GoCar means experiencing car rental differently in Malaysia.
With all the travels that Hubby and I have done, we have experienced the process of car hiring many times. What sticks in my mind about car hire with other companies (which I will not name) is that the pickup process is lengthy and the overall experience is not always so user friendly. Plus it can get quite pricey.
And so when I heard about a company called GoCar in Malaysia, I was like “heck yes!” It’s about time someone turned the car hire industry on its head and challenged the status quo a little more, because it was time to make car hire more efficient.
GoCar is a Malaysian owned company that started in Kuala Lumpur. The company has since expanded to over 60 locations across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, and Langkawi.
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So What is GoCar anyway?
Great question young grasshopper. GoCar is an on-demand car sharing platform – it is an alternative option to the usual car rental services that we have seen in the market so far. So if you are considering car rental in Malaysia, think GoCar.
What this means is that through the GoCar app on your phone, you can register, book, unlock and access your car. No more waiting in line to book or pick up your car, no more bad customer service experiences… just a simple and straight forward experience with GoCar.
And what’s more – there are GoCar cars parked in over 60 locations across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, and Langkawi. Meaning there are more pick up options, and pick up can happen any time of the day. No more managing pick up/drop off between office operating hours. The world’s your oyster with GoCar, which gives you more flexibility and options.
For first time users of GoCar, it just takes up to 24-hours to verify your profile. You need to take a photo of your driver’s license and passport for verification (for foreigners). You have to be at least 21 years old and there is a one-time membership fee of RM50. Otherwise, once approved, you’re ready to go!
It’s truly easy…like ABC…just see for yourself!
My GoCar Experience in Langkawi
When I heard GoCar expanded to Langkawi, I was over the moon.
You see, the best way to get around Langkawi is by car. Forget public transport here because it is practically none existent. And the chilled-out island time of Langkawi makes it super easy to drive around.
But the last time we were in Langkawi, we rented a car from one of the stalls at the airport and I really wasn’t impressed. First the customer service and the whole pick up experience was a bit dodgy. Secondly, the car was dirty and so run down. I mean I even questioned if it was even road worthy. Yet off we went.
This time around was going to be different. As soon as flights were booked, I popped my GoCar app open and booked my car. And the best news was that it actually cost me less to book with GoCar than when I booked a car with another car rental company in Langkawi….AND the cars are all near new, properly insured and maintained.
It’s simple really.
It just took me less than 5 minutes to book.
Wam, bam, thank you mam, I am off to Langkawi!
We opted to pick up our GoCar from Langkawi Airport. Upon landing, I opened the GoCar app and clicked “Start Trip.” The app then explained how to find the GoCar in the airport parking. When we located the car, we hit another button on the app to unlock the car – “beep beep” went the car and it was unlocked.
To get the keys to the car, you just need to access the glove box to find a small lock box. Unlock the box using the pin number given to you in the app and there you go – the car keys.
It was that simple, and off we went on holiday in Langkawi. First stop was to check into our hotel at Temple Tree at Bon Ton before cruising around the island.
Returning the car at the end of the trip was just as simple as pick up. We just had to drop off the car back to the airport at the same location. Upon dropping off, I was prompted by the app to take a photo of the front and back of the car. Then drop the key back into the lock box in the glove box. After double checking nothing was left in the car, I hit “End Trip” on the app, and “beep beep” went the car and the car was locked.
Convinced? Get RM15 off your next GoCar booking by entering the promo code HELLORAYA. This is valid for all GoCar members with a minimum of 2 hour booking, and for travel up to 20 June 2018 in Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi.
5 Reason Why You Should #TakeGoCar
So if I haven’t convinced you that GoCar is the car rental in Malaysia for you, here are 5 reasons why I love GoCar:
Reason #1: 24-hour Wireless Check In
No longer do you need to wait until the car rental office opens to pick up your car… pick up your car at any time of the day, no matter how early or how late. This also means there is more flexibility in what time you drop off the car.
And the best news… it’s wireless. All you need is your phone, data connection, and the GoCar app. Upon reaching the car, the app unlocks the car – and then off you go!
And fellow traveler, no excuses that you have no data connection. Malaysia offers an array of mobile companies that have fantastic telephone and data packages. And you can easily purchase this at the airport upon arrival.
Reason #2: There are Heaps of Pick Up Locations
GoCar has worked hard to expand the locations of the cars across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, and Langkawi. This means that there are so many different places to pick up your car, which gives you the flexibility you need.
Reason #3: International Drivers Welcome
As a traveler to Malaysia, it is possible to hire a GoCar using either your international driver’s license or your country’s driver’s license. Just make sure that your license is in English, and you are over 21 years old.
Upon setting up your profile on GoCar, you just need to take a photo of your driver’s license and passport (for foreigners). It will take about 12-24 hours to be verified and approved by GoCar. As soon as that is done, you can get booking.
