Car rental in Muscat: two smart ways to save money
Oman is a fairytale destination. Gasoline is ridiculously cheap on this side of the world. Also, the quality of the roads is excellent. Traffic is light outside of big cities and drivers are usually attentive and tolerant of tourists. A convenient and effective way to see Muscat and its beautiful surroundings is definitely by car. Although car rental is widely available throughout Oman, rental costs could increase if you don’t pay attention to the little details. Here are two tips on how to save money on car rental in Muscat. Keep them in mind when booking your next car in Muscat.
Tip nr. 1: Saving starts with the right car choice: 4×4 for desert safari or a smaller car?
Muscat is usually a starting point for desert safaris at Wahiba Sands. Many first-time Muscat visitors book a huge 4×4 vehicle in hopes of driving in the desert. You don’t need to reserve a huge, expensive vehicle like 4×4. Desert safaris can be arranged in travel agencies with specially customized vehicles to drive in the sand with trained and experienced drivers. Also, Thrifty Oman car rental terms will not allow you to drive rental cars anywhere except on asphalt roads.
Tip nr. 2: Don’t spend money on extras
Having a GPS navigation system in Oman is not necessary and comes at an unnecessary cost. All areas around Muscat are easy to navigate and a simple paper map will save you some money, at least US $ 15 per day. So if you intend to stay more than a week in Muscat, you will save a good amount of money that you can use to shop. Also, all routes to Nizwa, Jabrin, Tenuf, Rusayl, Haima, Thumrait or Salalah are in good condition and well signposted.
Before renting a car in downtown Muscat, make sure of office hours or you may be charged an off-work office fee, especially if you intend to pick up the car in areas like Ruwi. Seeb Airport is open 24/7, as are the car rental offices.
Avoid one way car rental. In case you want to explore Muscat and then head to Dubai and leave the vehicle in the UAE, think twice. This type of one-way international car rental will cost you almost 300 US dollars. In case you want to start your trip in Muscat and leave the car in Salalah, costs will be added to your final receipt for approximately US $ 40.