At Sicarro, we believe in transparent, honest pricing with no hidden fees. This guide breaks down exactly what you pay when renting a car, so you can budget confidently and enjoy savings of up to 30% compared to traditional rental agencies in El Salvador.
✅ No hidden fees guarantee: The price you see at checkout is the price you pay. Sicarro never adds surprise charges after your booking is confirmed.
Daily Rental Rate
The daily rate is the base price set by the vehicle supplier. It covers:
- Use of the vehicle for a 24-hour period
- Basic insurance coverage (included with every Sicarro rental)
- Standard mileage allowance (most listings include unlimited mileage — check the listing details)
Daily rates on Sicarro typically range from $25-$45/day for economy cars up to $80-$150/day for SUVs and premium vehicles. Rates vary by vehicle type, supplier, location, and season.
Weekly and Monthly Discounts
Many Sicarro suppliers offer discounts for longer rental periods:
| Rental Duration | Typical Discount |
|---|---|
| 1-6 days | Standard daily rate |
| 7+ days (weekly) | 10-15% off daily rate |
| 30+ days (monthly) | 20-30% off daily rate |
Discounts are applied automatically at checkout when your rental duration qualifies. The listing page shows the discounted rate when applicable.
Sicarro Service Fee
Sicarro charges a service fee on the rental price. The rate depends on the payment method you choose:
- Credit or debit card: 9% (VAT included)
- Bitcoin Lightning: 5% (VAT included)
The fee appears as a separate line at checkout and the total is rounded up to the next whole dollar. Paying with Lightning saves you the difference.
Security Deposit (Refundable)
A refundable security deposit is required for every rental. The amount is set by the supplier, typically between $100 and $500 depending on the vehicle category.
- Shown separately in your booking summary and in your confirmation
- Paid in cash to the supplier when the vehicle is handed over, not online
- Fully refunded within 3-7 business days after you return the car in good condition
See our Security Deposit Guide for full details.
Insurance Coverage (Included)
Every Sicarro rental includes basic insurance coverage at no extra cost:
- Third-party liability coverage
- Basic collision damage coverage
- Coverage details are shown on each listing
This means you don't need to purchase separate insurance for your rental — it's already built into the price. See our Insurance Coverage article for details on what's included and excluded.
Optional Extras
Some suppliers offer add-ons that you can include in your booking for an additional fee:
- GPS navigation: ~$5-$10/day — useful if you don't have a local SIM for phone navigation
- Child seat / booster: ~$5-$8/day — infant, toddler, and booster options available
- Airport pickup/delivery: $15-$30 one-way — the supplier delivers the car to the airport or your hotel
- Additional driver: ~$5-$10/day — add a second authorized driver to the rental
- Roof rack / cargo carrier: ~$10-$15/day — for surfboards, bikes, or extra luggage
Optional extras are clearly listed on the vehicle page and added to your total at checkout. Not all suppliers offer all extras.
Fuel Policy Impact on Cost
The fuel policy can affect your total rental cost:
- Free Tank: Fuel is included in the rental rate. Most convenient but may have a slightly higher daily rate
- Full-to-Full: You fill up before return. Budget for one tank of gas (typically $40-$80 depending on tank size)
- Like-for-Like: Return with the same level. Usually no additional fuel cost
The fuel policy is clearly shown on every listing. See our Fuel Policy Guide for details.
Seasonal Pricing
Rental prices in El Salvador may vary by season:
- Peak season (November - March): Dry season and holidays — higher demand, prices may increase 10-20%
- Shoulder season (April, October): Moderate demand — good balance of price and availability
- Low season (May - September): Rainy season — lower demand, best prices and deals
💡 Tip: Book early during peak season (December-February) when demand is highest. Many suppliers offer early-bird discounts for bookings made 2+ weeks in advance.
How to Find the Best Deals
Maximize your savings with these strategies:
- Book longer: Weekly and monthly rates are significantly cheaper per day
- Book early: Prices tend to be lower when booked in advance
- Travel off-peak: May through September offers the lowest rates
- Compare listings: Different suppliers price similarly equipped cars differently
- Choose wisely: Do you really need an SUV? A compact car is cheaper and easier to park
- Pay with Lightning: Save on payment processing with ultra-low Lightning Network fees
- Skip unnecessary extras: Use your phone for GPS instead of renting a unit
Price Comparison: Sicarro vs. Traditional Agencies
Sicarro offers up to 30% savings compared to traditional car rental agencies in El Salvador. Here's why:
| Factor | Traditional Agency | Sicarro |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden fees | Common (airport surcharge, admin fees, insurance upsells) | None — all fees shown upfront |
| Insurance upselling | Aggressive at counter | Basic insurance included |
| Overhead costs | Office rent, staff, fleet depreciation | Lean platform — savings passed to you |
| Payment options | Cards only | Cards, Bitcoin Lightning, cash |
| Average daily rate | $55-$90 for mid-size | $35-$60 for mid-size |
No Hidden Fees Guarantee
Sicarro is committed to transparent pricing. You will never encounter:
- Airport surcharges
- Administrative or documentation fees
- Mandatory insurance upsells at pickup
- One-way fees (unless specified in the listing)
- Underage driver fees (minimum age is set by the supplier — no extra charge if you meet the requirement)
- Mileage overcharges (most listings include unlimited mileage)
✅ Our promise: The total shown at checkout is the total you pay. If you ever find an unexplained charge, contact us at support@sicarro.com and we'll resolve it immediately.
