Turbi

Turbi is a São Paulo-based car rental service that runs entirely through an Android app. Instead of visiting a counter, you locate a nearby pickup spot, unlock the car with your phone, and pay only for the time you use. It's a practical way to rent a car in São Paulo without the usual paperwork.

How the Rental Process Actually Works

At pickup, you'll find automatic cars with a toll tag already mounted on the windshield. The app shows which models are available at each station, along with the current fuel level and any pre-existing damage. You can book immediately or schedule a car for a specific day and time. I found the damage-report photos quite useful before driving off.

Pricing, Fuel, and the Flexible Subscription

Rental durations run from one hour up to weekly and monthly plans. The flexible subscription keeps the car for 30 days or more, which suits people who need temporary transport without signing a long-term contract. Pricing drops the longer you keep the vehicle, and you can spread payments over up to 12 installments, though the biggest per-hour discounts only appear when you pass the 24-hour mark. For daily commuters, it's the cheapest route over a full month.

For fuel, you have two choices: prepay per kilometer driven with fuel included, or return the car with the same tank level as pickup. The second option works well for short trips but can get complicated on longer rentals. That's why most casual users pick the per-kilometer plan.

Where Turbi Doesn't Fit Every Driver

Turbi limits its coverage to eight cities: São Paulo Capital, Guarulhos, Santo André, São Caetano, São Bernardo, Osasco, Barueri, and Taboão da Serra. The current Android build requires OS 8.0 or newer plus an active GPS signal to show nearby stations. If you live outside these zones, there's nothing to rent.

You won't find a human at the parking lot, so any issue during handoff depends on chat support. That's fine for routine trips, but a dead battery or a flat tire means waiting for remote assistance rather than someone on-site. The app also needs a stable internet connection at pickup; offline access isn't supported. In my testing, the app located cars quickly but struggled with photo loading.

FAQ

Can I use Turbi outside São Paulo?

Not yet. The service operates only in São Paulo Capital and the listed metropolitan areas. The developer says more regions are coming.

What happens if the car breaks down during my rental?

There's a 24/7 assistance line included with every trip. You'll need to call from the app and wait for remote guidance or a tow.

Is it possible to rent by the hour just for a quick errand?

Yes. Hourly rental is the default option, and the minimum rental time is one hour. It's useful for grocery runs or short city trips.