Reason #4: Just Pay for What You Need
GoCar recognize that sometimes you only need the car for a few hours, and so they offer an attractive hourly rate of RM14.90 (A$4.80 / U$3.60).
Alternatively, if you are planning a road trip to Cameron Highlands or Melaka or somewhere around Malaysia, then you may want to consider their daily rate of RM99 (A$32 / U$24).
AND if you are an expat living in Malaysia or slow traveling around the country, GoCar also offers a monthly rate of RM1,980 (A$644 / U$484) if you need a car for a longer period of time.
Extending your reservation is also very easy to do – just do it on the GoCar app at least one hour in advance before your current reservation ends.
Reason #5: You can Road Trip to Singapore
It is possible to travel with your GoCar across to Singapore to explore the many sights and sounds of Singapore. Just give GoCar written notice in advanced (at least 7 working days notice) and there is small fee so that GoCar can arrange the vehicle registration card, Autopass and authorization form.
You will need to drop off the car back to its original location in Malaysia, but hey you still get the flexibility to road trip around the country and beyond.
Get RM15 Off Your Next GoCar Rental
I have loved using GoCar in Malaysia, and so I have teamed up with the fabulous team at GoCar to bring to you, dear readers, a special discount on your next car rental booking with GoCar in Malaysia.
Get RM15 off your GoCar rental by entering the promo code HELLORAYA upon booking. This is valid for all GoCar members with a minimum of 2 hour booking, and for travel up to 20 June 2018.
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No compensation was received for this review, however we were guests of GoCar. All opinions remains my own and I only promote products/services that I love.
I'm Soraya, travel & food blogger and sunshine chaser at Hello Raya. You know that travel bug? I have been well and truly nipped, infinite times.This is my online nook to share my lifelong experiences of travel & food in hopes to inspire you to explore our beautiful world. 21 Comments on 5 Reasons Why I Love and will only book GoCar in Malaysia
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What an awesome concept! I’ve seen bike rentals done like this in some cities, where you use an app and unlock any of their bikes you find on the street. But never for cars! I would totally use this. Lately, I’ve been renting cars for just a few hours and this would save the hassle of having to go to the car rental facility!
I’ve never heard of Gocar, but I’ll take you word that it’s really good. 24 hour wireless check-in is helpful especially if you arrive late. Also, the car trip to Singapore sounds fun too!
Exactly, not restrictions on time so it makes it so much easier and offers more freedom
It’s good to see the car-sharing industry is expanding more and more. We use Car2Go here in Denver all the time. It’s so fun not having to worry about car insurance, gas or anything. Just reserve on the app and go! Thanks for letting us know we can get an easy rental car in Malaysia 🙂
Totally, I think it’s fantastic that the car-sharing industry is growing and moving in new directions
GoCar is genius idea, i hope they expand all over the world quickly! What annoys me about hiring a car is the lining up when you get off the plane. The keys locked in a coded safe in the globe box is genius! Drop off looks just as convenient too!
Super easy to use which was so fantastic
Wow, this is an awesome system. I like the idea of easy pick-ups, where we can pick up the car as per our convenience especially the car keys in that little lock 🙂 Renting a car is not something I prefer while travelling keeping a long process in mind. But GoCar really is a simple & efficient organization and I wish they should expand to other countries as well 😀
That’s what I love too – such easy pick ups with many locations available
When we were in Langkawi Malaysia, we rented a car too. This sounds like such a convenient option for traveling so you can get around more. I wish we heard about this company but it’s something to consider on my next trip to Malaysia!
Next time you’re in KL or Langkawi, totally look into it
I always book local cabs for the entire day when visiting a new place. Go car seems like a good option. What makes it appealing is that booking through the app is hassle free. In places such as Langkawi where public transport is not available, services like this come as a blessing.
I totally agree! It was a blessing in Langkawi – so easy to use and straightforward. Would totally do it again
This is great app for renting a car. As through app we can unlock car and it is so easy to rent it without lots of paperwork hassles. Designated parking is also a big advantage of this company. Also great if we need car for few hours.
I found it so cool that we could unlock the car with the app
I always try to rent cars wherever I travel because I love the freedom of going wherever I want, whenever I want and I’m so lost when it comes to public transport. GoCar sounds like a fantastic idea, as there’s no waiting at counters or wasting time signing papers. If I ever go to Asia, I will definitely look into renting a GoCar.
When you visit Malaysia next, you should really look at GoCar!
Hi Raya, thanks for your information. Looks fun. I’ve heard about Gocar before. i just have to make sure first that this application is work 🙂 i will travel to Malaysia on 22 feb and this is my first time driving abroad. pls allow me to use ur promo code 🙂 thank you very much.
Great! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Malaysia and enjoy your experience with GoCar
hi soraya, mind if i ask, are there any limit of mileage for a daily booking?
Hi Nur Insyirah, thanks for your message. No there is no daily limit on the mileage 🙂