Besides having to find lodging and fly yourself to the location, you will also need to add a car rental to the long list of things to plan for. A necessary part of any vacation includes getting from place to place in order to see the sights and enjoy everything the destination has to offer. Renting a car is usually a fairly tedious task, but some places don’t even allow you to do so.
Can I rent a car in Doha? Yes, you can rent a car while in Doha. There are a number of rental car companies, including big names like Hertz and Alamo, to choose from. You can decide to get one upon arrival or you can book it ahead of time online.
The process is very similar to renting a car in the US, although the prices may be a little less. You must be at least 21 years old and have at least 1 year of driving experience. Most companies also require that you pay with a credit card.
What Are The Costs And How Can I Save Money On My Doha Car Rental?
The average cost to rent a car in Doha varies widely depending on what size vehicle you need and how long you will need it for. For a typical compact car you can expect to pay as low as $40 per day, and up to $1000 per day, if you want to go driving around Doha in style.
Luckily, there are a number of things that you can do to help lower the bottom line anytime you rent a car. One thing would be to bundle it in with the other parts of your vacation. Some airlines and hotels offer package deals to allow you to add a rental car for your trip. This usually brings the overall cost of your trip down a significant amount.
Another trick to look into before purchasing the insurance would be to double check your credit card perks. Some credit card companies offer rental car insurance when on vacation, just make sure if yours does, that you pay for the rental car with that particular credit card.
You will need to make sure to read your rental car contract thoroughly. Some companies include extra fees, like going over a certain number of miles per day, adding more drivers, and other surcharges. If you have any questions or concerns make sure to ask about it before signing your rental contract.
Beware of added features. Some rental car companies charge extra for added bonus features like car seats and GPS systems. Many of the features that they offer to add can be something that you can supply on your own. For example, most cellphones these days have the added benefit of maps and driving directions, so you may not need an extra GPS.
What Are The Requirements For Renting A Car In Doha?
There are a few things to consider when it comes time to rent a car in Qatar. There are certain age restrictions and you must present a valid driver’s license and passport. Some rental companies also require that you provide a credit card for a security deposit.
The minimum age to rent a car in Doha is usually 21, although most rates shown online are for drivers that are 25 years old and over. Younger drivers, those under 25, usually get charged an extra fee, so make sure to be prepared for that.
Most likely you will also be required to return the car back with a full tank of gas (or at least with as much as it had when you picked it up). It’s important that you take care and ensure that you return it with the appropriate amount
A good thing about Qatar is that gas prices are extremely cheap, compared to the US, so it won’t break the bank to fill it up yourself. However, if you don’t, you will likely be charged extra by the car company (a fee plus an overpriced per liter amount).
Do You Really Need To Rent A Car In Doha?
Depending on how long you plan to be in Doha, you may be able to forego a rental car altogether. Qatar, especially the capital Doha, has many other ways to get around. If you’re only in town for a few days you could opt to use Uber, taxis, or the reliable buses. If you are a planner you can even book a hotel that is conveniently located close to everything you want to see during your trip and then just use your own two feet.
Of course renting a car comes with a lot of extra freedom that most people love when out exploring a new country. Doha has many great attractions and being able to go where and when you want is definitely a huge plus.