When you need this

The price on the website is almost never the price at the counter. There are taxes, airport fees, a deposit on your card, and a list of rules with a charge for each one: late return, smoking, a dirty car, an empty tank, tolls. None of this is a trick if you ask before you sign.

The one question that protects you is "What's the total?" Say it clearly and wait for a number. Then ask about the deposit, which is money held on your card and given back after you return the car.

Phrases

the price for one day

asks for the final price with everything added

the extra charges added to the rate

money held on your card until you return the car

asks how long the hold stays on your card

extra money if you return the car after the time

money you pay to use some roads and bridges

a charge if the car comes back very dirty

the answer is almost always no

asks if you may drive into another country or state

asks how fines are handled

asks for the price on paper before you sign

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.