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Frequently asked Questions

Just select a question you need an answer to!

1. How much does it cost?
2. Do you accept credit cards?
3. Are there any discounts?
4. What is your cancellation policy?
5. How far in advance should I reserve a SmartAlec?
6. How and where do I pick-up or drop off a SmartAlec?
7. Can I rent a SmartAlec anytime of the year?
8. Can I start my tour anywhere?
9. How far does the route of a SmartAlec go?
10. What if I leave the suggested route? Will it work when I return?
11. How far is Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, Deadwood, and Custer?
12. Are there SmartAlec's in Yellowstone National Park?
13. Can I rent a SmartAlec for only part of a day?
14. Is it easy to install into my vehicle?
15. Can I use a SmartAlec in any vehicle including motorcycles?
16. Do I have to be technicaly savvy to use a SmartAlec?
17. How safe is it too have a SmartAlec in the car while driving?
18. Will I find the information entertaining or boring?
19. Are SmartAlec's available in different laguages?
20. Whats the weather usually like?
21. Does a SmartAlec work on rainy or snowy days?

Answers

How much does it cost?
SmartAlec tour guides are very affordable. You can rent one for a full day (7:00am-9:00pm) for $49.00. Purchase the Family Attraction Discount package for the best value for $59.00, includes a Black Hills Discount Card ($20 retail) plus a SmartAlec.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Credit Cards will also be used to secure the return of each SmartAlec. SmartAlec's value ($400) will be charged in the event of theft or unacceptable damage.

Are there any discounts?
Yes, discounts are available for multiple days and included with certain specials.

What is your cancellation policy?
24 hour notice of cancellation is required. A 20% cancellation fee will be charged to credit card on file reserving units. Any units paid in advance will automatically be charged a 10% cancellation fee before refund.

How far in advance should I reserve a SmartAlec?
Due to limited inventory, it is highly reccomended that you reserve your SmartAlec as soon as you know which day you use one. Your credit card will be used to hold and gaurantee your unit.

How and where do I pick-up or drop off a SmartAlec?
It's easy! Simply check out our locations pages and find the location closest to you. Once you are finished you may drop off your unit at the most conveinant location nearest you.

Can I rent a SmartAlec anytime of the year?
Yes! SmartAlec's are available anytime of the year. Many of our locations are seasonal so please call and ask us for help on finding the best location for you.

Can I start my tour anywhere?
Yes! This is a great advantage for you. No matter where you start, the SmartAlec is always ready. As long as you travel the routes our SmartAlec is familiar with, it will share directions and entertainment along the way.

How far does the route of a SmartAlec go?
Currently, SmartAlec's are native to the Black Hills of South Dakota but will be expanding into the entire state of South Dakota as soon as it's possible.

What if I leave the suggested route? Will it work when I return?
We encourage all travelers to go at their own pace and travel according to your needs or interests. SmartAlec's are not navigation devices and will only give you 'suggested' driving directions. If you leave the suggested route, you are on your own adventure until you return to the SmartAlec route at a later time.

How far is Mount Rushmore from Rapid City, Deadwood, and Custer?
Mount Rushmore is approximately 30 minutes from Rapid City, 1 hour from Deadwood, SD, and about 45 min. from Custer, SD.

Are there SmartAlec's in Yellowstone National Park?
At this time, there are no SmartAlec's in Yellowstone National Park but don't tell the Park Rangers they don't know what they're talking about!

Can I rent a SmartAlec for only part of a day?
Yes, there are partial day rates available. Check out our Rates & Specials page.

Is it easy to install into my vehicle?
Yes, almost anyone can handle a SmartAlec. All units come with install options sucha s windshield mount, cup holder mount, or vent mount.

Can I use a SmartAlec in any vehicle including motorcycles?
Yes, SamrtAlec's are very versatile. It's reccomended for vehicles with a digital radio so that it is easier to tune in our specific radio channel in order to listen to the SmartAlec. There are also portable units for vehicles without radios. They are good with motorcycles too, just ask for the weather resistant case. Check out our Sturgis Motorcycle Rally page for routes and details

Do I have to be technicaly savvy to use a SmartAlec?
No, SmartAlec's come with easy instructions for install and the rest is just hitting the 'on' button to get started.

How safe is it too have a SmartAlec in the car while driving?
A SmartAlec is like having a local friend riding along for the day. They play through the radio and are generally not distracting. It is the drivers responsibility to drive safely and cautiously. AcrossRoads accepts no responsibilty for driving conditions or drivers err.

Will I find the information entertaining or boring?
A farmer was milking his cow. He was just starting to get a good rhythm going when a bug flew into the barn and started circling his head. Suddenly, the bug flew into the cow's ear. The farmer didn't think much about it, until the bug squirted out into his bucket. It went in one ear and out the udder.

Are SmartAlec's available in different laguages?
Currently the only language availabe is English. Spanish, French, German and Japenese are on the way!

Whats the weather usually like?
In May & Sept the highs are in the 70's, June average is about 75-80, July-Aug is about 85-95. Check out our weather page for more details.

Does a SmartAlec work on rainy or snowy days?
SmartAlec's use GPS technology and are supposed to work anytime, in most weather. However skies that are blue are the best.

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