How to Choose the Best Car Rental in Penang, Malaysia

While travelling in Penang, you can either drive a car, ride a motorcycle, book an e-hailing service or take public transport. Before choosing your transport method, you should know your travel requirements and needs. If it’s more convenient to travel with a car, perhaps renting a car would be ideal compared to the other transportation options in Penang. However, if you’re looking to rent the best car rental in Penang, this article will explain everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision. . 

Choosing the Best Car Rental Service in Penang, Malaysia

Before renting a car in Penang, you must consider a few essential factors to narrow down your choices. Here are some of the things to take note of when choosing the best car rental in Penang:

1. Insurance is Provided

It’s essential for the car rental company to offer insurance coverage. The best car rental in Penang will include basic insurance coverage such as theft protection and loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW). Remember to inquire about insurance coverage and the terms and conditions stated to know how much you are covered. 

2. Car Seat Policy

When choosing a car rental in Penang, you must check the car seat policy, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Some car rental companies don’t include child seats; if they do, you’ll need to pay extra. Thus, you should always check if they adhere to Malaysian laws regarding car seats. 

3. Rental Rates and Hidden Fees

Not all car rental companies are transparent with their rates and pricing. You should always request further information about hidden fees beyond the fixed rates. For instance, if you return the car late, check whether a late fee will be charged. Get them to explain all the costs without missing any hidden fees. 

4. Fuel Policy

You’ll be paying for fuel when renting a car in Penang. Therefore, you should ask about their fuel policy, as it differs for each car rental company. Some require you to fill up the tank level as when you first rented it or pay for a complete tank upfront and finish it before returning the car to them. 

5. Airport Transfers

Those travelling from the airport should enquire whether the car rental company offers airport transfers. That way, you’ll save time without finding your way to the car rental company on your own. Though some may request to pay an additional fee for the airport transfer, some will be included as part of your car rental package. Travellers flying to Penang will arrive at Penang International Airport (PEN). 

6. Check their Reviews

The best car rental in Penang will have many positive reviews from the previous renters. Before choosing a car rental company, make sure to check their reviews online, such as Google Reviews. Pay attention to the reviews that discuss the overall car conditions, pricing, and customer service to make sure you will have a seamless renting experience. 

7. Vehicle Condition and Maintenance

To ensure your safety while driving the rented car, it’s crucial to check the vehicle's condition and inquire about the car's maintenance. We will need the cars to be well-maintained, to ensure safety and comfort while driving around Penang without worrying about them breaking down or, in the worst-case scenario, a potential accident. 

8. Wide Vehicle Options to Rent

While searching for a car rental in Penang, you must consider the vehicle options based on your travelling situation. For instance, if you’re travelling with family, you need an SUV or a 6-seater car, depending on the size of your family. If you’re travelling with your partner, just a regular sedan is sufficient. Make sure the car rental company in Penang has a wide range of vehicles for you to choose from that meets your travel requirements. 

9. Pickup and Drop-off Flexibility

Remember to consider the pickup and drop-off locations. If they are inconvenient or too far from the city, renting a car may be a hassle. Some car rental companies will also deliver the vehicle to your preferred pickup and drop-off location. However, do remember to ask whether the pickup and drop off will require a fee. 

10. Customer Support

If you’re not sure how to rent a car, customer support can assist you. This is important, especially if you’ve already rented a car with them, as they should be reachable in case of any emergencies. Car rental companies that provide reliable customer support will be helpful and offer a hassle-free renting experience. Be sure to visit the help centre or chat throught the live chat. 

Tips Before Renting a Car in Penang Malaysia

If you’re planning on renting a car in Penang soon, here are some tips you should consider to choose the right car rental company:

1. Make a Car Rental Comparison

First, you should always compare the prices of a few car rentals to find the best deal that suits your budget and requirements. While comparing a few car rental companies, aside from the cost, compare the customer reviews, vehicle options and other factors. 

2. Read the Rental Agreement

You should also always check the rental agreement thoroughly to be aware of the requirements, such as insurance coverage, hidden fees, deposits, and so on. Do take note of the refund or cancellation policies stated in case you have to follow them.

