I live in Australia and I plan to visit New Zealand in April 2023.

Recently (09/01/23) I booked a hire car through Bargain Rental Cars in Auckland for 4 days beginning 08/04/23. The cost of AUD $1386 was deducted from my credit card almost immediately I completed the booking. When I decided to cancel the booking within 12 hours I was entitled to a full refund as stipulated in the Terms and Conditions. BRC said this would take 5 to 14 business days. On the 11th business day the money was refunded but due to currency conversion fees I was AUD$58 out of pocket. I raised this matter with BRC requesting a refund on the currency conversion cost as I believe they should not have debited my credit card until I actually picked up the hire car. (The usual practice) This was a totally avoidable expense I incurred. I received NO reply to my emails from BRC. This is a warning to other travellers to avoid this company if you intend to book a car online from over seas. If you do you will be hit with currency conversion costs that you will not be able to recover if you decide to cancel. The practice of BRC immediately debiting your credit/debit card will also mean your bank balance will show a cost even though the service might be well into the future

Reviewed almost 2 years ago