How to rent a car in the UAE

If you decide to rent a car yourself, you need to know a few important points.

There are also large multinational companies in the UAE, such as Avis Rent a Car, Budget Car Rental, Hertz, Sixt Rent a Car, and small local private companies, of which there are a huge number. There are several fundamental differences between these two types of companies.

Documents required for registration of a car rental agreement

В крупной компании для оформления машины необходимо предъявить как минимум два документа: международное водительское удостоверение, действительное на территории ОАЭ, и кредитную карточку. Водительские удостоверения стран СНГ в Арабских Эмиратах недействительны. Хотя если вы турист, то полицейский, с молчаливого одобрения властей ОАЭ, закроет на это глаза. Но только до тех пор, пока ничего не случилось. Проблемы начнутся в том случае, если по вашей вине произойдет дорожно-транспортное происшествие. Именно поэтому крупные компании не соглашаются принимать наши права. Выход есть — некоторые из этих компаний могут за дополнительные деньги (кругленькая сумма) изготовить временные права международного образца, действительные в ОАЭ.

In a local company, they find fault with documents less. As a rule, they only ask to show (and make a copy of) any driver's license and leave the original passport as a deposit.

All companies rent cars only to persons over the age of 21. Expensive cars (starting from group G) - only from 25 years old.

Method of payment for car rental

In a multinational company, credit cards are preferred. With their help, you not only pay, but also provide a deposit in case of fines or other undesirable situations. The local company only accepts cash. In this case, your passport serves as collateral.

Selection of car models that can be rented

In large companies, their abundance: from the Toyota Tercel (Toyota Tercel) to the Jaguar (Jaguar "XJ8"). To borrow a Jaguar or something like that, all you need is a gold credit card from a large, world-famous bank.

In a local company, everything is much more modest: as a rule, one or two models. One is a cheap class, such as a Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sunny, or Honda Civic, and the second is a more expensive class, such as a Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, or Honda Accord.

Insurance

There are two types of insurance - CDW and PAI. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) - compensation (exemption from compensation) for damage in an accident. PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) - personal insurance.

Large multinational companies will never rent a car without full insurance. Even though the CDW and PAI rates are in separate columns, they will always be added to the rent. And you can't refuse it. Private companies usually offer a car without full insurance. If you wish, you can pay extra and get a CDW.

never get behind the wheel in a state of intoxication - it threatens with imprisonment!

Petrol

Large companies offer cars with a full tank and also require a full tank when returning. Private - with refueling according to the "how much is left from the previous lease" type. But not less than 5 liters in the tank. And you can return, also following this principle.

February 17, 2011

Edition of the "Subtleties of Tourism"

In the UAE, car rental is provided by both large multinational companies - Avis Rent a Car, Budget Car Rental, Hertz, Sixt Rent a Car, as well as small local private companies.

In large companies, of course, the possibility of being deceived is reduced, but the requirements (and often the prices) are also higher here. So, to register a car in such a company, you need an international driver's license valid in the UAE and a credit card.

Legally driving licenses of the CIS countries in the United Arab Emirates are not valid. In fact, the police often turn a blind eye to such road users, but only until an accident occurs. In the latter case, you will be considered a person without a driving license. That is why large companies do not agree to accept our rights, but small offices can easily do this. And, again, even for car rental in transnational companies there is a way out - at your request, some of them can issue temporary international licenses valid in the UAE for additional money.

Another point is that it is better to have an international driving license in order to get a car with full insurance. Which, as a rule, is not so expensive, but it helps tourists well in case of problems on the roads. When driving a car with Russian (not international) rights, insurance will not work.