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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Alamo in San Antonio include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in San Antonio, including Alamo, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Alamo rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in San Antonio.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Alamo counter in San Antonio when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Alamo booking in San Antonio are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Alamo counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Alamo counter in San Antonio charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Alamo to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
How do I get to the Alamo counter at San Antonio International Airport?
At San Antonio International Airport (SAT), the Alamo counter is located inside the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) at 9559 Airport Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78216. You do not need a shuttle to reach it.
From Terminal B baggage claim, follow the rental car signs to the elevator or escalator, go up to the Mezzanine or third level, and cross the Sky Bridge directly into the CONRAC lobby. Once inside, proceed to the Alamo counter to complete your paperwork and receive your vehicle assignment.
Plan for roughly 20 to 45 minutes from baggage claim to driving away, depending on counter wait times and how long the vehicle inspection takes. Before leaving the lot, check the car for any pre-existing damage and take photos of the full exterior.
What documents do I need to pick up my Alamo rental car in San Antonio?
To collect your Alamo rental in San Antonio, bring the following physical documents to the counter:
- A valid, unexpired driver's license with a photo (original, not a digital copy)
- A major credit card in the main driver's name, with the driver's name printed on the card, for the security deposit hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States)
If your driver's license is not in English and uses a non-Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without your original license.
All documents must be physical. Digital versions shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Alamo counter in San Antonio.
What are the operating hours for the Alamo counter at San Antonio Airport?
The Alamo counter at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM. The counter is located inside the CONRAC facility at 9559 Airport Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78216, accessible via the Sky Bridge from Terminal B.
If your flight arrives after the counter closes, an after-hours key drop option may be available. However, you remain responsible for the vehicle until Alamo staff checks it in the following morning. Always confirm after-hours procedures directly with Alamo before your arrival in San Antonio, as policies can vary.
If your flight is delayed by less than 24 hours from your original pickup time, Alamo will generally hold your reservation. Delays beyond 24 hours may require you to contact support to adjust your booking.
How do toll roads work for Alamo rentals in San Antonio?
San Antonio and the broader Texas highway network operate on a largely cashless toll system. When you pick up your Alamo rental in San Antonio, the vehicle will already include an electronic toll device (transponder or plate-based billing). Cash toll booths are rare and many facilities do not accept cash at all.
At the Alamo counter in San Antonio, you typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a flat daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per rental day, covering all toll usage during your rental period
- Pay per use: you drive through tolls normally and Alamo bills the actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees to your credit card, sometimes weeks after you return the vehicle
Estimated daily toll costs in San Antonio range from approximately US$2 to US$10, depending on which routes you use. If you plan to drive frequently on toll express lanes or travel toward Austin, Dallas, or Houston, the unlimited package may offer better value.
Texas has no congestion charges or emissions zones, so there are no additional city-center driving fees to worry about beyond standard tolls.
Does Alamo charge airport fees on top of the base rate in San Antonio?
Yes, picking up your Alamo rental at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) adds several mandatory fees on top of the base rental rate. These are standard airport surcharges that apply to all rental companies at SAT, not just Alamo.
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): 1% of the rental rate
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): US$4.50 per rental day
- Bexar County rental car tax: 13.5%
- Potential city tourism assessments
Combined, these surcharges can add roughly 20 to 25% to your base rate. This is higher than off-airport Alamo locations in San Antonio, which avoid the airport concession and CFC fees and can be 15 to 30% cheaper. However, off-airport pickup adds travel time to reach the location.
Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate versus what is due at the San Antonio counter. If a fee appears at the Alamo counter that was not disclosed on your confirmation, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply.
Can I get Tolls Cashback on my Alamo rental in San Antonio?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Alamo rentals in San Antonio, include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental.
San Antonio uses cashless toll roads, and if you drive on Texas toll highways (including routes toward Austin, Dallas, or Houston), those toll charges qualify. To claim your cashback after returning your Alamo vehicle in San Antonio:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA followed by your confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the Alamo rental agreement signed at pickup, and a toll invoice or statement showing charges paid
Example: if your San Antonio Alamo booking total is US$400, the 5% cap is US$20. If you paid US$14 in tolls, you receive US$14 back. If you paid US$30, you receive US$20 (the cap). Refunds are issued to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions beyond 30 days are not accepted.
Is a credit card required to pick up an Alamo car in San Antonio?
Yes, a major credit card in the main driver's name, with the driver's name physically printed on the card, is required at the Alamo counter in San Antonio. The card is used to place a temporary security hold, not a charge, on your available credit.
For standard vehicles at Alamo in San Antonio, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount depends on the vehicle class and rental duration. This hold reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after you return the car, which can take up to 15 business days.
- Debit cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold
- Prepaid or virtual cards are not accepted
- The card must be in the main driver's name, not a third party's
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are not accepted for the deposit
Even if you prepaid your Alamo booking in San Antonio online, you must still present a physical credit card at the counter. Bringing a backup credit card is strongly recommended in case your primary card is declined.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for my Alamo rental in San Antonio?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at the Alamo counter in San Antonio if your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. In that case, you must carry both your original license and the IDP together.
If your license is in English or uses a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required. However, having one can prevent delays or disputes at the Alamo counter in San Antonio, particularly if the agent cannot read your license.
Important rules to remember:
- The IDP is a translation document only. It is not a standalone license and will not be accepted without your original license
- You must obtain the IDP in your home country before traveling. It cannot be issued in the United States
- Digital or photocopied licenses are not accepted at the Alamo counter in San Antonio
- Learner's permits are not valid for rental purposes
If you are unsure whether your license qualifies, obtain an IDP before your trip to avoid any issues at pickup.
Are there young driver surcharges for Alamo rentals in San Antonio?
Yes, drivers under 25 years old are subject to a young-driver surcharge when picking up an Alamo rental in San Antonio. The minimum age to rent with Alamo in San Antonio is 21.
For Alamo in San Antonio, the young-driver surcharge is US$15 per day, plus applicable taxes, paid at the counter. This fee applies to drivers aged 21 to 24 and is in addition to the base rental rate.
Drivers under 25 are also restricted from renting certain vehicle classes in San Antonio. Categories such as full-size SUVs, premium, luxury, convertibles, minivans, and vans are typically reserved for renters aged 25 and older. Compact, economy, and intermediate vehicles are generally available to younger drivers.
There is no upper age limit for renting with Alamo in San Antonio. The surcharge disappears entirely once the main driver turns 25.
How do I add an additional driver to my Alamo reservation in San Antonio?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Alamo rental in San Antonio, either at no cost (if your rate includes it) or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
For Alamo in San Antonio, the additional driver fee is US$15 per day plus taxes when not included in your rate. Check your booking confirmation for the line item that reads additional driver free of charge to confirm whether it is already covered.
To add a driver at the Alamo counter in San Antonio:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup
- They must present a valid driver's license (and an IDP if their license uses a non-Latin alphabet)
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
- The additional driver must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 in San Antonio
Only drivers listed on the Alamo rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. If someone not listed on the contract drives the vehicle in San Antonio, those protections may be void. If you need to add a driver after pickup, visit an Alamo branch to update the agreement.
What driving quirks should I know before picking up my Alamo rental in San Antonio?
San Antonio has a few road features that can surprise first-time visitors, especially those arriving from outside the United States.
- Single-Point Urban Interchanges (SPUIs): San Antonio uses compact interchange designs where all ramps converge at one signalized point. Unlike traditional cloverleaf or diamond interchanges, these allow simultaneous left turns without crossing paths. They are efficient but can feel disorienting if you are not expecting them.
- I-35 construction: A major US$3 billion expansion of I-35 through downtown and northward is ongoing, adding toll-free express lanes and HOV lanes over 16 miles. Rebuilt interchanges at Loop 410 and Loop 1604 mean exits and merges may not match older maps or GPS directions.
- Double-decked freeways: Sections of I-10 and I-410 are elevated on two levels, which can be confusing for drivers from regions with single-level highways.
- Concentric loop system: Loop 410 (inner) and Loop 1604 (outer) ring the city, but overlapping highway designations and concurrent routes can produce unexpected signage.
Fuel prices in San Antonio average approximately US$3.63 per gallon for regular, which is below the National average, making it a relatively affordable city for your Alamo rental. There are no emission zones or congestion charges in San Antonio.
What fuel policy applies to my Alamo rental in San Antonio?
Your Alamo rental in San Antonio follows a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
At pickup at the San Antonio CONRAC facility, check the fuel gauge with the Alamo agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge before leaving the lot.
When returning your Alamo vehicle in San Antonio:
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location at 9559 Airport Blvd to avoid the gauge dropping before you arrive
- Keep your fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- Take a photo of the full gauge at the pump as evidence
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, Alamo may charge a fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Fuel prices in San Antonio average approximately US$3.63 per gallon for regular, which is below the National average, so refueling locally before returning your Alamo car is straightforward and cost-effective.
Does travel assistance come with my Alamo booking in San Antonio?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Alamo rentals in San Antonio, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency or accident while driving in San Antonio or on Texas highways.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. If you are a US or Canadian resident renting an Alamo vehicle in San Antonio, this benefit is not available to you.
If you need assistance while driving your Alamo rental in San Antonio, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. This travel assistance does not replace CDW/LDW for vehicle damage or LIS/ALI/SLI for third-party liability, which are separate coverages.
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