If you’re planning a short stay abroad, for example, in Dubai, renting a car often outweighs the benefits of relying on public transportation or maybe buying one. Apart from being cost-effective and sparing you from the hefty expenses that come with car ownership, it allows you the flexibility to explore even remote destinations that are inaccessible by public transport.
Perhaps your only concern should be the car rental agency. As a basic rule of thumb, when contemplating car rental abroad, for instance, car rental Dubai, ensure that the car rental does not just entice with pleasing rates and discounts. They should be well known and have a reputation for good customer service.
What to Know Before Renting a Car Abroad
Let’s face it, renting a car abroad can seem the most like the most daunting experience. But that shouldn’t be the case especially if you know just the basics. To ensure the best experience with car rental abroad, here are the four basics that you should always keep in mind:
All Your Documents should be in Order
To begin with, always check the specific requirements of the country you’re visiting to avoid nasty surprises. For most countries typically, here are the documents you will need to be able to hire and drive a car:
- A valid driving license
- Your passport. A photo ID may do if you have an older-style paper license.
- A credit card that should be valid until at least after the rental period. This depends on the country you’re visiting though.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP.) An IDP is essentially a translation of the driving license you use domestically into several languages. It is required to be permitted to drive in many foreign countries.
Prepare for Driving Differences
It is worth pointing out that the experience of driving in a foreign country can be very different from what you’re used to. So to ensure a good experience, it may help to research the local driving laws.
Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with the road signs and speed limits before you go. To get the hang of the basics on time, you may also want to join travel-specific forums to get tips and insights from experienced drivers.
Confirm your Eligibility to Drive Abroad
Having a valid driving license may be not enough in some cases. So, it is also important to check if you’re eligible to drive abroad.
Many countries have minimum age requirements for car hire. This can vary from 18 to 25 years old and if you’re under 25, you may also have to pay a surcharge on top of the standard hire cost. Also, be sure to check about driving experience as most countries require a minimum of one year’s driving experience to rent a car.
Insurance Coverage
Many car rental companies only provide basic insurance. This may not cover all situations like theft or damage to the vehicle.
To avoid any nasty surprises, take time to read through and understand the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company. Just to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, it may be best to purchase additional insurance for example, a personal injury protection cover on top of what’s offered.
Closing Thoughts
While it may seem a little frustrating, driving a car abroad can be fun if you know the basics. Provided that you know and meet the eligibility criteria for car rental, the entire process should be a smooth one.
Meta Title: The Handbook You Need for Car Rental Abroad
Meta Description: Planning to rent a car abroad? Here’s the checklist you will want to use. Discover the basics that may influence your eligibility to rent and drive a car abroad.
By Chris Bates
