Rent a car Muscat
If you are looking to rent a car in Muscat and have no clue about how to do it, then you have come to the right place. Muscat is the bustling capital of Oman, with many tourist attractions within a few hours’ driving distance. In this article, I will talk about car hire Muscat, Oman.
Many tourist spots are easily accessible by car from Muscat. Whether it is the Qurum or Muttrah Corrniche coast, the golden Wahiba Sands or high Jabal Shams, the stunning Bimmah Sinkhole or the Grand Mosque, all these locations can be visited by car from Muscat. Therefore, many tourists prefer to rent a car in Muscat.
Another primary reason car hire in Muscat, Oman, is a popular query among travellers is that public transport outside Muscat is limited. Tourists mostly need to rely on taxis, private cars, or tour operators.
Let’s dive into all the ins and outs of car rental in Muscat, Oman. Below, we will discuss all the significant factors you must consider to car hire Muscat.
Key Factors in car rental in Muscat
Oman has a great network of roads stretched across the country. The fuel here is cheap, making car hire in Muscat attractive to tourists.
By Editor Socks — Own work, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Many companies run car hire in Muscat, Oman. These Muscat rent-a-car services provide convenient rental cars to travellers. But before renting a car in Muscat, you should keep the following points in mind.
Roads
The Quality of roads is a significant factor when you decide to go for car hire in Muscat. Oman has a vast network of well-maintained roads across the country. These roads make tourists feel comfortable when deciding on a car rental in Muscat.
Traffic
Traffic jams and bad traffic are a massive concern for many drivers, but you don’t have to worry about that when you go for car hire in Muscat. Besides rush hours inside Muscat city, traffic is mainly fluent and well-behaved.
Due to its heavy fine policy, every driver must follow the road rules and regulations. Before you rent a car, get information about these rules and regulations from your Muscat Rent-A-Car company.
Speed Limit
Omani authorities are very strict about speed limits. There are many speed-checking cameras installed on roads. If you decide to go for a car rental in Muscat, then always stick to the speed limit.
The different speed limits for different roads are given below.
- Motorways: 120 km/h
- Open roads: 90 km/h
- Urban areas: 40 km/h to 80 km/h
By Alexey Komarov, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Road Fines
As stated earlier, driving rules and regulations are stringent in Oman to ensure the safety of drivers and others, so when you decide to go for Muscat car hire.
Ask your Muscat rent-a-car company for information about the latest road fines and penalties. Here is a general estimate of the driving fines.
- Exceeding Speed Limit: You might be fined starting from 10 OMR if you exceed the permitted speed limit.
- Mobile Phone: If you are caught using your phone while driving, you can face a penalty of 35 OMR.
- Seatbelt: Not wearing a seatbelt can cost you 10 OMR.
- Signal Violation: 50 OMR.
- Parking: If you park your car in a no-parking spot during your Muscat car hire, be ready to face a fine of 10 OMR.
- Intoxication: In Oman, it is a severe crime. If you are drunk while driving, then not only will you be fined, but you can also be sent to jail.
Car Parking
Plenty of free parking spots make Muscat car hire easy.
Free Car Parking: Most parking lots in malls and mosques are free.
Paid Car Parking: If you plan to visit the Muttrah Souq, you will find paid parking there. It costs around 200-300 baiza/hour.
Sim Card
If you decide to go for a car rental in Muscat, you are advised to use a SIM card. Mobile data makes navigation through the country easier. To avoid the hassle of finding a physical SIM store, buy an e-SIM or ask your Muscat rent-a-car company to provide one.
Flash Floods
Although Oman’s roads are great, so is its drainage system. However, flash flooding concerns tourists renting a car in Muscat, Oman. You should always be careful while passing through Wadis during and after heavy rains.
Hazard signs are posted at possible flash flooding sites. One should never ignore the warning signs, as any misadventure can lead to damage.
Driving Side of the Road
In Oman, driving is on the Right side of the road, similar to Europe and America.
While the vehicle must stay on the right side of the road, the steering is on the left side of the car.
If you are visiting from a country where the opposite applies, we recommend considering these points before renting a car in Muscat, Oman.
Fuel
Fuel is cheap and affordable in Oman. Petrol pumps are abundant throughout the country.
You can rent a fuel-efficient hybrid or EV car for better fuel economy.
Navigation
In today’s world, navigating a new country is not difficult due to apps like Google Maps. However, one must have a stable data connection to navigate within the country swiftly.
We recommend using the Waze App in addition to Google Maps.
Tolls
Oman has both toll and toll-free roads. Your Muscat rental car company can provide an automatic toll reader that accepts credit cards.
