English For Immigration: Renting A Car or A Bicycle

Updated: December 2025
Reading Time: 9 minutes

This article is part of our English for Immigration series by SmallTalk2Me – an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform designed to help you train English fluency through real-life conversation simulations.

Why Car and Bicycle Rental English Matters for Immigrants

Whether you're exploring your new city, commuting to work, or taking a weekend trip, knowing how to rent a car or bicycle is an essential skill for life abroad. Being able to communicate confidently with rental agents can help you get the best deals, understand rental terms, and avoid unexpected charges.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for vehicle types and rental terms, key phrases for communicating with rental agents, practical dialogues to practice before your visit, and tips for a smooth rental experience.

Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide

Car and Bicycle Rental Vocabulary in English

Before you visit a rental agency, make sure you understand these common terms used in vehicle rental conversations.

Types of Cars

Sedan / Saloon – a standard car with a separate trunk
Hatchback – a car with a rear door that opens upward
SUV / Four-by-four (4x4) – a large vehicle suitable for rough terrain
Compact car / Economy car – a small, fuel-efficient vehicle
Van / Minivan – a larger vehicle for groups or cargo
Convertible – a car with a retractable roof
Luxury car – a premium, high-end vehicle
Sports car – a fast, performance-focused vehicle
Electric car (EV) – a vehicle powered by electricity
Hybrid – a car with both electric and petrol/diesel engine
Classic / Vintage car – an older, collectible vehicle
Motorbike / Motorcycle – a two-wheeled motorized vehicle

Types of Bicycles

City bike / Urban bike – designed for city riding, comfortable upright position
Mountain bike – built for off-road trails and rough terrain
Road bike / Racing bike – lightweight bike for speed on paved roads
E-bike / Electric bicycle – bicycle with electric motor assistance
Folding bike – compact bike that folds for easy transport
Tandem bike – bicycle built for two riders
Cargo bike – bike with storage for transporting goods
Kids bike / Children's bike – smaller bike for children

Rental Terms and Duration

Daily rental – renting for one or more days
Weekly rental – renting for a full week (often discounted)
Monthly / Long-term rental – extended rental period
Hourly rental – renting by the hour (common for bikes)
Pick-up – collecting the vehicle at the start of rental
Drop-off / Return – returning the vehicle at the end of rental
One-way rental – picking up and dropping off at different locations
Grace period – extra time allowed before late fees apply

Car Features and Specifications

Automatic transmission – gear changes automatically
Manual transmission / Stick shift – driver changes gears manually
Air conditioning (A/C) – climate control system
GPS / Sat-nav – navigation system
Bluetooth – wireless connectivity for phone calls and music
Child seat / Car seat / Booster seat – safety seat for children
Boot / Trunk – storage space at the back of the car
Number of seats / doors – capacity and access points
Roof rack – storage on top of the car
Pet-friendly – allows animals in the vehicle

Bicycle Accessories and Equipment

Helmet – protective headgear
Lock – security device to prevent theft
Lights (front/rear) – for visibility and safety
Basket / Pannier – storage for carrying items
Bell – to alert pedestrians
Reflective vest – high-visibility clothing
Pump – to inflate tires
Repair kit – tools for fixing punctures

Payment and Insurance Terms

Deposit / Security deposit – money held as security, returned after rental
Pre-pay online – pay in advance through website
Pay on arrival – pay when you collect the vehicle
Basic insurance / CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – covers damage to the rental vehicle
Full coverage / Comprehensive insurance – covers all potential damages and theft
Excess / Deductible – amount you pay if there is damage
Free cancellation – cancel without penalty
Late fee – charge for returning late

Fuel Terms

Full-to-full – return with the same fuel level as pickup
Prepaid fuel – pay for a full tank upfront
Petrol / Gasoline – fuel for petrol engines
Diesel – fuel for diesel engines
Charging station – place to charge electric vehicles
Unlimited mileage / Unlimited free miles – no extra charge regardless of distance

Important Documents

Driving license / Driver's license – permit to drive
International Driving Permit (IDP) – translation of your license for use abroad
ID / Passport – identification document
Credit card – often required for deposit
Rental agreement / Contract – document outlining rental terms
Booking confirmation – proof of reservation

Useful Phrases for Renting Vehicles

Memorize these expressions to communicate confidently with rental agents.

