Teacher ' s Handbook
TRANSPORTATION : SHOULD YOU RENT OR BUY ?
After the excitement of realising that you have just landed a teaching job in the United Arab Emirates , comes the reality of setting up life in a new country . The questions are many and they range from what is appropriate work wear to how to get to work . This article will help to answer your questions on renting or buying a car .
Renting
Renting a car in the UAE is relatively straightforward . There is a multiplicity of car rental agencies that carry wellknown , international brands and smaller locally based agencies . In order to rent a vehicle , the driver needs to be over the age of 21 and hold a valid driver licence from their home country . Some rental car companies may ask for an international driver licence . Most don ’ t . You can drive on your foreign licence until you become a permanent resident , at which time you must convert your licence to a UAE licence . Licences from some selected countries can simply be exchanged , while others will require re-testing . Visit http :// www . abudhabi . ae for more information or call 800 5000 .
Most teachers begin their motoring in the UAE by renting . Many car rental agencies offer special rates for teachers , especially if you take the vehicle on a one-year contract . Shop around .
When renting , ensure that you ask the right questions . Will the agency pick up the car for regular servicing and supply a replacement car ? What happens if there is an accident ? Does the insurance carry liability excess or are all eventualities 100 % covered ? Will they take the car back during holiday periods if you travel and freeze the payments ? How do they handle traffic fines , which you may incur ?
The range of cars available for rental in the UAE is quite vast . A smaller car and engine will lower the cost for rental . Teachers prefer to rent for various reasons . The benefits of renting a vehicle includes convenience and peace of mind , ultimately the choice is yours .
Buying
Buying a car in the UAE can be summed up in two words , new or used . Buying a used car is fairly straightforward . You may be able to pick up a fairly well kept car at a bargain price . There are Facebook swap and shop pages , websites like www . dubizzle . ae , and people who have made a business out of finding reliable used cars . The trick to buying a reliable used car is making sure that you have a very efficient mechanic to give it a thorough check before you purchase . There are several insurance companies here . Ensure that you do your research .
If you prefer a new car , purchasing one at a repayment rate of around Dhs1800-2000 per month could be worth the investment . This is worthwhile because when you do decide to sell , you may be able to recover some money . There are deals to be had , especially during Ramadan . The banks normally require that you make a 20 % deposit on new vehicles . Speak with the dealer if you don ’ t have that much . The bank will require proof of income and residence . Once all the required documents are submitted , the process is fairly smooth .
To rent or to buy while in the UAE , is a very personal decision . Whatever you decide to do , make sure you brush up on your defensive driving skills . The driving standards may vary greatly from your home country . Happy motoring .