VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Alamo in Charleston include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Alamo counter in Charleston when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Alamo booking in Charleston 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 Charleston 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)
Where is the Alamo counter at Charleston International Airport (CHS)?
The Alamo counter at Charleston International Airport (CHS) is located near baggage claim in the main terminal. After collecting your bags, proceed to the Alamo desk to complete your rental agreement, then take a short walk to the Rental Car Facility in the adjacent parking garage. No shuttle is required, as the garage is within walking distance of the terminal.
Counter hours at the Charleston CHS location are 00:00 to 00:30 and 07:00 to 23:59 daily. If you are arriving outside those windows, plan accordingly, as standard pickup requires a counter visit.
Alamo also offers an Accelerated Check-in option at select locations. If available at Charleston, you can activate it online before arrival, proceed directly to your assigned vehicle, and present your printed agreement along with your driver's license at the exit booth, skipping the counter entirely.
How do I return my Alamo rental car at Charleston Airport after hours?
Yes, after-hours returns are available for Alamo rentals at Charleston International Airport (CHS).
When returning outside counter hours, park your vehicle in the designated Alamo space in the airport rental car area. Then drop the keys in the key drop box located at the Alamo counter inside the terminal. Make sure to note the vehicle's condition and fuel level before leaving.
- Park in the marked Alamo return area at CHS
- Record the odometer reading and fuel gauge level
- Take a photo of the dashboard as documentation
- Drop keys in the Alamo drop box at the terminal counter
- Keep your rental agreement and any fuel receipts
Be aware that liability for the vehicle may continue until the Alamo desk formally checks it in the following morning. If any discrepancy arises after return, your photos and receipts from the Charleston drop-off will serve as evidence.
What documents do I need to pick up my Alamo rental in Charleston?
To pick up your Alamo rental in Charleston, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card 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 or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the U.S.)
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For all other non-English licenses, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license.
All documents must be physical. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Alamo counter in Charleston or at any other location.
Does Hola Car Rentals offer toll cashback for Alamo rentals in Charleston?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which applies to your Alamo rental in Charleston and any toll roads you use during your trip.
South Carolina has one primary toll road, the Southern Connector near Greenville, which uses the PalPass electronic system. If you drive beyond the Charleston area and encounter tolls, you can claim back up to 5% of your total Hola Car Rentals booking value for tolls paid.
To claim your cashback after returning your Alamo vehicle:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the Alamo rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing toll charges paid
Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for your reservation and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
Are there toll roads near Charleston and how do they work with an Alamo rental?
Charleston itself does not have toll roads within the city. South Carolina's primary toll road is the Southern Connector, a 16-mile stretch connecting I-185 to I-385 near Greenville, which you may encounter if driving inland from Charleston.
The Southern Connector uses the PalPass (also called Palmetto Pass) electronic system. Cash and credit card payments are accepted at mainline plazas, while some ramps require exact change. Typical costs for a standard car range from a minimum of US$0.075 to a maximum of US$3.00 for the full 16-mile route.
Your Alamo rental vehicle in Charleston will come equipped with an electronic toll device. At the counter you can choose:
- An unlimited toll package at a fixed daily rate (typically US$11 to US$25 per day depending on the program)
- Pay-per-use, where Alamo bills you the actual toll plus an administrative processing fee per transaction
If you drive through a cashless toll lane without enrolling in a program, Alamo will charge the toll at the highest undiscounted rate plus an administrative fee, which can be significantly higher than paying at the booth. Enrolling at the Charleston counter is the simplest way to avoid unexpected post-rental charges.
What is the security deposit for an Alamo rental in Charleston?
When you pick up your Alamo rental in Charleston, a temporary authorization hold will be placed on your credit card. For standard vehicles rented in the United States, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class, rental duration, and the specific Alamo location.
