Renting a car in UAE opens up numerous opportunities and it can be confusing to determine the next steps. Let’s say you hired a vehicle – will you drive it back and forth from your hotel in the center of the city? There’s nothing wrong with that, but you’ll surely miss the opportunity to make the most out of your rental. Plus, there are certain things that you should keep in mind once you leave the agency.
To ensure you don’t miss out on anything and steer away from trouble, here are 5 things you should do after renting a car in UAE.
1. Take pictures of the car before starting
It might be tempting to embark on adventures right away, but you shouldn’t forget important steps. Before driving off from the agency, you should take pictures of the interior and exterior of the car. Make sure you include all the parts, paying special attention to areas that are already damaged.
Taking pictures is important because the agency will charge you if you return the car with scratches or dents. If you didn’t cause any harm, you’ll need to provide proof to avoid paying additional fees. It’s also a good way to avoid serious conflicts.
2. Figure out whether you can take the vehicle outside the country
Another thing you should do after renting a car in UAE is to talk to the agency and figure out whether you can take the vehicle outside the country. According to local laws, it’s not allowed to cross the border with rental cars. However, certain agencies permit their users to travel to neighboring countries with their vehicles.
If the rental company permits you, you can start thinking about the countries you’re going to visit. You could drive to Oman and explore the beautiful capital Muscat. You could also visit Qatar to experience the unique local culture. You can even visit multiple countries in a row if you have enough time and resources!
The main thing is to confirm the necessary details – the rest is completely up to you.
3. Plan a road trip
If the rental agency doesn’t give you permission to leave the country, you can always plan a road trip to explore various destinations within the UAE. To relax on the sunny beaches and swim in the blue sea, you can visit Ajman which is only 40 kilometers away from Dubai. If you don’t like spending time on the beach, you can drive to Hatta for mountain views and interesting adventures. You can’t leave UAE without visiting the sandy dunes in Sharjah. If you choose to go to the desert, make sure you warn your rental agency and select an appropriate vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll face additional fees.
Naturally, you could also ask the locals about their favorite destinations in the country to find lesser-known gems. That way, you’ll visit scenic sites that aren’t overcrowded with visitors.
4. Make sure you follow the local driving rules
After you rent a car in UAE, you should make sure you follow local driving rules. Not only is it important to pay attention to traffic lights and keep global rules in mind, but it’s also vital to familiarize yourself with local guidelines. For example, it’s forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol in the UAE. In most countries, you’re allowed to consume a single glass of alcohol if you’re behind the wheel. By contrast, in UAE, you’ll get fined if the police find even the smallest amount of alcohol on your breath.
Keep in mind that it’s also prohibited to use a phone while driving. Naturally, wearing a seatbelt and placing children in car seats is mandatory if they are under 12.
5. Use digital navigation
Lastly, you should use navigation, once you start driving in UAE. The road infrastructure is great throughout the whole country – you’ll find directions and signs on the road. However, it’s still a foreign country and it’s better to err on the safe side. By keeping the GPS active, you’ll arrive safely at your destination no matter what.
Plus, you can pin various places on your map and follow the predetermined route to shorten the distance as much as possible. You might also discover nearby sites that you didn’t plan to visit previously. That way, you’re road trip will become even more adventurous and entertaining.
If you rent a car in UAE from the eZhire app, you won’t have to get to the agency to collect the vehicle. You can order the rental car from your apartment, get ready before it arrives, and hop into it once it gets delivered. eZhire’s convenient service will allow you to forget about logistics and administrative troubles and concentrate on your journey. After all, the UAE is a country you should experience to the fullest.
