Is it Cheaper to claim to be Swiss or American when renting a car?

Is it Cheaper to claim to be Swiss or American when renting a car?

Abby asks:

I am an American living in Switzerland. When I return to the States, I usually rent a car. Is it cheaper to claim to be Swiss or American when renting a car? I am a dual citizen, so I wouldn't be lying in either case. Thanks!

My Response:

The majority of the time there is a difference! The easiest way to check,.. is to check!! :)

For variety I picked 4 car rental companies:

Avis, Budget,Hertz and Alamo

on each website I first selected United States as my country of residence and checked the rate for a hypothetical rental (I chose FLL, May 25-June 1, 12 pick up and return, compact car)

(car rental company links open in new windows)

Avis.com: (Right below the location box there's a box to check if a US resident or to uncheck and select a different country of residence)

result: much cheaper car rental rate when I checked as a resident of Switzerland

Budget.com : (under pickup dates/times/loction, you click on more options to select your country of residence)

result: much cheaper car rental rate when I checked as a resident of Switzerland

Hertz.com : (at the top right hand side of the screen, select country of residence and then click go)

result: much cheaper car rental rate when I checked as a resident of Switzerland.... I think I'm seeing a pattern!

Alamo.com : (at the top of the rate checker, there's a place to select country of residence)

result: much cheaper car rental rate when I checked as a resident of Switzerland

So, to answer your question -- Is it cheaper to claim to be Swiss or American when renting a car? -- I feel confident telling you that you should definitely utilize Switzerland as your country of residence when you book your rental car! I don't know why there is any difference in the rate... just that there obviously is! I'm glad that you'll be able to take advantage of the savings!

Pages from this site related to this topic:

The Basics of Car Rental

Making Car Rental Reservations

Comparing Car Rental Rates