Dubai with its tall shining buildings and exquisite shopping centers is a favorite destination for tourists located all over the world. The existing data show that for many visitors, choosing among different types of transport is one of the main considerations when planning their visit. Some of the questions clients often seek an answer to include whether they can rent a car in Dubai using a prepaid credit card.
Over the recent few years, the policies on car rental have been tightened because of issues of security and financial aspects. Many rental agencies in Dubai insist that clients need to make a booking and payment on a credit card. This is mainly to ascertain that they have a way of dealing with any form of loss, penalties or any other extra charges that might Hernandez et al (2012) be incurred in the course of the rental period.
Must Read: Can I Rent a Car in Dubai Without a Credit Card?
It is relevant to note that prepaid credit cards are not similar to conventional credit cards. These are provided to the cardholders with a predetermined amount of money in the same way that one would load a gift card. Unlike normal credit cards, prepaid cards are not a credit card in the normal sense, where the identity of credit is established by the card issuing company. However, the amount is written-off from the funds available on the card.
Therefore, contrary to the policies that are peculiar to different rental companies, some of the rental companies in Dubai do not accept prepaid credit cards as a mode of payment or as deposit for the car. This restriction arises mainly from the fact that there is no provision for placing restrictions on funds other than the prepaid amount. Many car rental agencies require the credit card that clients use to make the bookings to hold a specified amount. This hold is for such other incidental charges as the fuel cost, traffic tickets or any repair costs on the vehicle.
Must Read: What is The Cancellation Policy For Car Rentals in Dubai?
Below are the effective options if you want to rent a car in Dubai and you are willing to use prepaid cards. It is possible for certain rental agencies to allow the use of debit cards but with some provisions like extra charges that come with the cards or extra documents and deposit. Although some of the companies let you pay in cash instead of entering the credit card details, this option is less common and can be accompanied by stricter conditions. It is wise that you make a consultation with the company of your choice early enough to clarify on the various set standards to be followed in the rental process.
However, renting a car while in Dubai with a prepaid credit card can be slightly problematic because of the normal company policies in place. One should not take a chance and definitely should have the means of payment appropriate to the agency of their choice. In doing so, you will be able to navigate the Your Car ride and have a perfect tour of the city of Dubai and the neighboring areas without having to worry about the transportation issue.
07 Sep 2024
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