Tips For Owning or Renting Vehicles in Qatar

If you are planning on driving around in Qatar, or if you want to own a car that is used, you may have to approach one of the used car dealers there. Buying a used car saves you a lot of money, if you plan it well. There are plenty of cars in Qatar you can choose from, including luxury, sports cars, sedans, and utility vehicles. You can opt for car hire in Qatar for renting over the short-term.

 

●      Owning one of the cars in Qatar is more of a necessity and less of a luxury. Whether you rent or buy a used car, you would need to approach one of the used car dealers for the models available, costs and other information.

 

●      One way of zeroing in on dealers is to scour online yellow pages specific to Qatar and list out some established firms and contact them one after the other. Look for a dealer based on their credibility, range of cars available, experience and special offers they might have.

 

●      If you are renting a vehicle only for a weekend, make sure you book in advance with an agency that is into car hire in Qatar. Weekly holidays and festive seasons could have a mad rush. Also, carry your license with you at all times.

 

●      Whether you are leasing, hiring for a weekend or buying one of the used cars in Qatar, make sure to acquaint yourself with local traffic rules. If in doubt, seek the help of one of the used car dealers to provide you with adequate information. Driving in Qatar is always on the right side, so keep that in mind. Drinking and driving is a major offence, so steer clear of that.

 

●      If you are renting a car in Qatar, and are an expat, you would need an international driver permit and a valid national driver’s license. If not, you may have to apply for a temporary license.

 

●      If you belong to the GCC area that includes UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait or Qatar, you can continue to drive on Qatar’s roads with your own national license.

 

●      Find out from the car hire in Qatar if they offer insurance and what it covers and what it doesn’t.

 

●      If you are buying a car, and more so, a used one, always ask for a test drive. In fact, even if you are renting, you could request a test drive to get a good feel of the vehicle. Test driving helps immensely because you can immediately report any problems with the car so you are not held liable when you return the car from the rental. Make sure any problems you have are put on paper. The accepted rule is also to return the car with fuel if you were handed the car with petrol/diesel.

 

If you are buying a vehicle in Qatar, ask about the finance options, discounts, insurance and warranties. Get your documentation and budgeting right, if you are applying for a loan. Dealerships and banks offer car loans so choose the one that is most appropriate to your comfort level.