Dubai, one of the most popular cities in the United Arab Emirates, attracts many tourists from all over the world with its incredible attractions, high level of comfort and luxurious lifestyle.
One way to enjoy all that this city has to offer is by renting a car from Octane car rentals.
Rental specifics
Renting a car in Dubai offers many benefits that make your journey around this city much more convenient and comfortable. Here are a few of the main ones:
· Freedom of movement: The ability to move around the city according to your schedule and without the constraints of public transport.
· Comfort and convenience: A car imply convenience in travelling. And there will be no problems with parking spaces.
· Flexibility: You can choose the make and model of car that suits your preferences and budget.
Another advantage is the reduction of time spent waiting for public transport or taxis, as well as reduced travelling time between different locations.
Average rental price
On average, renting a car in Dubai costs 300 AED per day or 2100 AED per week. Car hire conditions depend on the time of booking. They are often more favourable if you book in advance. The cheapest month to rent a car in Dubai is February.
How to choose a rental company?
Cars are rented from rental agencies - international and local - or from intermediaries.
International rental agencies are big companies. Wherever you go, there is a Europcar, Hertz or Avis. They have equally good but expensive everywhere.
Local rentals operate in the same country or even within the same city. Intermediaries are aggregator companies. They offer a large selection of cars from all the sites of major rental companies and connect local companies. Intermediaries co-operate with rental companies on special terms, for example, they receive corporate discounts.
A car from intermediaries is cheaper than in a rental company, sometimes even with super insurance, which covers almost all damages.
At the same time, the intermediary is an unnecessary link between you and the rental company. Be prepared that your car reservation may be cancelled at the last moment. However, turning to an intermediary is a solution for those who do not have a foreign card for payment.
What do you need before making a decision?
Take the following into consideration when renting a car:
· Booking online. If you rent online, the hirer offers two options for payment: now or at the office. Paying now is usually cheaper.
· Registering the flight number when you book the car online. When booking a car online, fill in the field with information about the flight you are taking. This way the rental company will know if the flight is cancelled or delayed, and the car will wait for you.
· Damage. Take the certificate of issue and walk round the car with it. If you see scratches or chips, even the smallest ones, not marked in the certificate, ask to include them in the certificate - you won't be asked to pay for them when returning the car. And don't forget to check the damage to the interior upholstery and the serviceability of devices: whether the headlights are lit, whether the air conditioner works. Also make sure you have a first aid kit and reflective waistcoat.
· Deposit. When you sign up for a car, the car hire company blocks a deposit on your card. It is usually the amount of the deductible on the insurance. The deposit must be returned within 30 days of returning the car. Fines and repair costs are deducted from the deposit. The cost of a full tank of petrol is included in the deposit - if you return the car with an empty tank, they will fill it up at your expense.
· Kilometrage. Sometimes offices monitor the mileage of the car during the rental period. You will have to pay extra for exceeding it. This is indicated when you register the car on the website or in the rental agreement.
· Gearbox. The minimum rental cost is calculated for a car with a manual gearbox, cars with an automatic are more expensive.
If you pick up or drop off the car at another office or at the airport, you will be charged extra.
Who can rent a car?
As standard, all offices require a passport, national driving licence and international driving licence, a printed voucher with the booking number if booking through the website, visa, credit card. It is important to remember that international driving licence is invalid if you do not have your national driving licence with you.
The car for hire is issued only to a driver over 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience. The higher the class of the car, the stricter the requirements for the hirer.
Turn in your car before the end of the rental period. If you picked up your car for two days at 11am on Monday, it should be at the rental office by 11am on Wednesday. It is better to arrive early to avoid queuing nervously. If you are late with the drop-off, the rental company may charge you extra for the whole day.
Super CDW insurance covers 100% of the damage if you are at fault for an accident, as well as minor scratches and other damage. But even comprehensive insurance doesn't cover wheel damage. If you hit a kerb or a nail, you pay for rim repairs or tyre replacement out of your own pocket. Headlights - and sometimes glass - are also covered separately. This is the best insurance, but it costs a lot.
