Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. 4Drive does not require a deposit or any funds to be blocked on your credit card. Unlike traditional rental companies that freeze several hundred dollars or euros as a security hold, we include full insurance coverage in every booking and accept debit cards or cash at pickup. Your card limit stays completely free for your holiday spending.

Yes. 4Drive accepts payment by debit card (Visa or Mastercard) or cash in either US dollars or Georgian lari at the time you collect your vehicle. You do not need a credit card. Many travellers prefer to pay in cash to avoid foreign transaction fees, and we are happy to accommodate this. Just let us know your preferred payment method when you book.

Payment is due when you pick up the car. No prepayment is required when you make your online reservation. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind - you only pay when you have the keys in your hand and have inspected the vehicle. We also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup if your plans change.

No. You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled pickup time. We understand that travel plans can change, especially when dealing with flights and weather in the mountains. Simply contact us by email or phone to cancel, and you will not be charged anything.

You will need a valid driving licence that has been held for at least one year, your passport, and proof of your contact details (email or phone). If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic script), we recommend bringing an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your national licence, although it is not always mandatory for short visits. The IDP makes it easier if you are stopped by police.

An IDP is recommended but not strictly required if your licence is in English or another Latin-script language. For licences in non-Latin alphabets, an IDP is strongly advised to avoid any issues with local authorities. You can obtain an IDP from your home country before you travel - it is a simple process and costs very little.

The minimum age is 21 years for economy and compact cars. For SUVs and 4x4 vehicles, the minimum age is 23 years. Drivers must have held their licence for at least one year. There is no upper age limit, but all drivers must be fit to drive and hold a valid licence.

Yes, you can add one or more additional drivers at the time of booking or pickup. Each additional driver must meet the same age and licence requirements and must be present with their documents when you collect the car. There may be a small daily fee for extra drivers, which will be confirmed when you book.

Every 4Drive rental includes full Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and third party liability insurance at no extra cost. This means you are covered for damage to the rental vehicle and for any liability to third parties in the event of an accident. There are no hidden insurance charges at the counter, and you will not be asked to buy additional coverage when you pick up the keys.

The insurance included in your rental does come with a standard excess (deductible) that applies in the event of damage. The amount varies by vehicle category and will be clearly stated in your booking confirmation. Because we do not take a deposit, you are not required to leave any funds on hold, but you should be aware of the excess amount in case of an incident. If you prefer zero excess, we can arrange additional coverage - just ask when you book.

Yes, your insurance covers driving on all public roads in Georgia, including mountain routes such as the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi and Gudauri. However, for very remote or unpaved tracks (for example, the road to Tusheti or upper Svaneti), you will need a 4x4 vehicle, and we recommend confirming coverage for off-road driving when you book. Always drive to the conditions and follow local advice about road closures in winter.

4Drive offers pickup at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), Batumi International Airport (BUS), and at your hotel or accommodation in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Gudauri, Kazbegi, Telavi and other major towns. Airport pickup is the most convenient option for most travellers - we meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign, and you can be on the road within 15 minutes. Hotel delivery is also available throughout Georgia.

When you exit the arrivals hall at Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi airport, look for a 4Drive representative holding a sign with your name. We will meet you just outside the baggage claim area. If you cannot find us, call the contact number in your confirmation email and we will guide you to the meeting point. Airport pickup is included at no extra charge for all rentals.

Yes, one-way rentals are possible. For example, you can pick up your car at Tbilisi Airport and return it in Batumi, or vice versa. There is usually a small one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its home location. Contact us when you book to arrange a one-way rental and we will confirm the fee and logistics.

Do not worry. 4Drive monitors flight arrivals, and if your flight is delayed, we will adjust the pickup time automatically. You will not be charged extra for waiting time due to flight delays. Just provide your flight number when you book, and we will track it. If your delay is very long, we may contact you to reconfirm the new pickup time.

Georgia drives on the right-hand side of the road, the same as most of Europe and the United States. Traffic rules are similar to those in Europe, with roundabouts, traffic lights and priority signs. If you are used to driving in the UK or another left-hand traffic country, allow a little time to adjust, but most drivers find it straightforward.

The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on major highways such as the E60 from Tbilisi to Batumi. Speed cameras are common, and fines for speeding can be issued automatically by post. Always watch for speed limit signs, especially when entering towns and villages.

Main roads between Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi are in good condition and well maintained. The Georgian Military Highway to Gudauri and Kazbegi is scenic but winding and can be busy with tour buses. Mountain roads require careful driving, especially in rain or snow. In winter, some high passes may be closed or require snow chains. Always check road conditions before heading into the mountains, and allow extra time for mountain journeys.

Petrol stations are plentiful in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, and you will find them in most towns along major routes. However, petrol stations become less frequent in remote mountain areas. If you are driving to Kazbegi, Tusheti or Svaneti, fill up your tank before you leave the main roads. Most stations accept cash (Georgian lari or US dollars) and credit or debit cards.

Cross-border travel to Armenia is generally permitted, but you must inform 4Drive in advance and obtain written permission. We will provide the necessary paperwork and may charge a small cross-border fee. Travel to Azerbaijan, Turkey or Russia is not normally allowed with rental cars due to insurance restrictions. If you plan to visit Armenia, please mention this when you book.

For city driving in Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi, an economy or compact car (such as a Hyundai Accent or Toyota Corolla) is perfect and costs from USD 22 per day. For longer trips to Kakheti wine region or the Black Sea coast, a comfortable sedan like a Skoda Octavia is ideal. If you are heading to the mountains (Gudauri, Kazbegi, Svaneti), we recommend an SUV or 4x4 (Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Delica) for better ground clearance and grip on winding roads.

Yes, most of our fleet is automatic transmission, which is popular with international visitors. Economy, compact and sedan models are all available with automatic gearboxes. Some SUVs and 4x4 vehicles are manual, but we also have automatic SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Delica. If you require an automatic, please specify this when you book to ensure availability.

Yes, child seats are available for infants, toddlers and young children. Please request a child seat when you make your booking so we can have it ready for you at pickup. There is a small daily rental fee for child seats. Georgian law requires all children under 12 years old to be in an appropriate child restraint, so it is important to book a seat if you are travelling with young children.

GPS units are available to rent for a small daily fee, but most travellers find that their smartphone with Google Maps or offline maps works perfectly well in Georgia. Mobile data is cheap and widely available, and road signage is good on main routes. If you prefer a dedicated GPS device, please request one when you book.