Unexpected Deposit and unreliable car
After reading their great reviews online, I thought I would give them a try. When booking, I made it clear that I intend to drive to North Cyprus. Booking mentioned that no deposit will be taken, I just pay for car hire and fuel at the airport. So when I arrive at the airport, I am told I have to pay 1,500 Euros as a deposit, because I want to travel to North cyprus, and I don't have a credit card! this caught me by surprise, and I ended up making payment from a card I was not planning to use, and I ended up paying extra bank charges because of this.
Was given a car that had a faulty socket/cigarette lighter, so I could not charge my phone while using navigation. Was very stressful for me. I drove with my kids to Karpas Pensinsula, on Turkish side. Whole time I was worried that my phone battery may die, and could get stranded there. Fortunately we made it back with about 30% charge left.
I told Stevens office about this. They said I can buy a powerbank, and they will refund me for this. I already had 6 devices to charge, so a 7th one will be a burden. I happened to be visiting Larnaca, so agreed to return car to their office for a replacement.40 minutes drive from Ayia Napa. Andrea was helpful and gave me 20 Euros for getting insurance cover again at Turkish border. What I find confusing is they tell me they don't take deposits, yet still took deposit off me. Had they told me this before I arrived in Cyprus, I could have planned for it, and avoid paying silly transfer fees to my bank. This has put me off hiring cars, and would prefer to get scammed by taxis instead.








