How to Rent Cars in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, you can find dozens of car-rental companies, including seven at the Philadelphia International Airport. For every car rental, Pennsylvania collects a 2 percent tax plus a $2-per-day fee, and the city of Philadelphia collects a 2 percent tax on each rental, according to Avis. As of 2010, those renting cars in Philadelphia can save almost 11 percent by renting from a non-airport location, as airport car-rental desks charge an airport concession fee.

• 1

  Research rental car companies in Philadelphia. Perform an Internet search for "Philadelphia rental car companies" or use a comparison website like Expedia or Orbitz to find the best deal on a car rental that fits your budget.

• 2

  Make a reservation. Once you decide on a rental company and a car, use that company's website or reservations number to make a reservation. Chose the correct Philadelphia location when you reserve, since many of the major rental companies have numerous Philadelphia branches.

• 3

  Secure the reservation. The rental-car company will need a valid credit or debit card to finalize and secure your reservation. Many rental companies also allow you to fill out all of your contact and driver's license information online to save time when you pick up the car.

• 4

  Visit the rental-car location to pick up your rental car or arrange for pickup. Several Philadelphia Budget, Avis and Enterprise rental car branches offer customer pickup. The free customer pickup comes with certain geographic and time restrictions and needs to be arranged 24 hours in advance, states Budget Rental Cars.

• 5

  Fill out and sign the rental contract. If you did not fill out contact and driver's license information online, you will need to do that at the rental location, as well as sign the rental contract. The rental company employee will also inquire if you would like to add any extras to your contract like additional drivers, damage waivers or insurance.