Home / Blog / How to Rent a Car for the First Time in Dubai

How to Rent a Car for the First Time in Dubai

So, you have arrived in Dubai and are planning to explore all the beautiful places in the comfort of a car, but it is your first time and you have never rented a car before. Worry not, there is help at hand. We have listed some important tips to keep in mind for first-timers.

Here are some useful tips to follow when you cheap rent car dubai for the first time:

Have the right documents

Most tourists need to produce an international driving license, a copy of the passport and a copy of the visit visa to get a rental car in Dubai. If you are a passport holder from a GCC country or a first world country like the US or the UK, you can drive using your country’s driving license.

Rent Car Dubai

Get the right car to fit your needs

If you would be travelling in a large group along with a lot of luggage, then you will need to get a bigger car or an SUV. On the other hand, if you are a small group or just a couple of people with not a lot of luggage, then an economy car may fit your requirement.

Shop around, compare prices

Prices at different rental companies vary by the day. It is best to shop and check prices at different places. Also, be aware that if you pick up a rental at the airport, you will end up paying the airport surcharge fee, so, it is generally a cheaper option to get the rental car from a location within the city. You may also pay slightly less if you don't need the car on short notice and you can give a 24-hour notice to the rental company.

Decline the offer of insurance or extras

Most Car Rental companies will try to upsell you their insurance and offerings like GPS, etc. If your current insurance policy or your credit card already covers you, then you can give the car rental company’s insurance a miss. If your smartphone has a local data sim card, then you can also decline the GPS offer and use the built-in GPS of your smartphone.

Rent Car UAE

Inspect the car properly and click photos

Always check the car properly for any kind of cigarette burn marks, dents or scratches inside and outside. If you find any of these, highlight them to the rental company and take a photo. That way you save yourself from paying for pre-existing damage.

Return the car on time and with a full tank

If you are late in returning the car, you may end up paying a late fee, so, ensure that you take out enough time to return the vehicle well before the deadline. If you took the car with a full tank, ensure that you return it back with a full tank otherwise the rental company may charge you a premium for the fuel.