You're planning a trip to Central Asia and want to rent a 4×4 or a motorcycle.
Wondering who to rent your car from ? Where to find a good rental agency ? This guide is for you!
Why book your car in advance?
Central Asia is all about adventure, but it's also about chaotic roads and demanding terrain.
In summer, cars go fast! Demand outstrips supply, and good vehicles are often booked up months in advance. By blocking your 4×4 in advance, you can secure a good price and avoid wasting time on the spot.
Anticipation is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises!
Want to explore several countries? Make sure the rental company has the necessary papers and insurance to cross borders without worry.
Contents
- 1 What documents are needed?
- 2 Do I need an international permit?
- 3 Do I need insurance?
- 4 What should I ask my rental company before choosing my car?
- 5 What to do once you've rented your car
- 6 What are the special features of the Highway Code?
- 7 What is the price of petrol in Central Asia?
- 8 What are the speed limits?
- 9 What are the fines in Kyrgyzstan?
- 10 What are the rules on blood alcohol levels?
- 11 How do I find my way?
- 12 Who can I rent a 4×4 from in Kyrgyzstan?
- 13 Who can I rent a car from in Kazakhstan?
- 14 Who can I rent a 4×4 from in Tajikistan?
- 15 Who can I rent a car from in Uzbekistan?
- 16 How to use the gearshift levers on a Lada Niva?
What documents are needed?
Don't forget your international driving license. It's free, valid for three years, and can be obtained easily from your local town hall or prefecture.
Before booking, ask rental companies in which countries their vehicles can be driven. Many do not have the necessary permits and insurance to cross borders.
Do I need an international permit?
Yes, an international driving license is compulsory! But if you don't have one, don't panic. You can get a notarized translation of your license into Russian. Some rental companies will arrange this for you before you arrive, for €30. All you have to do is send them a scan of your driving license and passport.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, check with your car insurance in France and your credit card insurance. They can supplement the cover provided by the rental company's insurance and sometimes offer interesting additional protection.
The rental companies I recommend offer insurance, but some bank cards offer additional cover. They may cover the deductible or offer better coverage in the event of a problem.
Always ask your rental company what warranties are included.
Photo taken by my buddy Reid with a Lada from my friend Azamat.
What should I ask my rental company before choosing my car?
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Which side is the steering wheel on?
In Central Asia, we drive on the right, but some vehicles are imported with the steering wheel on the right. Check before you book.
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Is there a mileage limit?
If mileage is not unlimited, ask for the price per extra kilometer. A flat rate of 300 km per day is usually sufficient.
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What equipment is provided?
If you're planning to do some climbing, find out what equipment is available. Trees are scarce in the mountains, so a winch won't do you much good. Ask instead:
- Traction straps
- Sand removal plates
- A shovel in case you get stuck
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Bonus equipment at Aydow
My mate Aydow has fitted all her Lada Niva' s with a compressor and a tire repair kit. Simple but ultra-useful when you're dying in the middle of nowhere.
What to do once you have rented the car?
Make a complete inventory
Inspect your vehicle thoroughly, inside and out. Check for dents, scratches, cigarette holes and any other visible defects.
Take photos as proof
Take detailed photos and send them to the rental company on WhatsApp. This way, you'll have proof of when the photos were taken, in case of a disagreement.
Avoid airport pick-up
Don't pick up your car at the airport, it's always more expensive. After that it's more convenient, so it's up to you 🙂 .
Photo taken by my buddy Tomas with a Lada from my friend Azamat.
What are the specifics of the traffic code?
Headlights on all the time
In Kyrgyzstan, outside the cities, you have to drive with your headlights on during the day.
Reverse priority in traffic circles
Unlike in France, those entering a traffic circle have priority.
What is the price of petrol in Central Asia?
The good news is that in Central Asia, petrol is cheaper than in Europe.
- Kazakhstan is a major oil-producing country, which means that its gasoline prices are among the lowest in the world: €0.42 per liter.
- In Uzbekistan: €0.79 per liter.
- In Kyrgyzstan: €0.76 per liter.
- In Tajikistan: €0.75 per liter.
What are the speed limits?
In Central Asia it's very simple, you have to drive at:
- 60 km/h in the city.
- 90 km/h outside of the cities.
- 110 km/h on motorways.
What are the fines in Kyrgyzstan?
