Hi, I’m Vaishali Sharma from Motorkart.ae. Been in car rental for years in Dubai, I’ve seen hundreds of tourists rent cars, and I’ve also seen many make small mistakes that later spoil their trip. When it comes to Renting a Car in Dubai, having the right guidance can make a huge difference. Dubai is a big city, taxis are costly if you use them every day, and public transport is not always practical when you want freedom. That’s why most smart travelers choose to rent a car in Dubai.
But… if you are tourist, and you don’t know rules here, one wrong step can cost you money, time, and even peace of mind. I seen people fight with rental company over deposits, I seen couples waste half day coz they didn’t book in advance, and I also seen happy customers who saved money coz they booked the right way.
This blog is simple. I’ll tell you all the Top Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Car in Dubai. I’ll also share stories from my own office at Motorkart.ae. And if after reading, you still feel confused, don’t stress. Just WhatsApp me at +971 56 347 6239, or come see me in person at Madina Mall – 2nd Floor, Inside First Gulf Center – Office Number 8 – Muhaisnah 4 – Dubai. I’ll answer all your questions.
Mistake 1: Not Booking in Advance
This is the most common mistake. Many tourists think “Dubai has hundreds of cars, I’ll get one after landing”. But in peak season (November to February), prices shoot up and cars sell out fast.
I remember one British couple who walked into my office on 29th December. They wanted a Toyota Yaris for 5 days. That time Dubai was full of tourists for New Year’s Eve at Burj Khalifa. All economy cars gone. Only SUVs left, starting 350 AED/day. The couple looked sad, said they only wanted small car to drive around Deira and Jumeirah Beach, but they ended up paying for SUV.
👉 My tip: Always book car at least 1–2 weeks early. At Motorkart.ae, Yaris starts from 140 AED/day with 200 KM, but same car can cost 180–200 AED/day in December. In summer months like July–August, prices drop coz fewer tourists.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Mileage Limit
A lot of tourists don’t even ask how many kilometers are included. They just drive. Later when they return car, they see big bill for extra KM.
Example: A group of friends from India rented Yaris for 2 days. They thought 200 KM/day is enough. But they drove Dubai → Abu Dhabi → Yas Island → back to Dubai → Sharjah border → Dubai Mall → JBR. In 2 days, they crossed 700 KM. They had to pay extra.
👉 At Motorkart.ae, we explain clearly:
- Daily – 140 AED, 200 KM
- Weekly – 840 AED, 1500 KM
- Monthly – 1890 AED, 4000 KM
If you plan long drives to Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah beaches, go for weekly or monthly package. It’s cheaper.
Mistake 3: Not Checking Car Condition
Dubai rental companies are strict about damage. Many tourists are in hurry, they just sign paper and drive away. Later, when returning, company says “this scratch wasn’t there before”.
I had one tourist from Germany who came to pick Yaris. I told him – “Sir, take photo and video of car before leaving”. He did. When he returned car, one staff noticed small dent near bumper. But he showed photo from first day, dent was already there. Saved him from paying 500 AED.
👉 Always walk around car before taking. Click photos of body, tires, interior, and fuel gauge. Only 2 minutes, but can save your wallet.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Salik & Parking
Tourists don’t know about Salik (Dubai toll). Every time you pass under Salik gate, 4 AED is charged. Example: if you drive from Deira to Marina, you cross 2 Salik gates, so 8 AED gone.
Also, parking in Dubai is not free everywhere. Areas like Downtown, Karama, Business Bay have paid parking. You can pay by SMS or machine.
One family from Saudi Arabia told me they didn’t know Salik was automatic. They drove whole week, then saw 120 AED added in bill. They were upset.
👉 Always ask about Salik. With Motorkart.ae, we show you where gates are and add actual usage in final bill. No hidden charge.
Mistake 5: Driving Without Proper License
Not all licenses are valid in UAE. Some nationalities can drive with home license, others need International Driving Permit (IDP).
One Russian tourist thought his license is valid. Police stopped him in Jumeirah. Car got impounded, fine was heavy, and his trip got spoiled. He later came to me angry, but rules are rules.
👉 Before you rent a car in Dubai, check if your license is accepted. If not, get IDP. You can even WhatsApp me your license photo, I’ll tell you if valid.
Mistake 6: Not Asking About Insurance
Insurance is tricky. Some companies don’t explain. Later if accident happen, tourist pays thousands.
At Motorkart.ae, Yaris comes with basic insurance. Means if accident not your fault, you don’t pay. But if you want extra cover, you can take CDW (Collision Damage Waiver).
I had a customer from Pakistan who rented from another small company coz it was 20 AED cheaper. He had minor accident in Sharjah, and ended up paying 3000 AED. He came back later saying, “Vaishali, next time I will only book with you”.
Mistake 7: Confusion About Delivery & Pickup
Many tourists think car will wait at airport for free. But companies charge delivery fee. Some even delay 1–2 hours.
One French couple waited at DXB Terminal 3 with kids for 90 minutes. Company finally came, charged 100 AED delivery. They wasted precious vacation time.
👉 At Motorkart.ae, we can deliver car to airport, hotel, or even your Airbnb in Marina or Palm Jumeirah. Just tell us in advance. Charges are clear – no last-minute surprises.
Mistake 8: Renting Wrong Car Size
Some tourists book big SUV thinking “we will travel in style”. But then they complain fuel is costly, and parking is hard in Bur Dubai or Deira small streets.
Others book small car when they have family of 5 with 4 suitcases. Then luggage doesn’t fit.
Yaris is middle choice. Perfect for city driving, easy to park in tight spots, fuel saving, and still good boot for luggage.
👉 Before you book, think about group size and luggage. Or just WhatsApp me, I’ll suggest best option.
Mistake 9: Paying Only in Cash Without Receipt
Some shady companies take cash and don’t give receipt. Later they deny refund of deposit.
One tourist from Egypt gave 500 AED cash deposit to another company. When he returned car, they said “no deposit given”. He had no proof. Lost money.
👉 At Motorkart.ae, you can pay cash, card, or online. Always with invoice. Deposit refund is smooth.
Mistake 10: Not Asking If Car Can Leave Dubai
Some companies allow driving only inside Dubai. If you go Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or even to RAK mountains, you break rules.
I know one group of boys who took car to Hatta without permission. Company fined them 1000 AED.
👉 With Motorkart.ae, just ask me. If you want to go outside Dubai, I will arrange permission.
Extra Mistakes Tourists Make
- Returning Car Late: If you are late even 2 hours, company can charge full day.
- Not Refueling: If you return with less fuel, they charge premium per liter.
- Not Reading Contract: Some tourists just sign without reading. Always check.
- Choosing Wrong Location: Renting from airport can be costlier. Better book online before you land.
Why Book With Motorkart.ae
You may think – there are hundreds of companies when you type “rent a car in Dubai”. Why choose us? Let me be straight:
- I, Vaishali Sharma, talk to you directly. Not call center.
- You can WhatsApp me anytime at +971 56 347 6239.
- You can come to my office in Madina Mall, Muhaisnah 4.
- Prices are simple: Yaris 140 AED/day, 840 AED/week, 1890 AED/month.
- We don’t hide charges.
- We help tourists like family.
I have customers from UK, India, Saudi, Pakistan, Germany who come every year. They say, “Vaishali, you explain things like friend, not sales person”.
Final Words
So these are Top Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Car in Dubai – not booking early, ignoring mileage, forgetting insurance, not checking license, and more. If you learn from these stories, your trip will be smooth.
Dubai is beautiful. From Burj Khalifa to Marina Walk, Desert Safari to Hatta mountains, you can enjoy better with self-drive car. Just avoid these mistakes, and rent smart.
And if you still have doubt, just talk to me.
📞 WhatsApp: +971 56 347 6239
📧 Email: vaishali@motorkart.ae
📍 Visit: Madina Mall – 2nd Floor, Inside First Gulf Center – Office 8, Muhaisnah 4, Dubai