🚗 When browsing through car options on the Zuzuche app, I opted for the Corolla, swayed by its impressive cost-performance balance. However, due to some issues I highlighted in my earlier post, I found myself clutching a chip-less, UnionPay-branded dual-currency MasterCard issued by Bank of Communications, nervously making my way to San Francisco International Airport to collect my ride. (And no, don’t ask why I didn’t pick it up immediately after landing—it was an impromptu trip!)
⚠️ A quick reminder: Be cautious when using Lyft, as it might automatically charge you a tip based on your previous tipping history 💸. Despite opting out of tipping, I still got hit with around $10 in gratuity. This happened twice during my short stay.
👏 Kudos to Jay, the affable receptionist at the Budget counter in the San Francisco International Airport Car Rental Center. Sharing a name with the legendary Jay Chou, he reminded me more of Jay Pritchett from *Modern Family*—the older, wittier version. As I approached the counter, I noticed a cheerful Caucasian couple chatting animatedly with him.
By the time it was my turn, it dawned on me that Jay could probably strike up a lively conversation with just about anyone 💬. Upon learning I hailed from Beijing 🇨🇳, he enthusiastically shared that he had lived in Dongcheng District for a few years and even participated in events at Peking University.
When I voiced concerns about whether my card would process correctly, Jay reassured me with confidence, calming my frazzled nerves. Relief washed over me instantly. Initially, he handed me the very Corolla I had originally selected.
I headed down to test drive it, and despite never having driven a Japanese car before (I usually stick to American vehicles in China 🇺🇸), I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and effortless it felt to handle.
📸 Fun fact: All cars in the U.S. are required to come equipped with a backup camera. It’s an absolute game-changer!
It wasn’t until this point that I realized, in my joy over the successful card transaction, I had completely forgotten to inquire about snow chains.
🌲 Another essential tip: If you’re planning a visit to Yosemite National Park (officially translated as Yosemiti), keep a close eye on official weather updates and road condition advisories during winter months 📢. Even if there’s no snowfall, if the authorities mandate snow chains, you must carry them as spares in your vehicle—even if installation isn’t necessary.
💡 Pro tip: You can purchase snow chains at stores near Yosemite and return them if they go unused.
Since I was traveling in winter, I wanted to check if the rental company offered snow chains for rent. Returning to Jay, I learned that installing snow chains on the rented car wasn’t permitted. Buying them myself wouldn’t cut it either—not to mention renting them outright was off-limits.
💡 Solution 1: Consider requesting snow-chain compatibility before booking your vehicle. Experienced travelers may confirm which models support this feature.
💡 Solution 2: Jay’s warmth and professionalism exemplified the essence of exceptional service in the U.S. With a smile, he said, “No problem—I won’t give you the Corolla. Let me upgrade you to an RAV4 instead.” (The RAV4 is pricier on Zuzuche, as seen in the photo.)
This small gesture made all the difference!
In the end, I wasn’t asked to cover the difference in cost. In the US, a RAV is essentially equivalent to an SUV in China. He mentioned that it’s a four-wheel-drive vehicle, so there was no need for snow chains.
⚠️TIP: While the four-wheel-drive feature might generally suffice in practice, it’s rumored that if the road warnings explicitly require snow chains, no vehicle—regardless of its type—will be permitted to proceed without them. Fortunately, not only did I secure a car upgrade, but I also avoided any snow chain mandates during my trip. There may have been such a requirement on the day I departed, though.
