8 Tips for Picking Up Your Car at SDQ or PUJ Without Delays

After a flight, the last thing you want is a long line. These tips help you get through the counter quickly, at both Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). At the end you'll find what to do in your first minutes behind the wheel, how to return the car and answers to the most common questions.

1. Book online in advance

Book at least 24 hours ahead. Your details will already be in the system, so you'll only need to confirm and sign.

Booking early also lets you check the total price at your own pace, compare coverage options and review your booking in Manage my booking before you travel.

2. Add your flight number

If your flight is delayed, we follow your arrival and the car waits for you at the counter.

Make sure the number is entered correctly, with the airline code. If you change flights, update it in your booking.

3. Know your airport's hours

Las Américas is open 24 hours. Punta Cana is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. If you land outside those hours in Punta Cana, let us know when you book.

Each airport has its own guide with all the details: Las Américas International Airport and Punta Cana International Airport.

4. Keep your documents handy

Bring a valid driver's license, your ID card or passport and a credit card in the driver's name. Keeping them together, outside your suitcase, saves minutes.

If you'll be taking turns at the wheel, the additional driver should also have their license handy so we can register them.

5. Check your card's available credit

We place a refundable hold of US$300 to US$500 on your card, depending on the coverage. Without coverage, it's US$1,200. Make sure you have enough available credit before you travel.

Call your bank before you leave: confirm your available credit and that you can use the card outside your home country. That way the hold won't be declined at the counter.

6. Decide on coverage before you arrive

Compare the options while you book. Arriving with your mind made up is what speeds up the paperwork the most.

If it helps, Coverage and Card Holds explains what changes depending on the coverage you choose.

7. Check the car before you leave

Walk around the car, take photos or a video of any detail and note the fuel level. Return it with the same level, or take the prepaid full tank and return it empty.

A quick check, in this order, takes just a few minutes:

• Body: scratches or dents on the doors, bumpers and hood.
• Windows and mirrors: cracks or chips.
• Wheels and tires: visible damage.
• Interior: upholstery and dashboard.
• Features: air conditioning, lights and wipers.

If you spot anything, point it out before you drive off.

8. Save the assistance number

Your rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance nationwide: 809-544-7111 (option 3). Save it on your phone before you set off.

Write it down on paper or keep it with your booking confirmation too, in case your battery runs out. If you call, have your location and a description of the problem ready.

From the plane to the counter: the order that saves time

1. Turn on your phone when you land and check your messages.
2. Go through immigration with your passport handy.
3. Collect your luggage and clear customs.
4. Head out to the arrivals area and look for the Nelly counter, with your confirmation open.
5. Show your documents, sign and receive your car.

In arrivals you'll be offered taxis and transfers. With your booking in hand, you don't need them.

Your first minutes behind the wheel

• Adjust the mirrors and seat before you start.
• Put your destination into a navigation app and download the offline map while you have Wi-Fi.
• Bring cash in pesos for the tolls.
• Take it easy: watch for "policías acostados" ("sleeping police officers"), the local name for speed bumps, which aren't always painted, and for motorbikes, which may pass you on either side.
• Enter roundabouts slowly and yield to traffic already inside.
• If you can, drive in daylight on your first trips.

Fuel and parking

At many stations an attendant serves you: say how much you want and confirm the fuel type before they start. Keep cash handy in case cards aren't accepted. When you park, look for guarded parking lots and don't leave anything visible inside the car.

If you're heading to the Colonial Zone, remember its streets are narrow, and many are pedestrian-only or one-way: leave the car in a parking lot on the edge of the historic center and explore on foot. In Punta Cana, ask your hotel about guest parking.

If your flight is delayed

If you added your flight number, we follow your arrival. At Las Américas the counter is open 24 hours. In Punta Cana, if the delay means you'll land after 8:00 p.m., write to us as soon as you know.

When you return the car

• Arrive with time to spare before your flight.
• Return it with the same fuel level, or empty if you took the prepaid full tank.
• Check the glove box, the trunk and under the seats.
• If you return it at the other airport, additional charges may apply.

Mistakes that make the wait longer

• Packing your license in your checked bag.
• Using a card in someone else's name.
• Arriving without enough available credit for the hold.
• Deciding on coverage at the counter.
• Forgetting to add or update your flight number.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, at least 24 hours ahead. That way your details are already in the system.

Is the hold a charge?

No. It's a refundable hold on your credit card: US$300 to US$500 depending on the coverage, or US$1,200 without coverage.

What if I land at night in Punta Cana?

The counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Let us know when you book if you land outside those hours.

Can someone else drive?

Yes, if you register them as an additional driver at the counter; there may be a daily fee.

Who do I call if the car breaks down?

24/7 roadside assistance: 809-544-7111 (option 3). You'll find more answers in our FAQ.

With everything ready, pickup takes just minutes. Pick your dates and book your car.