Rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah

RAK Car Rental: Northern Emirates Reality Check

Spent last winter working in RAK and learned the car rental scene here the hard way. First shock? It's actually cheaper than Dubai by about 30%. Those little rental shops near RAK Mall offer decent cars for 85-100 dirhams daily when the big airport chains want 150+. My colleague pays just 1,300 monthly for a Toyota that would cost 2,000 in Dubai.

Price breakdown gets interesting. Daily rentals generally start around 80-110 dirhams for basic models. Weekly rates drop nicely - my brother grabbed a Nissan for just 450 last month. Pro tip that saved me hundreds: those shops near Al Hamra tend to charge tourist prices, while the ones in downtown RAK offer better local rates. And always check the car thoroughly - my first rental had a cracked windshield they tried charging me for later.

What Actually Works Up North

RAK's mix of mountain roads and beach areas makes car choice important. Those tiny economy models struggle on the Jebel Jais road where half the fun happens.

Best options include:

• Toyota Corolla - reliable for city and decent on mountains
• Mitsubishi Pajero - worth the upgrade for Jebel Jais trips
• Nissan Sunny - budget option but struggles uphill
• Hyundai Tucson - good compromise for mixed driving

Always check manufacturing date - my first rental was practically ancient! The place near Manar Mall surprisingly offers newer vehicles than most competitors. And seriously, test the AC thoroughly before signing anything. RAK summer shows no mercy!