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Renting car in Oman with driving tips

Renting a car in Oman is the best way to explore the country. With well-maintained roads and light traffic, driving here is easy and enjoyable. A rental car also gives you the flexibility to visit remote areas and hidden gems that are not accessible by public transport.

Renting a car in Oman You need to know ahead that pretty much all car rental companies in Oman require a credit card to rent a car. A debit card is not enough. It seems to be a specific requirement to hire a car in Oman. If you don’t own a credit card, get yourself one specifically for the trip – it will save you a lot of hassle. it’s not guaranteed you’d end up with a car. The rental car company has the right to refuse the rental. When booking your car hire in Oman, be clear about your planned destinations. For example, if you plan to visit the Hajar Mountains, a 4x4 is essential, as there’s a police checkpoint on the way to Jebel Akhdar to ensure you have the right vehicle. Informing your car rental company of your itinerary helps them prepare the car accordingly. For our trip, the car was modified with slightly deflated tires for off-roading. Standard insurance, such as collision damage coverage, is usually included in your rental. However, each company offers additional options, such as personal insurance, off-road usage coverage, or insurance for border crossings to the UAE.

Always read the fine print before finalizing your booking. It's highly recommended to book your car in advance, as there can be long lines at the Muscat International Airport car rental, even early in the morning. Oman car rental companies typically have a cap on how many kilometers you can drive. Ours had 200 km/per day as the limit. Car rental prices in Oman can vary widely. For a 5-seat SUV 4WD, you can expect to pay around 180 rials ($465) for a week. A strong 4WD vehicle offers peace of mind, allowing you to drive almost anywhere and enjoy off-roading adventures. If you opt for a smaller compact car that isn’t a 4×4, the price will be about half of that. If you plan to stay in the main cities, visit the coast, and explore some wadis, a 2WD will be sufficient. A friend of mine even took a 2WD to the starting point of the balcony walk in Wadi Nakhr Canyon (Jebel Shams) — with a few kilometers on an unpaved road. However, it’s risky to do so.