If this is your first Guam rental, knowing the sequence—book, check documents, inspect the car, drive on the right, refuel and return—makes the day much easier.
This guide follows TAICO’s current information and explains the process from planning your reservation through transportation after return.
The complete process at a glance
- Choose a class for your dates, passengers and luggage.
- Prepare original driver’s licenses, passports and an accepted credit card.
- Follow your reservation instructions to the TAICO office.
- Review the agreement, optional coverage and additional drivers.
- Inspect the vehicle with staff and save photos and video.
- Use the vehicle under Guam traffic rules.
- Buy the specified fuel on return day, keep the receipt and return early.
Before booking: choose for people plus luggage
Seating capacity does not guarantee room for everyone’s suitcases. Count large and small bags, strollers, golf bags and child seats at your maximum airport load.
- One or two people with light luggage:economy or sedan
- Family or several large bags:SUV
- Six or more people:seven- to eight-passenger van, while checking luggage room at full occupancy
- One or two people prioritizing open-air driving:convertible
TAICO reservations are made by class, not exact model or color. Published models are examples; availability and maintenance may result in a comparable vehicle.
Required documents: copies alone are not enough
TAICO’s current visitor guidance calls for:
- A valid original driver’s license:not a photocopy or phone image
- Passport or passport copy:for renters and cardholders as required
- A major credit card accepted by TAICO:debit, prepaid cards and cash are not accepted; confirm current brands
- Reservation details:verify the name, dates, class and arrival method
A valid license from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and several other listed jurisdictions works for up to 30 days after arrival without an International Driving Permit; a U.S. state or territory license is recognized for up to 90 days. If your license was issued elsewhere, confirm the applicable period before travel. An IDP is never a substitute for your original license, so always bring the original (see “Do You Need an International Driving Permit for a Guam Rental Car?” for details).
Register every additional driver before driving
Never hand the wheel to someone who is not listed on the agreement. TAICO’s current terms set a fee for additional drivers and state that an accident involving an unauthorized driver may not be honored under coverage. Each driver should present a license and complete registration at pickup.
Do not choose coverage by initials alone
Liability Protection (LP) is included in the base rate, while CDW, ZDW, NOC and tire coverage are optional. They cover different events, deductibles and exclusions; buying every option does not mean every possible loss becomes zero.
Failure to report an accident, reckless or impaired driving, device use while driving, unauthorized drivers, theft and natural disasters may void or fall outside coverage. Ask what is excluded, not only what the option costs.
At pickup: inspect the car with staff
TAICO’s terms require a vehicle inspection before departure. Walk around the car in good light and compare it with the check sheet.
- Scratches and dents on bumpers, doors, wheels and glass
- Tire warning light, fuel gauge and mileage
- Headlights, signals, wipers and air conditioning
- Child seats and reserved options
- Return time, specified fuel and pickup fuel level
Photograph or film every side, each wheel, the windshield, interior, fuel gauge and check sheet. Ask staff to record any concern before you leave.
Starting out: Guam drives on the right
Guam uses right-hand traffic and left-hand-drive vehicles. Visitors from left-driving countries should recheck their position when leaving a parking lot, after every turn and on undivided roads.
- Speed signs use mph: 30 mph is about 48 km/h; 35 mph is about 56 km/h.
- A right turn on red is permitted only after a complete stop, when no sign prohibits it and the way is clear.
- Yield to pedestrians and crosswalk users.
- Stop as required when a school bus flashes red lights and displays its STOP arm.
- Do not operate a phone or GPS while driving.
- After a tropical shower, increase following distance and avoid abrupt inputs.
Parking: stay within the lines and leave an empty-looking cabin
Use designated hotel, shopping-center and public parking spaces. Do not park at a fire hydrant, entrance, accessible space without authorization or any prohibited area. Lock doors and windows and leave no passport, wallet, bag or shopping item visible inside.
Refueling: read the fuel name, not the nozzle color
Nozzle colors vary by station and equipment. Check the agreement, fuel door and pickup explanation. TAICO’s current terms specify Regular Unleaded for regular vehicles and Premium Unleaded for designated 2019–2020 Chevrolet Camaros.
If the wrong fuel is added, do not start the engine; call TAICO immediately. Stop after the nozzle first clicks off rather than topping up, and keep the receipt.
Return: verify the fuel level and receipt
The agreement requires the same fuel level as at pickup. Standard plans are generally full-to-full, while some packages differ; your agreement controls.
- Buy the specified fuel on the day of return.
- Bring the fuel receipt—it is mandatory under TAICO’s current terms.
- Check for trash, sand, mud, wet areas and sunscreen stains.
- Check keys, documents and personal belongings.
- Arrive before the return time with a generous buffer.
- Wait for staff to complete the vehicle check.
Excess fuel is not reimbursed, while a shortage is charged under TAICO’s schedule. If you have a flight, allow for inspection and a consolidated shuttle wait to the airport or Tumon area.
If an accident or breakdown occurs
Call 911 for injuries, fire or immediate danger. For any collision, call 911 and TAICO from the scene and obtain the GPD case number. For a breakdown, flat tire, key or battery problem, do not repair the car or arrange your own tow before calling TAICO.
First-timer’s final checklist
- Original license, passport and accepted card are ready.
- Every driver is registered.
- The class has room for passengers and luggage.
- Coverage, deductible and exclusions are understood.
- Pickup damage, fuel gauge and check sheet are photographed.
- Right-hand traffic, mph, red-light turns and school buses are understood.
- Fuel grade, return time, location and receipt requirement are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Will TAICO deliver the car to my hotel?
TAICO’s FAQ says vehicles are not delivered to hotels and describes shuttle service between eligible areas and the office. Follow the arrival method, meeting point and time in your reservation.
Can I specify a model or color?
No. TAICO states that reservations are by class and exact models and colors cannot be specified.
Do babies and children count toward capacity?
Yes. Each child counts as one passenger. Child seats go in rear seats, and the number that can be installed varies by vehicle class.
Summary
For a smooth first Guam rental, bring original documents, register every driver and document the car before departure. Drive on the right and read speed signs in mph. On return day, buy the correct fuel and bring the receipt.
Sources checked: TAICO “FAQ,” “Vehicles & Prices” and “Terms and Conditions,” plus the Guam Police Department official website. Current booking details, your agreement and police instructions at the scene take priority.
