Gem Rentals in Fiji: A FULL Car Rental Review

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Hassle-Free Airport Meet-and-Greet and Pick-Up

From the moment we picked up our keys to the day we reluctantly returned them, our experience with Gem Rentals was nothing short of stellar. The service was friendly and efficient, making us feel like valued customers rather than just another booking.

Although Gem Rentals provides a complimentary meet-and-greet service at Nadi International Airport, they also go above and beyond by offering free vehicle deliveries/transfers within a 15 km (9 mi) radius of the airport. We decided to go with the latter option, as we wanted to spend a few days in Nadi before hitting the road. With that, Gem Rentals provided a transfer with their sister company, Uniquely Fiji, from our Nadi accommodation to our rental vehicle when we were ready to hit the road. This level of personalised service certainly sets them apart from larger, less flexible operators.

For those exploring beyond Nadi, Gem Rentals offers pick-up locations across Viti Levu. While deliveries within the Nadi area are complimentary, they can arrange pick-ups and drop-offs anywhere on the island (additional fees may apply outside of Nadi). Their service covers key locations, including:

• Nadi Airport
• Nadi Downtown
• Denarau
• Various points across Viti Levu

A Warm Fijian Welcome

As a medium-sized, 100% local operation, Gem Rentals prides itself on delivering a fully personalised service from your initial inquiry to the final vehicle drop-off. Our experience with the company was a delightful blend of professionalism and Fijian hospitality.

We dealt with the Indo-Fijian owners throughout the booking process, and upon arrival, we were greeted by a local Fijian driver for our transfer. In true Fijian style, he spontaneously shared valuable tips for our journey, especially about the best kava to get to present as a sevusevu for visiting Fijian villages, which we planned to do, adding a personal touch that larger rental companies often lack.

Flexibility is another hallmark of Gem Rentals’ service. They accommodate booking changes without hassle or additional fees – a policy that offers peace of mind, even though we didn’t need to use it for our trip. For added security, all rentals include roadside assistance, ensuring you’re never left stranded during your road trip.

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Diverse Fleet for Every Adventure

When it comes to exploring Fiji’s stunning landscapes, Gem Rentals didn’t disappoint with their impressive range of vehicles. From our personal experience, we can attest to the quality and versatility of their fleet, which caters to various travel needs and preferences.

We had the chance to test drive two distinct vehicles from Gem Rentals. First up was their “Class 1 Station Wagon“, the most budget-friendly option in their lineup. This compact yet comfortable ride proved perfect for zipping around Nadi, offering ample space for up to five passengers and four medium-sized suitcases.

However, the real star of our journey was the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, a “Class 2” vehicle that truly shone as we circled Viti Levu. This medium-sized SUV handled Fiji’s diverse terrain like a champ, from smooth coastal highways to the bumpy village roads leading to Abaca and Narara. The higher clearance was a godsend when navigating those sneaky speed bumps and occasional gravel roads.

Both vehicles came equipped with modern comforts, including:

• Android radio for entertainment on the go
• Air conditioning to beat the tropical heat
• Automatic transmission for effortless driving

But Gem Rentals’ fleet doesn’t stop there. Here’s a quick rundown of their other vehicle classes:

Class 3: Full-Size Family SUV

Perfect for larger groups, these seven-seaters like the Toyota Rush and Kia Sorento can easily accommodate five medium-sized suitcases when using five seats. Ideal for family adventures!

Class 4: Minivans

Vehicles like the Toyota Voxy offer flexibility with 5-7 seats and ample luggage space. When using five seats, you can comfortably fit six medium-sized suitcases.

Class 5: Commuter

For larger groups or those with extra luggage, the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai H1 seat 8-10 passengers and can carry up to eight medium-sized suitcases. Available in both automatic and manual transmission.

Whether you’re planning a quick jaunt around Nadi or an epic road trip across Viti Levu, Gem Rentals has a vehicle to suit your needs. Their diverse fleet ensures you’ll have the perfect ride for your Fijian adventure, combining comfort, reliability, and practicality.

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Important Things to Note

When renting a car from Gem Rentals in Fiji, there are several key points to remember. Some we discovered during our experience; others are just good to keep in mind.

Firstly, insurance is included in the rental price, which is a relief for many travellers. However, it’s crucial to note that in the event of an accident, excess fees still apply. These fees range from FJ$3,000 to FJ$5,000, depending on the vehicle rented.

To be eligible to rent a car, drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a full driving licence. Gem Rentals accepts international licences, making it convenient for overseas visitors.

If you’re planning a one-way trip across Fiji, you’re in luck. Gem Rentals offers one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up your car at one location and drop it off at another. Keep in mind that this service comes with additional charges, which vary depending on the locations involved.

One of the perks we appreciated was the absence of hidden costs. Gem Rentals doesn’t charge a bond, which is a pleasant surprise. However, renters are responsible for any traffic infringements or tickets incurred during the rental period.

For families travelling with little ones, child safety seats are available for a reasonable daily fee.

Lastly, Gem Rentals provides clean vehicles and expects them to be returned in the same condition. A fee of around FJ$25 applies if the car is returned unclean. During our rental, we found that Fiji’s rainy days and inland roads can make the car quite dirty. We used a roadside car wash (you see them everywhere) before returning the vehicle, which cost us around FJ$7 – a small price to pay to avoid the cleaning fee.

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Conclusion

After two weeks of cruising around Viti Levu in an SUV from Gem Rentals, we can confidently say that this car rental company in Fiji truly lived up to its name. As seasoned travellers who have tried countless transport methods in Fiji, we found our experience with Gem Rentals to be smooth and hassle-free. The vehicle proved reliable as we navigated not only the island’s perimeter but also ventured inland on remote village roads.

For those looking to explore Fiji’s largest island at their own pace, Gem Rentals offers a convenient and comfortable solution. Whether you’re planning a coastal adventure or seeking to discover Fiji’s hidden inland treasures, renting a car from Gem Rentals could be the perfect way to make your Fijian road trip dreams a reality.

Discover Gem Rentals’ fleet and book your vehicle at gemrentalsfiji.com.