The Ultimate Guide For Renting a Car in Dubai, UAE.

Dubai is an ideal destination – dazzling all the time thanks to its never-ending royal events, active nightlife and epically beautiful beaches that can mesmerize anyone to return to the place.

I believe traveling is fun and exciting when you hit Dubai streets in exotically luxurious cars with your wit, experience and of course, your credit card!

Better than never, if you really want to live a little more and reach to peak performance of your dream car, the only feasible way is to go for a car rental in Dubai. Hang on! It’s not that simple. Understanding rental agreements can be a nerve-racking process and avoiding problems with your car rental in Dubai, here is the low down guide that offers a depth of knowledge and experience to seek out a deeper, more informed and intimate knowledge of car renting in Dubai.

Ask these question to yourself before getting behind the wheels!

How do I choose my rental company?

This is the first and the most daunting part of car rentals in Dubai because of the saturation created by big players in the market and the heap of competition between them. Despite the dominance that these big agencies enjoy, there are some alternate valuable car rentals in Dubai with attractive options only if you are willing to do a little research and digging around. Before you spend all your day searching for the right company for the right price, I would recommend going through car rental comparison sites that can lead you for your right choice of car and budget.

To be on the safer side, take review ratings from multiple sites into consideration before the final booking.

Am I even eligible?

Before driving legally in Dubai, you need to inspect that you meet all the legal requirements which apply to the driver and the rented vehicle. According to the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA), the legal driving age is 18 but to rent a vehicle you must be at least 21 years old or over with a valid international driving licence or UAE licence.

Do I belong to these countries?

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, France, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

If you come from these countries listed by Dubai RTA, the good news is you would only require to have a valid International Driving Licence, while others need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a car in Dubai.

What kind of vehicle do I require?

Everyone is born different with different needs and a different kind of style to portray via a rented car. While choosing the right vehicle for yourself, you need to focus on following

• The number of people going with you
• The purpose for which the car will be used
• How long you’ll need the car
• Your Budget

Not only this, if you take environmental responsibilities seriously, you can drive world-class, eco-friendly cars in Dubai that offers a high-tech driving experience from city cars to SUVs.

Hope that’s pretty much clear!

What will I need to rent a car?

In general, you will need to present a valid driver’s licence, passport copy, a copy of the visit visa and an international driving licence if you are on a visit visa.

What do I need to do at pickup time?

Before you drive away from the pickup station, it’s important to inspect the rental car carefully for any damage. Take a picture of any dents or scratches and make sure they get marked on the rental car contract.

Do rental cars have unlimited mileage?

Not necessarily! There are some companies that offer unlimited mileage and some have a mileage cap. Each additional mile is an add on. So before signing the rental contract, check the mileage limitation imposed by the rental company and accordingly decide what can work best for you.

Are rental cars more expensive or cheaper at the airport?

An airport is the most convenient place to arrange a car rental in Dubai. However, on average, airport car rental costs in Dubai are expensive than what you’ll find away from the airport property. The ball is in your court. Either convenience or paying more for the car. Choose wisely!

Should I go for insurance on my rental car?

It’s worth reviewing your personal auto insurance coverage before buying car rental insurance to avoid duplicacy for the coverage you already pay for.

In addition to auto insurance, a few credit cards automatically offer to pay your collision deductible and expenses that might exceed your primary insurance. So you shouldn’t probably purchase car rental collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver.

Can I cancel a rental car?

Amazingly, you can often cancel a rental car booking or not show up for a rental prior to the pickup date. However, if you cancel a pre-paid booking you will receive a full refund minus a cancellation fee depending on the car company.

Can rental cars go through tolls?

Yes! According to Dubai RTA, a certain amount of road toll or fee called Salik in UAE is deductible whenever you drive past one of several checkpoints. These include

• Airport Tunnel toll gate
• Al Barsha toll gate
• Al Garhoud Bridge toll gate
• Al Maktoum Bridge toll gate
• Al Mamzar toll gate
• Al Safa toll gate

What to do if I am offered an upgrade?

While traveling, who wouldn’t want to have the most comfort possible without breaking the bank? The challenge that comes up with these upgrades come down to cost. So, the next time you rent a car, be aware of being an unwitting fool who don’t spot that they’ve been upgraded and are paying for something they didn’t ask for.

Are rental cars safe?

Renting a car in Dubai may sound risky. The reality is that these cars tend to be well maintained offering a great deal of comfort for anyone.

But being a little more cautious can do no harm. While choosing your car don’t forget to check the safety rating of the particular vehicle to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Can I rent without a credit card?

You can but it won’t be fun as this will limit your car rental choices. Although most car rental agencies prefer using a credit card, and some will accept debit cards. It’s a good idea to shop around for the car rental companies that will accept your method of payment.

Can I rent a car without a drop off fee?

There is not usually any additional cost to pick up a rental car at one location and drop it off at a different, but a close location. However, dropping it off in a distant location will usually have a drop off fee and that fee can be significant.

I believe its wastage of time to look for a company that doesn’t charge drop off fees. Just do comparison shopping and compare the total cost.

Which fuel policy should I get?

• Full to full
• Full to empty
• Empty to empty

It is always good to opt for the full-to-full policy since attempting to drop off the vehicle with an empty tank can be tricky and run the risk of completely running out of fuel just before your drop-off location.

What do I need to check before returning my car rental?

Before you drop off your hired car back to the rental agency, check for any new damage and always make sure to return the car on time as to avoid additional costs.

If your car has a ‘full to full’ fuel policy, you’ll need to bring the car back to the counter with a full tank of fuel. Make use of google maps to spot a filling station before you set off.

Are pets allowed in rental cars?

Most of the car rental companies in Dubai are pet-friendly claiming no additional fee. However, make sure to return the vehicle clean and free of pet hair to avoid any add up.

What else do I need to know?

It is very important to be aware of the correct procedures as a renter before signing anything. If you find any suspicious or unexpected charges ask for an explanation and supporting documents from the company.

Should I rent a car or just use local transport?

There are so many reasons to head over to car rentals in Dubai. A smart rental choice is often more cost effective than using a cab to get around your trip in your style.

Hope this guide helps you to find the right car rental for you, and do the most of your time!