Information you should know before renting a car in KSA

Before renting a car in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You should pay attention to some tips and how to avoid accidents on the road. Here is the most important information you should know before renting a car and driving it in KSA. Let’s start with the first thing you need to know: choosing the right car rental company.

Choose the right car rental company

First, let’s start with the most important question: which car rental company will you choose? There are many car rental companies you can choose from, both international and local. The choice of trip depends on your budget, pick-up and drop-off locations, and the type of trip you are planning.

If you are planning a short trip to major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, you can choose any company as they provide a wide range of cars at different prices to choose from.

If you are planning to rent a car to go on a long trip. It would be best to choose a local car rental company with favorable policies, such as unlimited mileage and the option of different drop-off locations. This will enhance your experience in Saudi Arabia.

Get Open Mile and full insurance coverage

Speaking of car rental policies, if you are planning to take long trips in Saudi Arabia, I highly recommend you choose Open Mile and full insurance coverage. Saudi Arabia is a huge country and the daily mileage limit of 200 kilometers hampers your ability to see remote places throughout the country.

For peace of mind, rent a car with an open-mile policy and full insurance coverage, and you will have a smoother road trip in Saudi Arabia. Also, watch out for sandstorms.

Make sure your fuel tank is at least one-third full before long trips

Gas stations are few and far between on highways. You can go hours without seeing one, or find one only to discover it is closed and deserted.

To avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere in Saudi Arabia. I highly recommend keeping your fuel tank at least a third full most of the time. When you leave a big city on a long trip. Fill your gas tank before heading out of town, and when it gets down to half, stop at the next available stop and keep it full.

Headlight flashing

Sometimes, on a one-lane road, an approaching driver may flash his or her headlights as you pass. This is how they communicate with other drivers, and they often point out camels, sheep or donkeys crossing the road. So, when you see people shining their headlights on you, slow down your car and be alert.

Remote highways are not in the best condition

Most of the tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia are connected via paved roads. And you should be able to travel around the country in a regular 2WD sedan without having to go off-road.

Many roads, like the rest of the country, are undergoing renovations and expansions. They often encounter roadside construction sites and diversions that may affect road quality and traffic flow. As long as you’re not driving like you’re on the highway, you should be fine.

Allow at least 30 minutes to return the car

After you have finished your trip and are about to travel outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If you are returning the car to the airport, make sure to allocate at least 30 minutes for the car rental company to check the condition of the car.