There are more and more speed cameras. If you don't respect the speed limits, your rental company will receive your fines and deduct them from your deposit.
Below, I've listed the fines for the most common offences:
Most common fines
1000 soms
- Bad parking
- No belts in town
- Driving without a license
- Speeding under 20 km/h
3000 soms
- Telephone at the wheel
- No belt outside built-up areas
- Driving without headlights on
- Failure to obey a red light
7500 soms
- Speeding over 40 km/h
17,500 soms
- Alcohol and driving (zero tolerance)
Photo taken by my buddy Reid with a Lada from my friend Azamat.
What are the rules regarding blood alcohol levels?
Alcohol is not tolerated at the wheel, so don't drink and drive.
As in France, don't phone while driving.
How do I find my way?
Use Google Maps, Maps.me and Soviet Military Maps on your phone to find your way. To make sure they work perfectly, buy a local sim card.
If you prefer paper maps, the most accurate ones can be purchased at https://nostromoweb.fr/fr/cartes-tourisme/.
Who to rent a 4×4 from in Kyrgyzstan?
In Kyrgyzstan, I can recommend several of my friends who have rental agencies:
In Bishkek:
Azamat and Aydow, are friends who offer cars at very cheap prices. Their rates start at $55 per day, on top of which they offer a 5% discount to all blog readers.
Tatosh is a friend who offers a small fleet of vehicles at reasonable prices. Her vehicles can be driven in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
In Osh?
Oibek is a good friend. Above all, he's the person to know in Central Asia when it comes to car and motorcycle rentals. He offers a wide range of robust cars and motorcycles perfectly suited to travel in Pamir. Above all, he has incredible experience and knowledge of all the countries of Central Asia. He's a fascinating guy with lots to say.
This is the only rental company I know whose vehicles can be driven in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Thanks to its network, it's able to assist you anywhere in the event of a problem.
Who to rent a car from in Kazakhstan?
In Kazakhstan, you'll find several agencies like Europcar or Hertz that rent good city cars.
For travel throughout the country, I recommend Topcar. A reader told me about this Almaty agency. Since then, several other readers have recommended it to me. I've had nothing but good feedback and their prices are very reasonable.
Unfortunately, their vehicles cannot leave the country.
Only in Kyrgyzstan do I know of rental companies whose vehicles can cross borders.
Who to rent a 4×4 from in Tajikistan?
Renting a car without a driver in Tajikistan is complicated. If your goal is to travel through the Pamir, the best option is to rent a vehicle in Oibek.
Why go through him?
- Osh is the ideal starting point for exploring the Pamir.
- If you don't go through Osh, he can deliver a car anywhere in Tajikistan.
Who to rent a car from in Uzbekistan?
I sometimes read that it's impossible to rent a car without a driver in Uzbekistan. Not true, it's possible and easy. I don't have any contacts in the country, but I've had some very good feedback from readers of the blog.
I recommend renting a car from this agency, which offers a good range of vehicles that unfortunately can't leave the country.
How to use the gearshifts on a Lada Niva?
When driving a Lada Niva, you'll soon notice that there are three gearshift levers. Each has its own role, and here's how to use them.
The biggest: the classic gearbox
This is the main lever, just like on any car.
- Older Nivas had 4 speeds.
- In 1986, the gearbox was upgraded to 5 speeds.
The medium lever (behind the large lever) :
This lever has three positions:
- Forward: low gears → Ideal for slow but torquey riding, perfect for off-roading.
- In the middle: dead center → Useful only for installing certain accessories, you won't be using it.
- Backwards: high speeds → For normal road use.
Mandatory stop!
You must come to a complete stop before changing the position of this lever, otherwise you'll be in trouble!
The smallest (center):
It has two positions:
- Forward → Differential unlocked, standard mode.
- Rearward → Differential locked, useful for overcoming obstacles.
Watch out!
- Never lock the differential on dry or asphalt roads, as you risk damaging the transmission.
- If the differential gets stuck, put it in reverse or apply the brakes at low speed, and it will unblock.
And remember: always disengage the clutch before operating these levers.
If you prefer to buy your own car, I advise you to take an old Lada, as I did:
You've got all the tips and addresses you need to organize your road trip and car rental in Central Asia. Do you have any other questions you'd like this guide to answer? Don't hesitate to leave your questions, recommendations and advice in the comments section. I wish you a good preparation and a good road trip. See you soon.