Suggestions for car rentals in Edinburgh

[Alan H]

We'll be flying into Edinburgh the first week in July and need to rent a car.... any suggestions on who to use?

Also, any input on what kind of electrical current and voltages to expect? I read that household current is 220 volts and the socket type is "Type G" British BS-1363 .

[Cecil]

The plug looks right. Enjoy, it's a great place.

[KiltedKnome]

We'll be flying into Edinburgh the first week in July and need to rent a car.... any suggestions on who to use?

Alan, you are a braver man than I (disregarding the fact that I am not male at all). When Steve and I went to the UK and rented a car in Glasgow after getting off the airplane, I found the experience a bit nerve-wracking. Now if you have driven on the other side before, probably no big deal. I would suggest you acquaint yourself with the different street symbols. We thought the funny little "arrows" on the road meant "enter here", when it was just the opposite, and we briefly found ourselves driving the wrong way on the M. Thank goodness the country is known for its scotch....I needed a lot later.

[sydnie7]

If you belong to Costco, check their online travel for car rentals. We found their rates best last time we went (although that's been a while).

The plug adapters work for most "stuff" but if Joan uses a curling iron, DON'T! I melted one, literally, could easily have started a fire. Ended up buying one in-country. And I was concerned enuf about electronics (computer, camera, phone) that we used one of those vehicle converters, plug into 12v and it has 110v outlets.

[Alan H]

If you belong to Costco, check their online travel for car rentals. We found their rates best last time we went (although that's been a while).

The plug adapters work for most "stuff" but if Joan uses a curling iron, DON'T! I melted one, literally, could easily have started a fire. Ended up buying one in-country. And I was concerned enuf about electronics (computer, camera, phone) that we used one of those vehicle converters, plug into 12v and it has 110v outlets.

Now, this is a good idea. All we'll have is *maybe* a cell phone and a notebook computer. Charge it in the CAR! I like this. Joan doesn't use a curling iron. Oh, wait...but she DOES use a hair dryer. OK. We need the adapter after all.

[Alan H]

Alan, you are a braver man than I (disregarding the fact that I am not male at all). When Steve and I went to the UK and rented a car in Glasgow after getting off the airplane, I found the experience a bit nerve-wracking. Now if you have driven on the other side before, probably no big deal. I would suggest you acquaint yourself with the different street symbols. We thought the funny little "arrows" on the road meant "enter here", when it was just the opposite, and we briefly found ourselves driving the wrong way on the M. Thank goodness the country is known for its scotch....I needed a lot later.

Brave, or stupid? We shall see!!!

[Downunder Kilt]

Now, this is a good idea. All we'll have is *maybe* a cell phone and a notebook computer. Charge it in the CAR! I like this. Joan doesn't use a curling iron. Oh, wait...but she DOES use a hair dryer. OK. We need the adapter after all.

Your phone and computer chargers should work fine in any wall socket with the use of an adaptor, the hairdryer you ( I mean Joan) has, may be for use in 110v only countries. If you want to take that one you have to get a transformer so that the power comming out of the wall in the UK (220v) can be stepped down to 110V. Probably better to buy a hairdryer in the UK.

[cessna152towser]

Be aware that our electricity is 240 volts, alternating current(AC). Direct current(DC) equipment will burn out very quickly if you connect it to AC.
For car hire, I'd suggest Hertz as they are probably the largest and best known car hire company here in Europe. Hertz renew their vehicles after six months, usually they have a quick desk service at the airport and they have good back up service if anything goes wrong, but they are not the cheapest. Gabriele and I hire from Hertz when we fly to Germany.

[Chas]

Tesco (a nationwide shopping centre) is currently selling their cheapest hair-dryers for £8.50.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-20...skuId=215-3660

You could save the weight and just give it away at the end of your trip.

[hector]

Alan,
I have one question myself: what about the kilt during your stay in Scotland?