Renting A Car in Dubai – Dubai presents an alluring image – towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and thrilling diversions rising from the desert sands. Adventurous travellers arrive hoping to cruise palm-lined boulevards in air-conditioned comfort or tackle rocky ridges in rugged SUVs to unlock this emirate’s hidden depths.
Don’t let driving mishaps ruin the magical mystery of your Dubai dream! Arm yourself against rental rip-offs, toll trouble, insurance insanity, and dangerous desert detours by avoiding these 5 all-too-common mistakes before you rent a car in Dubai, and hit the roads of Dubai! Read on and drive fully prepared!
1. Don’t Get Duped by Hidden Costs
Renting a car should be simple, right? You pick your wheels, pay your fee, and ride off into the Dubai sunset. If only it were that easy! Many renters get slammed by sneaky hidden fees after they’ve signed on the dotted line, turning what looked like an affordable rental into a budget buster. Save yourself the nasty surprise by asking upfront about any additional costs beyond the base rental rate. Get all quotes and agreements in writing to avoid getting duped by last-minute fees when you arrive to collect your rental.
2. Refuelling Ripoffs – Don’t Run on Empty!
You’re cruising along Sheikh Zayed Road with the top down, not a car in the world. But uh oh, your gas tank is running low! No problem, you’ll just fill up the tank before returning the car, right? WRONG! Many rental agencies require you to return vehicles with a full tank or else face exorbitant refuelling fees, often over double the cost of gas! Don’t let this rookie mistake leave you stranded.
3. Insurance Insanity – Don’t Drive Uncovered!
Fender benders and scrapes are common on Dubai’s chaotic roads. But a minor accident in your rental car can lead to major out-of-pocket expenses if you decline the rental agency’s insurance. Most coverage offered by credit card companies and auto policies from back home likely won’t protect you abroad. Save yourself financial woes by asking what policies are included and which additional coverage options make sense.
4. Mystifying Toll Troubles
The convenience of Dubai’s network of toll roads and bridges makes driving a breeze. Or does it? Many unwitting visitors get trapped by confusing toll policies issued by different emirates. Some rental agencies warn drivers to avoid Salik toll roads altogether while others charge exorbitant fees for unintended toll usage. Save yourself the migraine and ask pointed questions about which roads are fair game. Having a clear understanding of the various toll systems across each emirate will prevent you from accidentally entering a VIP lane crossing that leads to violation fines galore.
5. Desert Driving Dangers
Whether you’re an experienced off-roader or novice vehicle operator, cruising the endless dunes and valleys outside Dubai city limits can spell disaster for drivers unfamiliar with desert terrain. Shifting sands can lead to slippery slides and rocky ridges can ravage your rental’s undercarriage. Worse yet, a breakdown or flat tyre in the middle of seemingly nowhere can have you baking under the scorching sun! Save yourself the suffering by clearly asking if your vehicle agreement permits desert driving – odds are it does not! And even with rugged SUV rentals touted for dune bashing, only experienced guides should tackle anything beyond paved roads.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can relax and enjoy cruising Dubai in style on your next visit with car rental without deposit. Paying attention to the fine print may seem tedious after a long flight, but saving money and hassle is always in style under the Emirati sun! With clear agreements and covered bases from the start, the open road beckons your next spectacular Middle Eastern memory.
