A convenient way, if not the best, of getting around and exploring UAE is by driving which means renting a car and this is a norm for foreigners (pleasure seekers and business people). A car rental is a sure way to navigate the country because with it you get to take long distance trips across cities, for longer hours, days and even months. You get to be in your own ride feeling safe and without the worry of public transportation.

        Many people think that the process of using a car rental is tedious. Yes, if not properly guided which makes some people skeptical about the idea. Because of the competitive car rental market, to rent a car in UAE is considered cheap, affordable and very easy.

        There are certain things to know, processes to follow, that particular requirement needed in the country which without getting acquainted with these, one would find it hard to rent a car or even enjoy the period of rent. Below is a brief list of such.

1. Driver's license: Any driver's license cannot be used in UAE. There are certain country's driver's licenses that are accepted in the country where one's passport was issued like if you are from the US, Australia or an European country, you don’t need an International Driving License as you’ll be able to drive with your own license as long as you hold a tourist visa. But, to be on the safe side it is advised to own an International Driving Permit issued in/by one's native country before you are able to rent a car in UAE. Cars here are driven on the right side of the road and one needs a Salik card to pay for tolls.
2. Deposits: In UAE, there are certain security deposits expected of car rental agencies to collect from customers. These security deposits are for any probable driving violations committed during one's stay in the country, in cases of damage, fines or even failure to return a car. If there is none at the end of your rent, then such deposits will be refunded before you leave.
3. Age: The minimum driving age is 18 years old in the country. But before renting a car in the country you must be at least 21 years old and 25 years for high-end vehicles. And such an individual must have at least one year of experience. Or better still, you rent a driver.

Steps to renting a car in UAE

To rent a car in the UAE, one must consider the following steps in order to have the best of deals and not be ripped off.

1. Search for best deals: If it is your first time in the country or your first time trying out a car rental, it is necessary to check out aggregator sites like Kayak. It can be very stressful not having a clue of what to search for or how to go about. These sites help give you that direction you need as various car rentals like Thrifty Rent a car and others will be duly reviewed and the best deals are easily available.
2. Visit Individual car rental websites: Although aggregator sites show best deals and reviews of various car rentals, it is necessary to visit the website of your desired car rental company. Certain freebies are also present on the company's homepage which are not there on search engines. It is also at their unique websites that you get to make your choice based on your specifications. This could also be done via phone call for booking.
3. Discount: Booking online often goes with some discounts that is to say certain discounts will be given when one pays immediately he books for a car than making payments during pick-up.

        Again, most big car rentals do not always offer the best affordable deals so it is always advisable to opt for discounted brands and car rates.

4. Car class: The economy car class is often the cheapest and most likely the most preferred choice. Except, you are vying for something classy, luxurious or fast, Rent a car Dubai has other options to be considered.
5. Time: It is good to compare daily, weekly and monthly rates of each car rental. It is always cheaper to rent a car for longer days than when you do for just a day. Weekly plans are considerably cheaper than daily rates that have to say it's cheaper to pay for 4-5 days of rent than pay for a car daily when you probably need it for just 2-3 days. But then again, be careful that there is no clause for early return.

        It is important to know that you have to be there on time to pick up your vehicle as lateness is not often tolerated. It's always best to be the one waiting for them and not the other way round.

6. Pick-up location: Never pick-up your car rental at the airport. Car rental companies always find a way of putting additional cost to the usual rate if the car is to be delivered at the airport. There is always this hype, audience and attention at the airport so car rentals capitalize on this and put an extra cost to their rentals. It is always a lot cheaper and easier to place your order and pick-up location away from the airport.
7. Gas price and Insurance: Always compare between local gas prices and prepaid gas prices of the car rentals before booking a ride. Also, one's personal insurance may have you covered rather than opt in for the ones provided by the rental car company.

        Always be on the lookout for extra cost, because some car rentals have a funny way of making extra money by selling to you some extras like GPS navigation, Satellite phones, etc. All this can be substituted with just your Smartphone navigation application.

        With the above, you now know how to rent a car in the UAE. Not just a car but the best affordable deals with just your Smartphone and a payment card. Always plan in advance and Rent a car Dubai can help you with this.