Most people think about the car. Fewer think about what goes with it — until they are standing at arrivals with two suitcases, a pushchair, and a pair of skis, looking at a boot that fits one of those things comfortably.
Georgia rewards preparation. The distances are short but the terrain varies enormously — from Black Sea coast to 2,000-metre mountain pass within a few hours of driving. The right add-ons make the difference between a comfortable trip and a compromised one.
This guide covers the extras available with a StarCar rental — what they are, when you need them, and how to add them.
A roof box attaches to the roof of the rental vehicle and adds significant storage capacity above the car. It is waterproof, lockable, and does not affect the passenger space or boot capacity below.
Large groups with significant luggage. A crossover or SUV seats 5 to 7 people comfortably — but 5 to 7 people with full-size suitcases fills the boot immediately. A roof box resolves this without requiring a vehicle upgrade.
Families with a pushchair. A pushchair takes up most of the boot in a crossover when folded. Add luggage and the roof box becomes the obvious solution.
Ski and snowboard equipment. Skis and snowboard bags are too long for most boots and impractical inside the cabin. A roof box is the standard solution for ski equipment transport. If you are renting for Gudauri or Bakuriani in winter, arrange the roof box when booking.
Multi-stop itineraries with varying group sizes. If your group size changes at different points in the trip — picking up additional travellers, for example — a roof box gives you flexibility that reconfiguring the boot does not.
The roof box adds height to the vehicle — relevant in underground car parks and at barriers with height restrictions. In Georgia this is rarely a problem outside central Tbilisi, but worth being aware of.
Driving with a roof box loaded affects fuel consumption modestly and changes the handling at high speed slightly. Both effects are minor on Georgian road speeds.
Confirm roof box availability when booking via WhatsApp. It is added to your contract before pickup — not as a last-minute request at the airport.
Georgian law requires appropriate child restraints for passengers below a certain age and size. Bringing your own car seat on a flight adds checked baggage fees and the inconvenience of carrying it through airports. Renting one eliminates both problems.
StarCar provides baby seats and child seats as a confirmed add-on. The right seat type depends on the age and weight of each child.
Infant carrier (Group 0+): For children from birth to approximately 13 kg (typically up to 12–15 months). Rear-facing, carried into and out of the car as a unit.
Toddler seat (Group 1): For children approximately 9 to 18 kg (roughly 9 months to 4 years). Can be rear or forward-facing depending on the model.
Combination/booster seat (Group 2–3): For children approximately 15 to 36 kg (roughly 4 to 12 years). Forward-facing with harness transitioning to seatbelt guide at higher weights.
When booking, tell the operator the age and approximate weight of each child. The correct seat type will be confirmed for your rental. Do not leave this until pickup — seat availability needs to be confirmed in advance.
The seat is installed by the operator at pickup. If you are unfamiliar with the specific model, the operator can walk you through the installation and adjustment. Take the time to check it before driving — do not assume it is set correctly without verifying.
Georgian roads outside Tbilisi are generally smooth on main routes. Mountain secondary roads are bumpier — this is relevant if you are travelling with an infant and planning mountain routes.
A rooftop tent attaches to the roof rack of an SUV or crossover and deploys into a sleeping platform above the vehicle. It is the equipment of choice for overlanders and families who want to camp without carrying ground tent equipment.
Georgia has a growing number of designated camping areas, particularly in mountain regions. A rooftop tent gives you access to camping at locations that do not have fixed accommodation — useful in Svaneti, in the Caucasus foothills around Kazbegi, and in the Kakheti wine region where guesthouse availability in smaller villages is limited.
For a family road trip with older children, a rooftop tent combines the flexibility of camping with the comfort of a raised, weatherproof sleeping surface. It is significantly more comfortable than ground camping in wet or cold conditions.
A rooftop tent is heavier than a roof box and has a greater effect on vehicle handling and fuel consumption. It is compatible with SUV and crossover models — confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle when booking.
Setup takes around 5 minutes once you are familiar with the process. The operator demonstrates at pickup.
Plan camping locations before you travel. Wild camping is generally tolerated in Georgia outside designated park areas, but confirming with the operator on specific locations before you go is worthwhile.
The cross-border permit — a letter of authorisation issued by StarCar — legally allows you to drive the rental vehicle across the Georgian border into Armenia or Azerbaijan.
It is listed here alongside the physical add-ons because it functions in the same way: arranged at the time of booking, confirmed before pickup, included in your contract.
If any part of your itinerary takes you across the Georgian border into Armenia or Azerbaijan, you need the permit before you cross. Crossing without it puts you in breach of the rental contract.
Georgian insurance does not extend beyond the Georgian border. The permit is legal authorisation to cross — it is not insurance. Factor this into your travel insurance arrangements before departure.
Request the permit at least one week before your pickup date. In some cases it can be arranged faster — contact the operator to confirm what is possible for your dates.
The permit covers one or both countries depending on your itinerary — confirm the specific countries when requesting.
Cross-border permits are not available for Russia or Turkey.
All add-ons are confirmed through the operator via WhatsApp or through the website at the time of booking. The process is straightforward.
Step 1: When booking, specify which extras you need — roof box, child seat (with child's age and weight), car tent, cross-border permit (with destination countries and dates).
Step 2: The operator confirms availability and includes the extras in your contract.
Step 3: At pickup, the extras are installed or provided and demonstrated. Child seats are fitted and checked. Roof boxes and car tents are secured. Cross-border permits are included in your contract documents.
Do not request add-ons at the airport without advance notice. Child seat availability in particular depends on the size and type required — last-minute requests cannot always be accommodated.
| Trip Type | Recommended Extras |
|---|---|
| Family (2 adults, 2+ children) | Child seats, roof box if luggage is significant |
| Ski trip to Gudauri or Bakuriani | Roof box for ski equipment |
| Camping / overlanding | Car tent, SUV or crossover required |
| Georgia + Armenia itinerary | Cross-border permit (1 week notice minimum) |
| Georgia + Azerbaijan itinerary | Cross-border permit (1 week notice minimum) |
| Large group (5–7 people) with luggage | Roof box, minivan or 7-seat SUV |
| Family with infant | Infant carrier seat, confirm model at booking |
Can I add a roof box to any rental vehicle?
Roof boxes are compatible with most SUV and crossover models. Confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle when booking. Not available for all sedan models — check with the operator.
How do I know which child seat to request?
Tell the operator the age and approximate weight of each child when booking. The correct seat type will be confirmed. As a general guide: infant carrier for under 13 kg, toddler seat for 9–18 kg, booster for 15–36 kg.
Is the cross-border permit the same as insurance?
No. The cross-border permit is legal authorisation to drive the rental vehicle across the Georgian border. Georgian insurance does not cover Armenia or Azerbaijan. Ensure your travel insurance covers vehicle-related incidents in those countries.
Can I request a roof box or child seat at the airport without advance booking?
Not reliably. Add-on availability depends on advance confirmation. Requesting at pickup without prior notice may result in the extra not being available. Always confirm when booking.
Is the car tent available on all vehicles?
Car tents are compatible with SUV and crossover models with a roof rack. Confirm compatibility and availability when booking.
Arrange everything before you arrive — not at the desk.
Car rental georgia — book direct, no deposit, unlimited mileage, age 20 and over accepted. Full fleet at car rental fleet georgia. Pickup with confirmed extras at car rental tbilisi, car rental kutaisi airport, and car rental batumi. WhatsApp available 24/7.
Free cancellation · 24/7 support · Unlimited mileage
Book your rental car today.
Free cancellation available