Important things to know about the deposit hold:
- It is a temporary authorization, not a charge, but it reduces your available credit until released
- Only a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
- After you return the vehicle, Alamo releases the hold, but your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release
- Premium or specialty vehicle classes at the Charleston location may carry higher hold amounts
To avoid issues at the Charleston Alamo counter, notify your bank of your travel plans in advance and confirm you have sufficient available credit to cover both the hold and any expected charges.
Can I add an additional driver to my Alamo rental in Charleston?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Alamo rental in Charleston, either as part of your rate or for a fee paid at the counter.
For Alamo rentals in Charleston, the additional driver fee is US$15 per day plus applicable taxes when not included in your rate. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included at no extra cost.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Charleston Alamo counter:
- The additional driver must be present at pick-up with a valid driver's license
- They must meet the minimum age requirements for Charleston rentals
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is also required
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the Alamo rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the vehicle may void coverage and result in additional charges. If you need to add a driver after pick-up, visit an Alamo branch to update the agreement.
Does travel assistance apply to my Alamo rental in Charleston?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to your Alamo rental in Charleston as well. However, this benefit is available only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify.
If you are eligible, the coverage includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident, which is particularly relevant on South Carolina highways near Charleston
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you experience a medical emergency or accident while driving your Alamo rental in or around Charleston, contact the assistance line immediately:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992, available 24 hours a day
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your full name and Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with Alamo in Charleston?
The minimum age to rent a car with Alamo in Charleston without additional surcharges is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be subject to a daily young-renter surcharge, and most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers 25 and older.
Vehicle classes typically restricted to drivers under 25 at the Charleston Alamo location include full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, convertibles, luxury, and premium categories. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, and intermediate classes.
Key points to keep in mind:
- South Carolina is not one of the states (like New York or Michigan) that requires rentals to drivers aged 18 and older, so the standard Alamo policy of 21 as the minimum applies in Charleston
- The young-renter surcharge is paid at the counter and is not included in your prepaid rate
- A valid driver's license and a major credit card in the main driver's name are still required regardless of age
If you are between 21 and 24 and traveling from Latin America or the Caribbean, check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation, as certain Avis and Budget rates may waive the underage fee. This exception does not apply to Alamo rentals in Charleston.
What is the fuel policy for Alamo rentals in Charleston?
Alamo rentals in Charleston follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to follow for a smooth fuel return at Charleston:
- At pick-up, verify 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 fuel gauge
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Charleston return location before dropping off the vehicle
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- For after-hours returns at Charleston Airport (CHS), leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge
If you return the Alamo vehicle below the recorded starting level, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus an administrative service fee. Returning the vehicle full is always the most cost-effective option when renting in Charleston.
Can I pick up an Alamo car in Charleston and return it in another city?
Yes, one-way rentals are possible with Alamo in Charleston, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location.
Common patterns for one-way rentals from Charleston:
- Returning to a different city or state from Charleston typically incurs a drop-off fee, which varies by distance, vehicle class, and season
- Returning to a nearby location within the same metro area may not carry a fee, but this depends on the specific route
- Cross-border one-way rentals (for example, returning to Canada) are often restricted or carry significantly higher fees
The drop-off fee for your Charleston Alamo booking will be shown on the details page during checkout under the section labeled as the amount due at destination. It is not a prepaid charge and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed during booking.
If you need to change your return location after booking, be aware that modifications may reprice the rental and recalculate the drop-off fee. Contact support before making changes to understand the cost impact for your Charleston reservation.
Does Alamo in Charleston have off-airport pickup locations?
Yes, Alamo has locations in the Charleston area beyond the airport. In addition to the main counter at Charleston International Airport (CHS) at 5500 International Blvd, there are off-airport locations including 2039 Savannah Hwy in Charleston and 3454 W Montague Ave in North Charleston.