Car Seat for Kids
Car seats are vital for the safety of babies and children. You must arrange a car seat if you travel with children under 4. Kids under 4 years old must sit in a car seat. Otherwise, you can be fined. If you don’t have a car seat, pre-book one from your car rental company in Muscat, Oman.
Rental Policies for Car Rental Muscat
If you want to rent a car in Muscat, you should be well-versed in the following requirements to prepare beforehand.
- Age requirement
Most companies in Muscat, Oman, will rent a car to people between 23 and 70 years old.
If you are 21 or 22, you must also pay the Young Driver fee.
- Documents needed
ID
The renter must provide the rental car company with a valid ID, like a passport.
Driving License
The renter must hold a valid international driving license, which should be at least one year old.
- Vehicle Insurance
Vehicle insurance is essential when renting a car. Make sure to buy good insurance that covers any running or accidental damage.
Cheapest Car Hire Muscat Price
Many tourists want to keep their budget in control while travelling. Here are a few tips and tricks for finding the cheapest car hire in Muscat.
- Do not finalise the first rental car company to select the best car hire in Muscat.
- Always compare the prices online for the cheapest car hire in Muscat price.
- To know the best car hire Muscat agency, read reviews from previous customers.
- Go for small cars rather than fancy vehicles.
- Choose fuel-efficient vehicles.
Monthly Car Rental in Muscat
If you visit Oman for a month or more, renting a car daily can be expensive and inconvenient. Monthly car hire in Muscat, Oman, is advised for a better economy and budget. Monthly rental charges are lower than daily or weekly rentals.
You can choose a car that suits your preferences. This allows you to roam the country without depending on public transport or private drivers. The monthly car rental in Muscat makes trip budgeting easier due to fixed monthly rentals.
Particulars of Monthly Car Rental In Muscat
Vehicle Insurance
If you go for a monthly car hire in Muscat, Oman, then Vehicle Insurance is mandatory. It is highly advised to use a good and reputable insurance company so that it can cover the breakdown and accidental damage.
Monthly Mileage
Every car rental company informs the renter about the monthly mileage limit when renting a car. In most cases, the monthly car rental mileage in Muscat is 5000 km.
Breakdown Services
Please confirm with your rental company that an alternative car will be provided if the current car breaks down.
Payment Option
Usually, some amount is paid in advance while the remaining is deferred till the return of the car.
Almost all monthly rental companies in Muscat accept credit cards.
Periodic Maintenance
It depends on the rental company’s policy. Usually, maintenance is done at an authorised centre after every 10,000 Km.
Monthly Car Hire Muscat Price
Costs are highly variable and depend on the rental company and other factors.
Here is an estimate of the car hire Muscat Prices (these are just general estimates of the charges),
- Economy Cars: 150 – 200 OMR per month.
- 4×4 Vehicles: 800 – 1700 OMR per month.
- SUVS: 400 – 600 OMR per month.
- Luxury Cars: 800 – 1200 OMR per month.
Rent a car at Muscat airport
To avoid the hassle of a taxi from the airport to the hotel, opt for car hire at Muscat airport. It is convenient and cost-effective.
There are authorized rental car services at the airport near arrival, from which you can rent a car at Muscat airport after providing the necessary documentation and other requirements.
Car hire at Muscat airport also makes your return easy; on the day of your return flight, you can hand over the vehicle to the rental service and proceed to your flight.
Aerial view of Muscat International Airport by Ank Kumar (CC BY-SA 4.0)
To avail the best car hire at Muscat airport, you need to follow a few steps, which are discussed below:
- Always visit two or more car hire Muscat airport counters.
- Collect all the necessary information from all the companies providing rent-a-car at Muscat airport.
- Compare the perks and privileges to choose the best car hire at Muscat Airport.
- Always read the reviews online beforehand.
Car Hire Muscat 4×4
If you want to explore Oman’s beauty outside the main cities, opt for a 4×4 car hire in Muscat. A 4×4 vehicle is usually advised for tourists visiting Wadis, deserts, and mountains. A 4×4 car hire in Muscat is not mandatory; however, it allows you to choose an itinerary beyond the cities.
Conclusion
Renting a car in Muscat is convenient and budget-friendly. Here are the most important things to remember before renting a car in Muscat.
- Renting a car on your Muscat trip can be very hassle-free for you.
- Muscat has excellent and well-maintained roads, making driving easier and pleasant.
- Besides rush hours, traffic in Muscat is usually less busy.
- You will find plenty of free parking at the tourist attractions in Muscat.
- Choose your rental car company wisely after reading reviews.
- Book your car in advance to avoid inconvenience.
- Know the traffic safety rules and regulations.
- Respect the country’s laws and abide by them.
