people. :character0180:
     
  2. xcitex2
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    xcitex2 Back from the past!

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    Not sure on where to do the craming, but I would suggest looking at the department of motor vehicles web site for the state of Texas. Also I am not sure if it applies to the US but I know If I travle abroad some placed require an international drivers license so you may want to check on that as well. Most rentals Or cars for hire as you cal them have Sat Nav available if you ask. Other than that Green is go Red is stop, yellow is caution or prepare to stop and flashing red is considered a stop sign equivalent. Of course all of them are turn right if you feel lucky LOL. Have fun here in the states I soooooo wish I could meet you in person. Unfortunately no such luck.
     
  3. madamsboy
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    madamsboy Looking for a special female

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    we call them car rentals here in USA.
    Usually Dollar or Thrifty come out cheapest for airport rentals. You will spend an extra 10-15 uSD per day for a GPS (satnav).
    Traffic signals are red=stop yellow= stop green=go don't turn on red unless you know it is allowed in that municipality, not all allow right turn on red.

    Also don't forget we have our steering wheels on the left side and we drive our cars on the right side of the road.
     
  4. Rachel
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    Rachel Owned by Mistress Michelle

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  5. Mistress Watchful
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    Mistress Watchful Dont believe the hype ;oP

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    http://www.carrentalexpress.com/usa/texas/dallas/

    I think that means I'm ok
     
  6. chastesoon
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    chastesoon Senior Member

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    Make sure you have Pet get you a yellow rose. Then you too can be a "Yellow Rose from Texas". You may even be able to pick up that Texas twang accent. Might be an intersting mix, between your British accent and a hint of Texas twang. Your ex can sing " All my exes live in Texas". :haha4:
    BTW have agreat stay on this side of the pond,
     
  7. Mistress Watchful
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    Mistress Watchful Dont believe the hype ;oP

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    Lol - I just adore Texas... I should have been born there, they are so much like me!

    I can say y'all quite convincingly! :manga_beat:

    But mostly my American friends take the mickey out of my British accent - which I don't think I have at all!
     
  8. lockednloaded
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    lockednloaded Senior Member

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    Do you have Satnav already? If so, it's almost certainly cheaper to just buy/download the maps from the supplier before you go (EG TomTom) for the area you are going to.

    We did this for a trip to the States a couple of years ago. The map was about a 35 download and it turned out that this was a FAR cheaper option than hiring a Sat Nav in the US (plus you are using a system that you are familiar with).

    I think (from memory) that you can turn right at a red light as long as it's clear and nothing is coming!

    Take a look at these for some research:

    Our car came with the deal so we didn't book it ourselves, but that should give you a good idea.


    [Edit] - http://www.google.co.uk/search?sour...lz=1T4GGIH_en-GBGB271GB271&q=us+driving+rules
     
  9. TCFun
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    TCFun Long term member

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    As a Brit having lived in the US for the last 5 years I can tell you that your UK license will be ok, so long as you have the plastic license with photo ID. They won't need (or understand) the paper counterpart that the UK has. You can get an international license from any UK post office but they don't need them in the US.

    To clear up the right on red rule. The general rule is that if you are at a traffic light and want to turn red, you have to come to a full stop and then you may turn right on the red light if it is safe to do so. The general exception is if there is a sign that states 'No Right On Red'.

    Most car rental companies allow you to add a GPS to the rental and they will give you a portable unit for the car. Hertz has built in navigation in their cars. It is best to check with the local rental company at DFW because not all companies will guarantee GPS.

    Good luck
     
  10. tightlockup
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    tightlockup Junior Member

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    Also, when you decide what company to use (I usually use Enterprise) call and check the rate at the airport, then call a local Enterprise near the airport for their rate. I don't know about DFW but at ATL to rent a van for one day was $155, at a local Enterprise not at the airport it was $60. What you can do then is take a cab to the car rental place. DFW might be different - I sure hope so.

    Have fun. I have one of those Southern accents you will hear while you are here.
     
  11. subklik
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    subklik Office Girl

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    I fell in love with a southern belle once.
    That accent!! That georgeous woman!!

    What a waste, do you know she wasn't the least bit kinky?
    Not even coloured bedsheets, I do declare!

    Oh yeah I am off topic then arent I?

    You will love Texas and those southern people.

    PS. I love driving in England and I love those Brit cars.
    I get a kick out of your roundabouts.
    If you can handle one of those you can drive anywhere.
    Dont worry about Texas.

    Subklik
     
  12. Mistress Watchful
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    Mistress Watchful Dont believe the hype ;oP

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    As long as I can get me to the Mall and back I'm happy! :party0002:

    From what I remember they put the damn exit signs AFTER the exits don't they :happy0007:

    That's where I'm hoping SatNat will help me!
     
  13. mikecb
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    mikecb Long term member

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    MW, it depends on the State. Some put the signs sensibly in advance. Others seem to put them so late that you don't know you need to turn until you've passed it. I've never driven in Texas, so I'm not sure how they are about it.

    mikecb
     
  14. madamsboy
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    madamsboy Looking for a special female

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    if you have an idea of where you will be going, you may want to map it out on google first and use the "streetview" feature to see your turns before you even set out.
    just a thought
     
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