Things to consider when choosing between airport and off-airport Alamo locations in Charleston:
- The CHS airport counter is the most convenient option if you are arriving by plane, as it is near baggage claim with a short walk to the rental car garage and no shuttle required
- Off-airport locations in Charleston may offer lower daily rates because they do not carry airport concession fees and surcharges
- If you pick up at an off-airport Charleston location, you will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to that address
- Counter hours and vehicle availability at the Savannah Hwy and North Charleston locations may differ from the CHS airport counter
Always confirm the exact address and hours for your chosen Alamo location in Charleston on your booking confirmation before travel.
Are there extra airport fees when renting with Alamo at Charleston Airport?
Yes, renting with Alamo at Charleston International Airport (CHS) includes airport-related fees and taxes on top of your base rental rate. These are standard charges applied at most U.S. airport rental locations and are not unique to Alamo.
Typical fees you may see at the Charleston CHS Alamo counter include:
- Airport concession recovery fee, typically a percentage of the base rate charged by the airport authority
- Customer facility charge (CFC), a fixed per-day or per-rental fee that funds the rental car facility at CHS
- State and local rental taxes applicable in South Carolina
Your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation will indicate whether taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate or listed as amounts due at the Charleston pick-up counter. If your confirmation shows taxes and fees as included, you should not be billed separately for those items at the Alamo desk. If you are charged for something not disclosed on your confirmation, Hola Car Rentals No Extra Charges© Coverage may apply after verification.
Choosing an off-airport Alamo location in Charleston, such as the Savannah Hwy branch, can reduce these surcharges, though you will need to arrange your own transport from the airport.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Suggested Currencies
- $ USD - United States Dollar
- € EUR - Euro
Other Countries
-
Albania
-
Algeria
-
Andorra
-
Angola
-
Antigua & Barbuda
-
Argentina
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Bahamas
-
Bahrain
-
Bangladesh
-
Barbados
-
Belgium
-
Belize
-
Benin
-
Bermuda
-
Bolivia
-
Bosnia & Herzegovina
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
British Virgin Islands
-
Bulgaria
-
Burkina Faso
-
Burundi
-
Cameroon
-
Canada
-
Cape Verde
-
Cayman Islands
-
Central African Republic
-
Chad
-
Chile
-
Colombia
-
Comoros
-
Congo - Brazzaville
-
Congo - Kinshasa
-
Costa Rica
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Croatia
-
Curaçao
-
Cyprus
-
Czechia
-
Denmark
-
Djibouti
-
Dominica
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Egypt
-
El Salvador
-
Equatorial Guinea
-
Eritrea
-
Estonia
-
Eswatini
-
Ethiopia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Gabon
-
Gambia
-
Germany
-
Ghana
-
Greece
-
Grenada
-
Guatemala
-
Guinea
-
Guinea-Bissau
-
Guyana
-
Haiti
-
Honduras
-
Hong Kong SAR
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
India
-
Iraq
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Jamaica
-
Japan
-
Jordan
-
Kenya
-
Kuwait
-
Latvia
-
Lebanon
-
Lesotho
-
Liberia
-
Libya
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Madagascar
-
Malawi
-
Mali
-
Malta
-
Mauritania
-
Mauritius
-
Mexico
-
Moldova
-
Monaco
-
Montenegro
-
Morocco
-
Mozambique
-
Namibia
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Nicaragua
-
Niger
-
Nigeria
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Palestinian Territories
-
Panama
-
Paraguay
-
Peru
-
Philippines
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
Romania
-
Russia
-
Rwanda
-
San Marino
-
São Tomé & Príncipe
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Senegal
-
Serbia
-
Seychelles
-
Sierra Leone
-
Singapore
-
Sint Maarten
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Somalia
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
South Sudan
-
Spain
-
St. Lucia
-
St. Vincent & Grenadines
-
Sudan
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Togo
-
Trinidad & Tobago
-
Tunisia
-
Türkiye
-
Turks & Caicos Islands
-
Uganda
-
Ukraine
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Uruguay
-
Vatican City
-
Venezuela
-
Yemen
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe