Car Rentals in Sharjah - A Quick Guide Before the Ride

Types of Cars For Rent in Sharjah

Cars on rent are of two types, compact and mid-size cars. The small vehicles include models like i10 Grand and Nissan Sunny that are priced between AED 450 to AED 660 while mid-size cars like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Accent are priced between AED 1,500 and AED 2,200. If you plan on driving through desert terrains, you should opt for a 4x4 like the Nissan Frontier 4x4. In the case of big cars or luxury cars, you can often find Ferraris and Audis on offer too! The Audi A5 Convertible is priced at approximately AED 500 per day, the Audi R8 is priced at AED 700 per day, and a Ferrari California T can be rented for AED 2700 per day. Thankfully, most travel companies allow you to pay online, and this turns out to be nearly 20% cheaper.

Things to Know Before Renting a Car

1. Look out for any visible scratches, take pictures if required, and let your agent know immediately.
2. Check the miles on the odometer, and ideal rental cars would have driven less than 25,000 miles.
3. Check the fuel tank, especially if the company agreed to provide you with a full tank. These measures will help you avoid unnecessary costs when the car is returned.
4. Check the tyres of the car provided.
5. If you are unhappy with the air pressure or the state of the tyres, don't feel shy to ask for a change.
6. Check whether the GPS is working and USB cables connect properly to your phone.
7. Like the rest of the UAE, Sharjah has hot weather which can be quite uncomfortable in a hot car. Don't forget to check the air conditioning!
8. Before you agree to rent a car, we'd suggest taking a quick test drive around the premises to check if it is a comfortable drive.

Road Regulations in Sharjah

1. No Driving Private Vehicles:
If you are not a citizen of the UAE, it is against the law to drive a personal vehicle borrowed from a friend or relative in the region. Instead, you will have to use public transport, rent a taxi or rent a car for your travels. 

2. Check Before Crossing Borders:
Although the country's highways connecting it to neighbouring Oman and Saudi Arabia get confusing, taking rented cars outside the country is prohibited. Within the country, some vehicles don't have the right license to travel between emirates, so it's best to check these limits before taking the car outside Sharjah.

3. No Speeding & Stay Fastened:
Drivers are known to cruise at high speeds on the vast highways of the UAE, but this doesn't mean that you should follow. The speed limits are 50- 80 kilometres per hour in urban areas and 100- 120 kilometres per hour on highways. Moreover, seatbelts are mandatory for everyone in the car and children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front. If you are found over-speeding or breaking any of these rules, you are likely to be fined on the spot by the traffic police. Sharjah has installed radars to monitor speeds on their highways.

4. Keep Your Documents With You:
In such situations, it is good to keep all necessary documentation like vehicle registration document, proof of insurance, and proof of identity ready in the car. In the UAE, courtesy is valued highly.

5. Stay Calm:
In case of an accident or misunderstanding on the road, it is recommended to stay calm at all times. Shows of anger and obscenity are not only rude but considered a legal offence which could result in jail time or hefty fines.

Renting a car in Sharjah doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult ordeal as long as you research thoroughly to find the best deal for you. There are plenty of companies on offer that allows you to pick up the car from Sharjah Airport, your hotel, or one of the company's offices. With proper planning, using a rental car during your trip can be quite an exciting experience.