Making a Reservation

"I'd like to rent a car/bicycle, please."
"I have a reservation under the name [your name]."
"I'd like to book a car for [number] days."
"Is there availability for this weekend?"
"Can I make a reservation online?"
"I need to modify/cancel my reservation."

Specifying Your Requirements

"I'm looking for a [size] car with [features]."
"I need an automatic/manual transmission."
"Do you have anything with a larger boot/trunk?"
"I'll need a child seat for a [age]-year-old."
"Does it have air conditioning/GPS?"
"I'm traveling with [number] people and [number] suitcases."
"Do you have electric or hybrid vehicles available?"

Asking About Prices and Terms

"How much is it per day/hour/week?"
"What's included in the price?"
"Is insurance included?"
"How much is the deposit?"
"Are there any additional fees I should know about?"
"Do you offer any discounts for longer rentals?"
"Is mileage unlimited or limited?"

Pick-up and Drop-off

"Where is the pick-up location?"
"Can I pick it up at the airport?"
"Can I return it to a different location?"
"What time do I need to return it?"
"Is there a late fee if I return it after [time]?"
"Do you offer after-hours drop-off?"

Fuel and Vehicle Condition

"What's the fuel policy?"
"Do I need to return it with a full tank?"
"What type of fuel does it take?"
"Where is the nearest petrol/gas station?"
"Can we inspect the car together before I leave?"
"I noticed some scratches/damage here. Can you note this?"

Payment

"Can I pay by credit card/cash?"
"Do you accept [card type]?"
"When will my deposit be refunded?"
"Can I get a receipt, please?"
"Where do I sign?"

15 Questions to Ask at the Rental Counter

When renting a vehicle, make sure you get answers to these important questions. This will help you avoid surprises and extra charges.

What documents do I need to rent this vehicle?
Is there a minimum age requirement?
What insurance options are available?
What is the excess/deductible if there is damage?
Is there unlimited mileage, or are there extra charges?
What is your fuel policy?
Can I add an additional driver?
What happens if I return the car late?
Can I drop off at a different location?
What should I do if I have a breakdown or accident?
Is roadside assistance included?
Are parking tickets or traffic fines my responsibility?
When will my deposit be returned?
Can I extend the rental if I need more time?
Is there an emergency contact number?

Practice Dialogues

Practice these real-life scenarios to build confidence before visiting a rental agency. Read the dialogues out loud to improve your speaking skills.

Dialogue 1: Renting a Car

This dialogue demonstrates a typical car rental conversation. Notice the vocabulary used to describe vehicle requirements and the questions about rental terms.

Agent: Hello! Can I help you?
Customer: Hi! I'd like to rent a car please.

Agent: Have you hired from us before?
Customer: No, this is my first time.

Agent: Could I see your driving license please?
Customer: Sure, here it is.

Agent: Thank you. So, what kind of car are you looking for?
Customer: I need a big family car. I'm traveling with 3 children.

Agent: It won't be a problem. We have a large modern fleet of vehicles to meet your individual needs and budget requirements. Will you need a child seat?
Customer: Yes, just one. We also need a large boot for 2 suitcases, 4 or 5 doors and air-conditioning.

Agent: I see. For how many days would you like to hire the car?
Customer: For 3 days, from this Saturday to Monday.

Agent: OK. Automatic or manual?
Customer: Definitely automatic.

Agent: I see. We've got several models to choose from but I'd recommend this one. It's only 95 pounds per day including insurance. What do you think?
Customer: That's exactly what I need. Thank you.

Agent: I'd like to run through some of the basics. The petrol tank will be full, so if you return the car with a full tank there's no extra charge. If you get any parking tickets or speeding fines, you'll have to pay for them yourself.
Customer: That's fine. Can I take a look at the car?

Agent: Sure. We can do it now.
Customer: I really like the car. I'm ready to hire it.