3. Special Offers

If the car rental company provides discounts on several attractions in Penang, such as The Habitat Penang Hill or ESCAPE Penang Theme Park, you can save more while travelling to Penang. The best car rental company will include special packages that include attractions as part of their car renting offers. Visit their social medias such as Instagram or Facebook for any latest promotions on car rentals or attraction. 

4. Determine You Vehicle Need

Think about where you're going in Penang and who you're traveling with before choosing a vehicle.

• If you're staying mostly in George Town, public transport or e-hailing (Grab) may be more practical due to traffic and limited parking. But if you're planning to explore places like Batu Ferringhi, Teluk Bahang, or Balik Pulau, having your own car offers flexibility and convenience.

Read: How to Travel In Penang: Transportation Guide

• Choosing the right car according to group size and comfort
  • Solo or couple: A compact car like the Perodua Axia is budget-friendly and easy to drive through narrow streets.
  • Small family: A Perodua Bezza (sedan) offers more space while still being economical.
  • Larger group or with luggage: Rent an MPV or SUV like the Perodua Alza or Toyota Avanza for comfort, especially if you're going on longer drives around the island.

5. Inspect the Vehicle Before Driving

This step is crucial to avoid extra charges when you return the car.

• Inspect thoroughly: Walk around the car and check for any existing scratches, dents, cracked lights, or interior damage.
• Take clear photos or videos: Make sure to capture all angles of the car—including close-ups of any damage, the fuel level, odometer, and tyres.
• Report immediately: Share any issues with the rental company before leaving the lot. Ask them to note the damage in the rental agreement or inspection checklist.

Source: https://paultan.org/2022/01/25/touch-n-go-to-launch-new-card-with-nfc-technology-soon/

Driving Tips in Malaysia and Penang

Get a Touch 'n Go Card

If you're an international traveler planning to drive across Malaysia, it's highly recommended to get a Touch 'n Go (TnG) card, as it's widely used for highway tolls and parking. Most rental companies do not provide a TnG card, and without one, you could get stuck at TnG-only toll booths on major highways. You can purchase a card at most convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, 99Speedmart), petrol stations, or Touch 'n Go service counters at transportation hubs or online through Shopee or Lazada.

To top up your TnG card, you can visit any participating convenience store, petrol station, or automated TnG reload kiosk—usually found at LRT/MRT stations and shopping malls. You can simply ask the cashier to topup your preferred amount.

Alternatively, if you have a Malaysian bank account or eWallet, you can link your card via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app and use the "TNG Card Reload" feature (only available for enhanced TnG cards with NFC). Make sure your card has enough balance before entering toll roads or you will be stuck and need to reverse and topup at the booth which might cause traffic and inconvenience for the other cars passing.

Download the Penang Parking App

The main parking app in Penang is Penang Smart Parking (PSP). It's available for download on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery. Using the app is essential because most street parking in Penang is digitally managed, and paper parking coupons are no longer in use in many areas. Without the app, you won’t be able to pay for parking legally, which could result in summons or fines.

You'll need the app to:

• Find available street parking
• Pay for parking digitally
• Manage monthly passes
• Pay for parking summons

To use the app, you'll need to register your vehicle, top up your digital wallet, and then select your location and duration before making a payment.

How do you know when to pay or when it's free when parking in Penang?

Street parking in Penang typically follows specific operating hours, such as:

• Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Free on Sundays and public holidays (in most areas)

However, these rules can vary slightly depending on the municipal council (MBPP or MPSP) and location. The PSP app helps you:

• Identify active parking zones
• See whether charges apply at your current location and time.
• Avoid overpaying or parking illegally in a paid zone

Before leaving your car, simply open the app, search for your parking location, and it will tell you whether payment is required — and if so, how much and for how long.

Local tip: Look for signs on nearby poles to check the parking rates.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling to Penang soon and are looking for a car to rent, make sure you’re clear on the criteria above based on your travelling needs and requirements. Just remember to inquire about the correct information and compare a few car rental companies before making a solid decision.

Rent a Car in Penang with Penangbook!

For a reliable and trustworthy car rental in Penang, book your ride with Penangbook! We provide excellent car rental service in Penang at an affordable rate with a wider selection for you to choose from. We provide free airport pickup at Penang airport. We are also offering tickets to the best attractions in Penang with occasional discount rates. Rent a car with Penangbook today!