How to Rent a Car in Dubai if You're a Tourist

How to Rent a Car in Dubai if You're a Tourist

For an amazing blend of traditional and futuristic innovation, head towards Dubai. It is one of the most desirable tourist attractions in the world. Many people come here to witness the aesthetics of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and many other things, including desert dunes. One can choose to rent a car Dubai for a convenient driving experience. So, if you’re going to have a car rental Dubai as a tourist, then keep in mind the following things.  

Eligibility Requirements for Tourists

Tourists can easily rent a car in Dubai and drive wherever they want, but if they meet a few basic requirements:

Age: The car renter must be 21 years old enough to rent a car for rent. Some of the luxury cars are rented to drivers who are at least 25 years or older than.

License of Driving: Tourists can get a car rental in Dubai on an IDP, which is an international driving permit, and their country’s original license. Some people from countries like the UK, the US, EU nations, and Australia can use their home country license without an IDP.  

Passport and Visa Copy: Rental companies will require a copy of your passport and a valid tourist visa entry stamp.

Credit Card: Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Some also accept debit cards, but this may limit your options.

Secure the Trusted Rental Car Company

There are plenty of car rental companies that have been offering rental car services in the town for many years. You can book a car from Avis, Hertz, and Rent a Cheap Car in Dubai. When choosing a rental car company, check out the following things:

• Check for customer reviews and online ratings.

• Find aggregator websites for comparing prices, kayaks, and rental cars, or try out options such as OneClickDrive, which is more locally based.

• Understand all the hidden charges for add-ons and the mileage limit.

• Make sure the company offers 24/7 customer service for emergency assistance.

Types of Cars Available for Rent

You can find a wide range of car rental Dubai models as per your requirement and need.

SUVs and Family Cars: These cars are great for the family and group travel on a budget.

Economy Cars: These are best for individuals and couples looking for budget-friendly transportation.

Luxury Cars: These cars are best for the luxury seekers who want to make a statement.

Choose the car according to your travel plan and budget. An economy or mid-size car is sufficient for city driving.  SUVs are suitable when you want to travel outside the city or go on desert adventures.

Understand the Rental Agreement

Before finalizing the agreement, review the following documents carefully:

Insurance Coverage: Basic insurance is mostly included, but it’s wise to add Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or full insurance for peace of mind.

Mileage Limit: Some rentals have daily mileage limits, and exceeding them can be costly.

Fuel Policy: Most companies offer a “full-to-full” policy. Return the car with the same level of fuel it had at pickup to avoid extra charges.

Deposit and Payment Terms: A refundable security deposit is usually blocked on your credit card and released a few days after you return the car.

Driving in Dubai – What You Should Know

Driving in Dubai is generally a smooth process due to modern road infrastructure, however, there are rules and cultural norms that drivers should respect.

• Drive on the right side of the road.

• Stay buckled up always and refrain from using your phone while driving.

• Speed cameras are common. Take notice of the speed limits and avoid being fined.

• Salik toll gates throughout the city. Most rental companies charge you after you return the car for toll fees.

• Avoid driving under the influence since Dubai is a zero-tolerance city for drunk driving.

Parking in Dubai

Dubai has many paid parking options that are available in malls, hotels, and on the streets. You can pay by using:

• RTA Parking App

• SMS (for those who have a UAE SIM card)

• Parking meters

• Some hotels and malls provide free valet services as long as you are either staying or shopping there.

Returning the Car

Before returning the car:

• Fill up with gasoline to the required level.

• Inspect the car for any damage, and take pics as proof.

• Make sure you return it on time, the time you agreed upon, otherwise you will have to pay late fees.

• The security deposit may take anywhere from 15–21 working days to be refunded. It is based on the bank's processing time and the company's policy.

Final Thoughts

For tourists, renting a car in Dubai is a simple process if you have the necessary documents and understand the local driving rules in advance. It lets you drive around as you wish, for instance, visiting the new city skyline of Downtown Dubai, cultural charm of Al Fahidi District, and the peaceful desert dunes. Whether you are here for a short visit or a longer one, driving a car will give you the chance to experience Dubai fully and see the best of what it has to offer.