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- Admin
- May, 16th 2024
Things to Check When Renting a Car in Dubai (UAE)
Renting a car in Dubai is a great way to see the city and nearby places at your own pace. Dubai has good roads, many things to see, and beautiful views. Having a car lets you conveniently go wherever you want. But there are some essential things to remember before renting a car in Dubai to avoid problems.
Here, we will explain everything you need about renting a car in Dubai:
What Are the Legal Requirements for Renting a Car in Dubai?
1. International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you are a tourist in Dubai, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your home country’s driving license to drive legally. Make sure your IDP is valid for your entire stay in Dubai.
2. Minimum Age Requirement
It would be best if you usually were at least 21 years old to rent a car in Dubai. However, some car rental companies might require you to be 25 years old, especially if you want to rent a luxury or high-performance vehicle.
3. Driving License
If you live in Dubai, you must have a UAE driving license. If you have just moved to Dubai, you might need to change your home country’s driving license to a UAE driving license. It depends on your nationality and the agreements between your country and the UAE.
Choosing the Right Car Rental Company:
• Reputation and Reviews
Choose a car rental company that people say good things about. Look for reviews online on sites like Google, TripAdvisor, or car rental review websites. It will help you know if the company is trustworthy and if they treat their customers well.
• Fleet Variety
Check if the company has many different cars to choose from. You might need a small car for driving in the city, an SUV for traveling with your family, or a fancy car for a special event. The company should have different types of vehicles that fit what you need and how much you want to spend.
• Insurance Policies
Learn about the insurance the rental company offers. They usually include basic insurance, but you might want to get extra insurance to feel more secure. It is a good idea to get comprehensive insurance covering damage to the rental car, any harm to other people or their property, and personal accident insurance.
Booking the Car from Al Safeer Car Rental
• Advance Booking
Book your car early, especially when there are many tourists. Booking in advance makes you more likely to get the automobile you want. It also often costs less. Many companies give you a discount if you book your car ahead of time.
• Cancellation Policy
Find out what the company’s cancellation policy is. Check if there are any hidden costs if you need to cancel or change your booking. It is good to have flexible booking options because your travel plans might change.
Documentation and Payment:
• Required Documents
When you pick up your rental car, bring a few essential documents: your driver’s license, your International Driving Permit (if you have one and are from another country), your passport, and a valid credit card. Some companies might also ask for a copy of your travel plans or hotel booking.
• Payment Methods
Most car rental places in Dubai accept major credit cards. They usually don’t only accept debit cards sometimes. Before you go, check that your credit card has enough money to cover the security deposit. They’ll hold this amount on your card, and when you return the car safely, they’ll return it to you.
Inspecting the Car Before Renting it Out
• Pre-Rental Inspection
Before you start driving, carefully check the car for any damage. Look outside for scratches, dents, or other marks. Ensure it’s clean and everything works, like seat belts, air conditioning, lights, and entertainment systems.
• Documenting Damage
Take pictures of any damage you find before you leave. Show these to the rental company so they know it is already there. It helps avoid problems later if they try to blame you for damage you didn’t cause.
Understanding the Rental Agreement:
• Terms and Conditions
Read the rental agreement before you sign it. Pay attention to things like how many miles you’re allowed to drive, their rules about fuel, and if you can have more than one driver. Some companies let you drive as much as you want, while others have limits.
• Fuel Policy
Know how they want you to handle fuel. Usually, it’s either fill it up before you return it or bring it back with the same amount of fuel as when you got it. They might charge you extra if you don’t follow their fuel rules.
• Additional Charges
Watch out for extra fees they might add, like if you have more than one person driving, rent a GPS, a child seat, or bring the car back late. Make sure they tell you about these fees in the agreement.
3 Important Rules you Should Follow to Drive a Car in Dubai
1. Road Rules
Make sure you understand the driving rules in Dubai. They are strict, and if you break them, you can get fined. Speed limits are fundamental, and many cameras catch you if you speed.
2. Toll Roads
Dubai has roads where you have to pay a toll called Salik. Rental cars have tags for this; when you return the vehicle, they add the tolls to your bill. Ask the rental company how much the tolls cost and how they handle it.
3. Parking
Finding a parking area can be challenging, especially in busy areas. Dubai has places where you can park for free and places where you have to pay. Look for blue and white signs for paid parking spots. Make sure you understand the parking rules to avoid getting fined.
Navigating Around Dubai
• GPS and Navigation
If your rental car doesn’t have a navigation system, consider renting a GPS. You can also use navigation apps on your phone, like Google Maps or Waze. They can tell you the best way to go and give you updates about traffic.
• Traffic Conditions
Traffic in Dubai can be hectic at certain times, especially in the morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Try to plan your trips so you don’t get stuck in traffic.
Safety and Emergencies in Dubai
• Emergency Numbers:
Make sure you have essential numbers in case of emergencies. You can call 999 in Dubai for police, fire, or ambulance help. If your car breaks down, call the emergency hotline of the company you rented from.
• Breakdowns and Accidents:
If your car stops working, tell the rental company immediately. If there’s an accident, you must inform the police and get a report from them. This report helps with your insurance claim.
Returning the Car Procedure
1. Return Time:
Bring the car back on time to avoid extra charges. Some companies might give a little extra time, but it’s good to check with them first.
2. Fuel Level:
Check that the fuel matches what’s in your rental agreement. If it’s wrong, fill it out before returning the car to avoid extra charges.
3. Final Inspection:
Ask the rental company to check the car when you return it. This way, you can immediately sort out any new damages or fuel issues.
3 More Important Tips For You
1. Local Driving Etiquette:
When driving, remember to be kind and patient. Use your blinkers, follow traffic signals, and always give way to pedestrians crossing at crosswalks safely.
2. Cultural Sensitivity:
Respect the local customs and laws. Avoid doing anything rude or disrespectful, especially during Ramadan. It is a special time for the local community.
3. Exploring Beyond Dubai:
Think about visiting other places in the UAE besides Dubai, such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Each place has exciting sights to see and enjoyable roads to drive on.
Renting Luxury and Exotic Cars in Dubai
• Luxury Car Rentals:
Dubai offers luxury car rentals where you can get fancy cars. If you want to rent one of these fantastic vehicles, understand all the rules and conditions. They might be stricter compared to regular car rentals.
• Insurance for Luxury Cars:
Insurance for luxury cars usually covers a lot, but it might be more expensive. Check what’s included in the insurance policy, and consider getting extra insurance if needed.
Advice For You:
Renting a car in Dubai can be super fun. You can go wherever you like and whenever you want. First, it’s essential to understand the rules and laws for renting a car there. Next, choose a good rental company from which to get your vehicle.
Before you start driving, it’s important to check the car carefully. Look closely for any scratches or damages, and let the rental company know if you find any. Also, knowing how driving works in Dubai is essential so you can stay safe on the roads. Remember these tips, and you’ll enjoy exploring Dubai in your rented car.
