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Getting around Bonaire: Reputable Vehicle Rental Place
Bonaire Talk: Getting around Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999 - 2006: Archives - 2005-06-01 to 2006-06-01: Reputable Vehicle Rental Place
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK all you experienced travelers - in your opinions, which are the most reputable (and most honest) vehicle rental places on Bonaire? I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to rent at the most reputable place. This will be our first trip to Bonaire and I am using my American Express blue card with the rental insurance option so I have the highest comfort level possible for the rental. We are responsible drivers, etc. and we just want to do business with a reputable firm.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #545) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 7:51 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

AB Carrental.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bev Delarue (BonaireTalker - Post #57) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:26 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

AB Carrental was great to us. We rented two trucks in Feb with no problem.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy P (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #442) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 10:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've used Netty's and had a wonderful experience.

Best to verify with whichever agency you select that they will accept Amex.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By chris keen (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:06 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Telerin & Netty's are both honest & dependable!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie Babcock (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3080) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:37 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I know a friend of mine who is on Bonaire presently and they used Island Rentals. The reason I am telling you all this is that AA came in really late, midnight actually, don't know why, but the story is that Island Rentals was the one who opened and she got her vehicle. Now, that is customer service! :-) I have never used them personally, but a nice story to report to all. A/B and Budget I have dealt with and would also recommend them. Good luck with your research and I am sure lots of folks will be happy to let you know their favorites as well.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17413) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 1:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've rented from AB, Budget, and Netty's, all were outstanding. Netty does not accept AMEX. Most of the smaller companies don't accept AMEX either due to extra fees in processing and conversion:-( So, I go with Netty's and use my MC:-) She is a sweetheart:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ginny Stokes (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 3:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We used Island Rentals last November, and we were very happy with their service, rates, etc. He got up and opened early so we could return the truck prior to the early AA departure.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4322) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 3:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have been using Everts Carrental since I've been going to Bonaire (and We have been there often), and we never had a problem. It was always a lot of service and good prices.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George Blanchard (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #175) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 4:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We've used Nettys and Budget. We like them because both exchanged cars/vans that had problems without complaint. They are very easy to work with.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rosanne Nandan (BonaireTalker - Post #33) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 8:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Has anyone used Hertz lately? We booked a car through my husbands corporate acct. and the rate was half of what anyone else quoted. I'm just wondering if there is a reason no-one uses them and if I should book through another rental agency.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wow! Thanks for all of your responses. I will check these out on the web.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Stanfield (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Renee,
We have used AB Rental for the past 7 years about 4 times a year with virtually no problem. The couple of small problems we had over the years were handled quickly and to our satisfaction. I also use my AMX. Hope you have a great trip.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1179) on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 7:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I ditto Martin's comments about Everts -- I've been using them for 6 years, with very positive experiences, prices, service each time. Ilka, the owner, is a local lady and is charming and very helpful.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 12:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Michael and Josie for the additional comments. I'm all signed up for the AMEX rental policy and I feel more comfortable about the rental. AB seems to have the best deal for us and they take AMEX. However, the AMEX rental policy says it will NOT cover theft or damages if the vehicle is left UNsecured. That policy condition presents me with a choice to leave the vehicle locked or unlocked. Most people are telling me to leave the windows down while we are shore-diving. Of course, the odds of any damage occurring if the windows are left down are pretty slim. So my only decision is to leave the vehicle unlocked and windows down while we are away from it (shore-diving and sight-seeing) OR lock it up to stay within the terms of the policy. I am thinking of leaving the vehicle UNLOCKED while we are shore-diving and LOCKED while we are sight-seeing. Any further suggestions from y'all??

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DIVER DEBBI (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #465) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thats what we do..don't leave anything in the vehicle and lock on the steering wheel..we got thru this year wiht no mishaps...renting from Netty is always easy and right price..her office is right at the airport .

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #462) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Lock the doors and leave the windows down.......
;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17456) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Uh, Ron, I have to disagree, unlock the doors and leave the windows down.

Debbie, last time I rented from Netty I told her I hadn't seen "the club" in a long time. She is a sweetheart isn't she:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julia Graves (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #825) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Netty actually crosses out the 'lock' on the rental agreement!:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 7:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Maybe Ton will give us his feelings on the subject!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17459) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 9:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I believe AB has stickers on the glovebox that say something to the effect of "leave the windows down, the doors unlocked, and nothing of value in the vehicle." Most of the vehicles you rent on Bonaire have a sticker like that.

Interesting, since we are going to Hawaii next month, I've been researching diving, etc., and they strongly suggest that when shorediving, to not leave anything of value in the vehicle...and to take your keys, etc., with you on your dive...and hope that your car is there when you get out of the water. So, it is not just a problem on Bonaire...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #466) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 10:26 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Grasshopper, Hawaii is cool water diving, so don't forget to bring your 8mil suit... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1474) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 10:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde

Good luck in Hawaii, we were there in Feb 2000 and a 5mm was fine for us. We did Maui (Ed Robs were fantastic)and the Big Island (Red Sail-ok) and (Jacks Dive Locker also very good).

The best part was the whale song those humpbacks sang so loud your whole chest resonated with their song. I hope they are around for your trip.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17464) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:24 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We will be on Oahu for a week. We are spending the first 3 days in waikiki (and then heading for Turtle Bay for the rest of the week), as I guess the conditions on the east side are best for diving this time of year. I've hooked up with Oahu Scuba Divers for 2 days of boat diving. I've been vacilating between taking my 3mm, and my 7mm...I am now thinking I either need to get a 5mm or take my 7mm. I hate being cold! I wear my full 3mm on Bonarie, often with a skin. Water right now is high 70's, what do you guys think? Michael is actually going for a 3mm which he NEVER does! I know off topic

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17466) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Oh, we do wear our 7mm here locally in conditions between 57F and 67F. I would hate to lug my 7mm...it does make a difference in weight and flexibility! LOL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1475) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 1:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It was around 75 degrees in Feb 2006, our boat dives were around 45 mins and we were ok in 5mm (we had a 5mm shortie that went on top but never used it) I would go with the 7mm if you don't have a 5mm as being cold is not fun.

We have 2 weeks in Tobago next month and I was very relieved to see the current water temp 82.5 degrees in Bonaire so our 3mm will be ok.

Back on topic, we have always left the windows down and the truck unlocked.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17469) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 1:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Brian:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #468) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 4:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The water temp on the reefcam has been frozen for about a year now.... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Becky Hauser (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #289) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My apologies in advance for the continued hijack of this thread, but...

Grasshopper, you will have to let me know how the diving is in Hawaii, and what you think of the diveshop. I'm "supposed" to be going in July for a conference (yes I know, sucks to be me:-)). Does anyone know if a 5mm will be needed in July too?

Thanks, and now back to your regularly scheduled topic:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17476) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Becky, what island will you be going to? If I had a 5mm, I would take it. I'm now vacilating between my 3mm and 7mm..

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Becky Hauser (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #292) on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 12:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Cyn... I'll be on Oahu, also. The conference is in Honolulu. I have a 5mm, I just didn't expect Hawaii to be considered "cold".

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17478) on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 11:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Becky, I'll PM you who we are diving with and let you know how it goes with them. At this point, I think I am going to use my 3mm and skin and "grin and bear it" I hate the extra weight that goes with the 7mm (and the added neoprene as well)

 


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