Find a laptop rental company. There are many laptop rental companies available for your Australia travel needs, from Macbook specialists and rent-to-own companies to cheap preused and full-service technology service teams. Whether you need help setting up a presentation for an international business meeting or merely need a means to access the Internet while in your hotel room, there’s bound to be a company that suits your needs. Microhire Australia and Hire-Intelligence Australia are just a few of of the laptop rental companies in Australia (see Resources below).
Check your credit. Some rental companies require a credit check to rent you equipment, which means that you may have difficulty renting with poor credit. Many companies will rent to those with bad credit but will require a much steeper deposit. If you have bad credit, be prepared to spend a little more money upfront.
Reserve online. Laptop rental applications can be filled out in full on the Internet and submitted automatically with the click of button. You’ll need to include the address of where you’re staying while in Australia and, if required, submit information regarding your credit.
Make a rental inquiry. Many companies offer an email query option, which is great for finding several quotes and asking questions. Query at least three companies by filling in the simple online forms. Include pertinent information, like where you’ll be traveling and when.
Request additional accessories. The basic laptop rental agreement offers the most basic computer software, so be sure that you know exactly what you're getting. If you require additional software, you may need to look into paying for optional accessories. PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and DVD readers do not normally come standard with your basic rental agreement. Make sure to request any additional accessories you require.
Have software preinstalled. Laptop rental companies can install virtually any equipment. Unless you’re comfortable installing the equipment yourself, have the company do it before sending the equipment to you. Select the "Operating System" option in your rental application, and let them worry about it.
Send in all the right forms. When renting laptops online, you’ll be asked to print and sign the application form to secure your order. In most cases, the application must be faxed to the company. In some cases, you may be able to email a scanned copy. It is normal for a hard copy of your signature to be kept on file with the rental company, so be prepared to mail a copy as well. Many orders will not be completed until all the forms have been received, so be sure you've sent in all the required paperwork.
Make sure to complete information regarding your day of arrival and departure so that the laptop is secured for arrival by the time you arrive, if you’re having your laptop shipped directly to your arrival city in Australia. You'll be asked to provide information regarding your address in Australia, and you should also call your hotel or other place of residence while in Australia to let them know that something will be arriving for you. Track the order to ensure proper and on-time delivery.
Pay your deposit upon making a rental reservation, whether you’re having your equipment shipped to you in your hometown or abroad. The deposit is in addition to the total cost of your equipment and will be returned to you once the laptop is returned to the company in good working condition.
Get confirmation. In general, confirmations are made by email upon receipt of each required item. Once the forms and payments are received, your equipment will be sent to you. Keep track of each confirmation, and stay on top of things. If things seem to be running irregularly or slowly, make a phone call to the company to see what’s going on.
Purchase appropriate converters. Australia uses a different electrical system for their electronics, so if you rent in the U.S. before going abroad, be sure that your computer has the appropriate converters. In Australia, the voltage is 110/240, and the plugs for outlets differ from that of the U.K. and America. Be sure to purchase the appropriate converters to avoid damage to your rented laptop and to be sure you can use it while traveling in Australia.
