Can I rent a car in Mahé for one day and pay in cash?

While many car hire companies in Seychelles prefer a minimum booking of three days, **one-day car rentals are available in Mahé**, typically at a premium rate. Most local operators are highly flexible with logistics, allowing you to pick up your vehicle at the **Inter Island Quay (Victoria Jetty)** upon arrival by ferry and drop it off at **Seychelles International Airport (Pointe Larue)** before your flight.

For a short-duration rental of 24 hours or less, you should expect to pay between **800-1,200 SCR**. This is higher than the standard daily rate for longer bookings (which usually hover around **600-800 SCR**), because the rental company must account for the labor of cleaning, delivery, and collection for a single day of use. Small, automatic cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto are the most common vehicles for these quick transfers and are ideal for navigating the narrow, winding roads of the Sans Soucis pass or the East Coast Road.

Regarding payments, many local Seychellois-owned rental businesses are happy to accept cash in **Seychelles Rupees (SCR)**, Euros, or US Dollars. However, a critical detail often overlooked is the security deposit. Even if you pay the rental fee in cash, most reputable companies will still require a credit card authorization for the excess/deposit, which typically ranges from **5,000-10,000 SCR**. If you must use cash for the deposit as well, be prepared to negotiate this upfront; some local operators may allow it, but they will return the cash only after inspecting the car at the final drop-off point.

**Pro tips for short-term rentals:** * **Book via WhatsApp:** Many local Mahé car hires operate primarily through WhatsApp. This is often the fastest way to secure a one-day booking, as you can speak directly with the owner who can check real-time availability between longer bookings. * **The "Same-to-Same" Fuel Policy:** Unlike international chains, local rentals usually give you the car with a certain amount of fuel (e.g., 1/4 tank) and expect it back with the same amount. There is a Seychelles Petroleum (SYPEC) station conveniently located right outside the airport entrance at **Pointe Larue** and another near the **Victoria Jetty** to top up before drop-off. * **Avoid Airport Surcharges:** While international brands may add "airport collection fees," most local operators include airport drop-off in their quoted price, provided you confirm this at the time of booking.

If you are arriving on the **Cat Cocos ferry** and heading to the airport the same evening, a one-day rental often proves more cost-effective than two separate taxi trips. A taxi from the jetty to the airport generally costs **500-700 SCR**, so for a few hundred rupees more, you gain the freedom to visit **Beau Vallon** for lunch or take a quick drive to the **Mission Lodge Lookout** for a final view of the islands before you depart. Always ensure you receive a signed rental agreement even for short durations to ensure you are covered by the local "third-party" insurance standards.