Renting a car is a convenient way to ditch the hassle of public transport and long and uncertain taxi waiting times. Renting a car in Dubai and UAE, in general, is straightforward but you need to fulfill specific criteria to be able to rent a car. Here, we will go through different aspects of this criteria, so by the end of this article you know how you can rent a car in Dubai or UAE. So, let’s get started.
The age limit for renting a car in Dubai/UAE is 21. However, some companies can make it to be 25 or older to be able to rent a car. Or, they put a certain surcharge if you are under 25.
To rent a car, if you are a UAE resident, you need to produce an RTA-issued valid driving license. However, if you are a foreign national visiting UAE, you need to provide a driving license and an international driving permit, both issued from your home country. This is especially true if your driving license is in any language other than Arabic or English.
It must be noted that drivers having valid driving licenses from GCC countries and 18 other countries including the USA, UK, China, Australia, Italy, and Canada can be exempted from providing international driving permits.
If you can’t provide a valid driving license, the backup option is to rent a car with a driver in Dubai.
If you tick the above two points, the next step is to select a car rental company. You need to be vigilant when you choose a car rental company in Dubai as it can make your stay all the comfort and convenience or a headache.
You need to set your priorities straight at this step. You need to decide what kind of budget you are willing to spend and compare what sorts of cars you can get in that budget. You can do this by visiting the web portals of different car rental companies.
Moving on, you need to check the online reviews and rating a company has received. After this, check what kind of insurance the company provides, if there are any hidden charges and what are their pickup and drop policies. You also need to check whether they put any kind of restrictions on the distance you can drive in a certain time period. Moreover, it is always a good idea to check if any company is providing any discount packages or offers.
To rent a car in Dubai, you need to provide the following documents:
Once you’ve chosen your rental car, the next step is booking it. You can easily reserve it online through the rental company’s website or visit their office in person. Travel agencies also offer car rental services and can assist with the process. Booking early often gives you better rates and more vehicle options.
It is important to ask the car rental company about what kind of insurance they provide. Most companies provide basic insurance but you do have the option of buying additional insurance for more protection.
All rental companies ask for a security deposit in case of any damage to the vehicle and traffic fines. This is usually a blocked amount on your credit card. However, you can pay this in cash or through other means like debit cards or even cryptocurrencies nowadays. You can get this security deposit back when you return the vehicle, of course without any damage or fines.
It is critical to know the traffic rules of the UAE and abide by them. Some of the general rules to get yourself familiarized with include:
Do note that violating traffic rules in Dubai can incur hefty fines which can go as high as DH 100,000. According to new rules, jumping a red signal can set you back DH 50,000.
This needs no mentioning but it is very important that you inspect the rented car before riding for any previous damages. Any previous damage must be recorded to prevent any disagreement later on. Also, check the fuel state of the car. For most car companies, it is a full-to-full policy, meaning they provide you with a full tank and you need to return the car with a full tank.
Cars are rented to be returned on an agreed date and time. Therefore, it is important that you return the car on agreed terms to avoid any additional charges. Once you return the car, the rental company will inspect and check the car for any damages or fines and return your security if none are found.
There you go, above is all you need to know about renting a car in UAE/Dubai. As a tourist, it is important to know the criteria beforehand because the process starts with you providing a valid international driving license and permit which are issued from your home country. After that, it is good to know your budget and what kind of car you are looking to rent. Choosing a rental company is a crucial part of this process, so select a car rental company in Dubai/UAE with a good reputation and online reviews such as Pilot and Car. You also need to get yourself familiar with and abide by UAE traffic rules and regulations to avoid any unpleasant experience and hefty fines. So, drive responsibly and have a great time.
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