Gentleman that explained the features of the vehicle and the security alarm system was courteous and helpful.
I'll stick to the facts: 1. It took them over 1.5 hours to provide me with a vehicle. 2. I booked an automatic and they didn't have any automatics in hand. (Said people were not returning cars on time - I think it was BS) 3. They discounted me $10 per day for "my troubles" _ WHAT IN THE WORLD COULD I DO IF I DIDN'T ALSO KNOW HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION! 4. My reservation said Chevy Tahoe or similar (I chose the biggest car). I'm sorry to report that a Susuki Gran Vitara provided by Budget is NOT on the same level as a Chevrolet Tahoe. (They said it was the biggest vehicle they had). 5. They couldn't use my Citi Credit Card because it had a chip and the letters/numbers did not jet-out from the card like the old cards. They say the country had not upgraded their credit system, so I guess it wasn't their fault? Except I had no trouble using my c.c. all over the rest of Ecuador... I eneded up using my Chase c.c. which also had a chip, but the letters/numbers did jet out still. 6. Even after I purchased their insurance, which I didn't want to because my Citi c.c. covers it, they still had to take a $1,500 hold on my card... Not a problem for me, but imagine if my secondary card didn't have a high enough limit. 7. I wanted to return to the vehicle earlier and they said it was a 24 hours charge for the day regardless. I said ok, but I get to the airport and the office is close at 7am! I think they come in at 8am? Avis was open. I don't know if my experience would have been any better at any of the other companies, but my point is I won't be renting from budget any time in the future and would advise other fellow travelers to try Avis or Thifty both opened at 6:00am when I got to the airport.
