A variety of transportation options present themselves
to newly arrived expatriates. Soon after arrival the expat family feels
the pressure to make a decision on transportation as the entire family
is inconvenienced by the lack of wheels! So, in the midst of the myriad
of other decisions you have to make, you must quickly decide how you want
to transport your family during your stay in Indonesia.
 The
company may provide the working spouse with a car and driver, but the
family may be left on its own to obtain transportation for the accompanying
spouse and children.
You could chose to buy a car and then proceed to get advice from friends
on what cars are reliable and cheaper to service. Then you could spend
weeks in and out of show rooms trying to find out what types of vehicles
are available at what price and finally be in a position to make your
decision. You may worry, as well, about the feasibility of the decision
to buy a car for only a year or two. You may also worry about receiving
a good resale price or it may be difficult to sell your car quickly when
you're ready to leave Indonesia for your next assignment.
Another option, which has become increasingly popular in recent years,
is the long-term lease of a car and driver. Leasing a car helps your family
to quickly hit the ground running after your arrival, freeing up time
for the other important decisions you must make.
Immediate Availability
If your office has prepared for your arrival, from day one a leased car
and driver can be made available to transport
you and your family. This way you can quickly tackle the other pressing
needs, such as housing, schooling, shopping and getting familiar with
your new home.
The leasing company will have a wide range of vehicles available for
immediate rental including Japanese and European cars. You can look through
their brochures and test drive the various cars to find the one that suits
your family best. If you want a car that is not currently available, the
leasing company may be able to make arrangements to obtain that particular
car for you.
The documents for your vehicle are handled by the leasing company so
you don't have to worry about car registration, taxes or insurance.
 Costs
The cost of purchasing a new car is skyrocketing. The new rupiah/dollar
exchange rate realities have translated into a two- or three-fold increase
in the cost of purchasing a new car. Due to high import tax rates, cars
in Indonesia are much more expensive that in most western countries. Purchasing
a used car in Indonesia has the usual uncertainties as to the condition
of the engine, made even more difficult because of communication barriers
with an inspecting mechanic.
The cost of automotive spare parts has increased around four-fold since
the start of the economic crisis. It is difficult for an individual or
company to budget the maintenance expenses of a car with the continuing
price increases. With a leased car, the monthly lease amount includes
all maintenance costs, making it much easier to make an accurate annual
budget for the costs of transportation. When weighing the factor of uncertain
resale values and these other factors, you may find that leasing a car
is often a less-expensive option.
Maintenance
Your leasing company should have the complete maintenance and service
of your car as a feature of the contract. If the car breaks down or needs
regular service, another car can be provided to you without any interruption
in service. No need to worry if your driver or office staff are making
a . little extra. in arranging the service or maintenance of your car.
The fleets of many leasing companies are large, ensuring the best prices
for spare parts as they can buy in bulk and keep regularly needed items
in stock - ensuring quick and efficient maintenance services.
 Drivers
Anyone who has tried to hire a qualified driver in Indonesia undoubtedly
has a long saga to tell of all the drivers they had to try before they
found the one that fit their family's needs. When you are trusting a
major family purchase into the hands of a driver of uncertain skills,
you can put yourself at great personal and financial risk.
Drivers
provided by a leasing company are well-trained and experienced with a
thorough knowledge of office buildings, shopping centers, international
schools, hotels, embassies and tourist sites. They have been trained in
common courtesies and know that their company demands certain standards
of behavior from them. In many cases, the leasing company will provide
English training to drivers.
If your driver is sick, another driver will automatically be assigned
to drive you without any break in service. If, for any reason, you are
not comfortable with your driver and feel that he is a 'less than ideal'
match for your needs, you can request another driver until you find one
that fits your family's requirements.
With a leasing company driver you have no need to worry about salary,
sick leave, vacation leave, requests for personal loans or discipline
issues as all the employment-related benefits are handled by the leasing
company.
Choosing a leasing company
When you speak with various leasing companies, cover the issues discussed
above and you will soon get an idea of their resources and flexibility
in meeting customer needs.
Ask pertinent questions like: How many cars are there in your fleet?
How many drivers do you employ on a standby basis to replace a regular
driver? Can you pick us up if we are stranded in a broken-down car? What
insurance coverage do the cars have? Do you stand behind the honesty of
your drivers - what would they do in case of theft by a driver? Can they
give you referrals to current customers?
Assess the company. s emphasis on service and whether or not they seek
to reach a 'hassle-free' level of service for their customers. You may
save money renting a car from your secretary's brother ... but you will
save your family a lot of headaches by leasing from a reputable full-service
leasing company.
Lease to purchase
Some car leasing companies may have lease-to-purchase plans whereby you
receive all the benefits of a leased car listed above as well as backup
car and driver ... yet you or your company ends up with ownership of the
vehicle. Discuss this option with the leasing company to determine the
benefits.
Short-term lease
There may be occasions when you need a leased car and driver for a short
term:
- To pick up or take company visitors from/to the airport,
- To escort company visitors or visiting family and friends around town,
- To use in the interim period before you purchase your own car,
- When you don't feel comfortable taking a taxi or want a driver that
can wait for you as you go around to several destinations in town,
- When your own car is undergoing service and you can't get a loaner
from the car repair shop,
- When you need a driver who knows the roads better than your own driver,
- When someone in your family wants to take a trip and the other family
members need the car to stay in Jakarta,
- For the week/s prior to departure after you've sold your personal
car, and
- Any time that using your own personal car and driver would be inconvenient.
A full-service leasing company will be able to provide a car and driver
to meet these short-term needs. |