Agent: Great. I'll need to fill in some documents. Where would you like to pick up the car?
Customer: Could I do it at Gatwick airport?

Agent: Sure. Would you like to drop it off at the same location?
Customer: Yes, please.

Dialogue 2: Renting Bicycles

This dialogue shows how to rent bicycles for recreational use. Notice the questions about pricing, duration, and included accessories.

Agent: Hello!
Customer: Hello! My friend and I would like to hire bicycles.

Agent: All right. Do you prefer ordinary ones or e-bicycles?
Customer: Ordinary ones are just fine.

Agent: OK. Do I understand correctly that you need two bicycles?
Customer: Yes, exactly. One for me and one for my friend. How much is it?

Agent: It's 2 dollars per hour or 20 dollars per day.
Customer: Hmm… We were planning to hire them for 3–4 hours. Is that possible?

Agent: Sure. You can pay for 3 hours and then pay extra if you're late.
Customer: Great. Can we look at the bicycles?

Agent: OK, let's have a look. Here they are. We've got both men's and women's models as you can see.
Customer: Right. These red ones look great. Can we hire helmets too?

Agent: Sure, they are included in the price together with a lock and light. Safety is our priority.
Customer: I'm impressed. Where should we sign?

Agent: I need a minute to do the paperwork. Could you hand me your IDs please?
Customer: Here they are. Can I pay by card?

Agent: No problem, you can pay by card or in cash. The contract is ready. Please sign here and here.
Customer: Done. Thank you.

Agent: You're welcome. Please take the helmets, lights and locks. Have a safe journey!

Tips for a Successful Vehicle Rental

Before Renting

Compare prices online from different rental companies
Check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Read reviews of the rental company
Understand the insurance options before you arrive
Book in advance for better rates, especially during peak season
Check your credit card – it may include rental car insurance

During Pick-up

Bring all required documents: license, ID, credit card, booking confirmation
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving
Take photos/videos of any existing damage
Make sure all damage is noted on the rental agreement
Ask questions if anything is unclear
Save the emergency contact number in your phone

During the Rental Period

Keep rental documents with you at all times
Follow local traffic laws and speed limits
Park in safe, designated areas
Report any accidents or damage immediately
For bicycles: always lock your bike and use lights at night

During Drop-off

Return the vehicle on time to avoid late fees
Fill up the fuel tank if required
Remove all personal belongings
Ask for a final inspection with an agent present
Get written confirmation that the vehicle was returned in good condition
Keep your receipt until your deposit is refunded

Ready to Practice Your Airport English?

Reading vocabulary lists and dialogues is a great start, but real fluency comes from practice. SmallTalk2Me is an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform that helps you train English fluency through realistic conversation simulations with instant feedback.

Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play lost luggage conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. Practice describing your luggage, asking questions to airline staff, and build confidence before your real trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What English phrases should I use to rent a car?

Key phrases include: I would like to rent a car please, I need an automatic transmission, How much is it per day, Is insurance included, and What is your fuel policy. Be prepared to specify your requirements such as car size, number of seats, and features like air conditioning or GPS.

What documents do I need to rent a car abroad?

You typically need a valid driving license from your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required, a passport or ID, and a credit card for the deposit. Always check the specific requirements of the country and rental company before your trip.

How do I ask about rental prices in English?

Use phrases like: How much is it per day/hour/week, What is included in the price, Is insurance included, How much is the deposit, and Are there any additional fees. Always ask about mileage limits, fuel policy, and potential extra charges.

What should I check before driving away with a rental car?

Before leaving, inspect the car for any existing damage such as scratches, dents, or interior stains. Take photos or videos as evidence. Make sure all damage is documented on the rental agreement. Check that the fuel level matches what is stated, and test that all features like lights and air conditioning work properly.

How can I improve my English for rental conversations?

Practice with AI-powered conversation simulators like SmallTalk2Me, study vehicle and rental vocabulary lists, watch travel videos on YouTube in English, and role-play common dialogues before your visit. The more you practice speaking, the more confident you will feel when renting a car or bicycle.