Renting a car in Dubai is a practical solution, but not always profitable. Many travelers fall for hidden fees, inflated fares, and imposed services. This happens especially often at DXB and DWC airports, where the convenience of renting turns into additional costs. To save your budget, you need to understand the rules in advance and carefully choose the conditions.
Differences Between Airport And City Pick-Up Points
The airport’s rental counters are open around the clock, and that seems like a plus. But a “premium location fee” from AED 50 to 150 and VAT of 5% is added to the price. On average, the fare at the airport is 22% higher than at city branches. Sometimes it is more profitable to take a taxi to the center and rent a car without such extra charges. Especially when it comes to long-term rentals, when the difference reaches hundreds of dirhams. Still, for those who prefer convenience, choosing an airport car rental in dubai option remains attractive, even if it comes at a premium.
Required Documents And Age Restrictions
The tenant must present a passport with a visa, a driver’s license and, in some cases, an International Driver’s license. Age is important: at least 21 years old, but for premium and off road vehicles – from 25 years old. Driving experience at least six months, sometimes a year. Ignoring these requirements leads to refusal or additional insurance.
Deposit Policies And Refund Timelines
Companies block credit card deposits in the amount of AED 1,000–5,000. The money is returned within 7 to 30 days, as fines and Salik payments are checked. Each trip through the Salik Gate costs AED 4, and an administrative fee may be added to this amount. It is important for a tourist to take into account that these expenses are deducted from the deposit, so the free limit of the card is reduced.
Insurance Coverage And Additional Charges
Included insurance usually only covers damage to third parties. You will have to pay extra for Collision Damage Waiver or Theft Protection, and the cost may double the rental price. However, many tourists already have coverage through credit cards or travel policies. Imposed services like GPS child safety seats and prepaid fuel also increase the bill. It is better to clarify in advance exactly what is included, and discard the excess.
Common Renter Mistakes
- Being late even by an hour after the end of the lease leads to a charge for the whole day.
- Ignoring mileage: with a limit of 200-300 km per day, the surcharge for each extra kilometer is expensive.
- No photo-fixing: without pictures, it’s easy to get on the “damage claim fraud”.
- Failure to comply with the full-to-full fuel policy leads to the payment of gasoline at an inflated price.
These mistakes are repeated over and over again, and it is they who form the impression of the high cost of renting in Dubai.
Effective Strategies For Saving Money
Book in advance preferably a week or a month before the trip. Online aggregators allow you to compare prices and get discounts. Early booking saves up to AED 300 per week. Be sure to check the contract and keep all fuel receipts. It is important to specify the mileage, refund rules and deposit procedure. Car inspection and photos are a simple defense against controversial situations. The more thorough the preparation, the fewer unexpected expenses.
Renting a car in Dubai remains a profitable option for those who follow the rules. It is necessary to take into account a deposit of AED 1,000–5,000, a refund in 7-30 days, a Salik AED 4 fee, 5% VAT, a mileage limit of 200-300 km, as well as fines for tardiness and fuel. A tourist who books in advance, refuses unnecessary services and carefully reads the contract, gets freedom of movement without overpayments. The rest risk leaving much more in the tenant’s cash register than they had planned.
Hiking addict, mother of 2, drummer, hand letterer and Guest speaker. Producing at the junction of beauty and programing to craft experiences both online and in real life. I am 20 years old.
