If you are planning a trip to Iran, there is a lot to see and do there. However, if you want to get the best experience as you explore the many historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural artifacts, you should do it in a car rental. It gives you the freedom to explore this majestic country at your own pace.
How to Rent a Car in Iran
While renting a car in Iran is one of the best ways to explore the country, you need to go about the process in the right way. You should take your time to ensure that you understand how it works. It will mean that you spend time acquiring a car rental in Iran, and more time exploring.
When renting a car in Iran, you can opt for the short-term option or the long-term option. For the short term, it means you plan to rent the car for one day, a few hours, or a few days. For instance, you can rent a car for 10 hours or one day.
For the long-term, it means you will rent the car for 28 days or more but less than 360 days. When you do this, you will get extra benefits such as insurance cover. Additionally, you will have the right to replace the car in case of dissatisfaction or destruction of the car. During the period you rent the car, the car rental company will offer maintenance services as well as a traffic license.
Chauffeur Driven vs. Self-Driven Rental
When renting a car in Iran, it can be chauffeur-driven or self-driven. In the case of a chauffeur-driven option, you will not need to present any documents. As such, all responsibility for the car remains with the car rental company. You will be charged at an hourly rate if within the bounds of a city, such when you rent a car in Tehran. However, if it leaves the bounds of a city, you will pay based on the total distance, in kilometers, that the car rental will travel.
The other option for a car rental in Iran is the self-driven option. In this instance, you will take up all liability. These cars often come with a mileage limit, which if surpassed, is charged to the renter for any extra mileage. The rate is calculated per kilometer. There are specific terms and conditions when you opt for the self-drive option. These are:
Self-driven cars are only rented out to drivers who are 20 years or older.
Drivers have to present a valid driving license that has been active for at least six months.
Drivers have to present identifying documents, such as a passport or valid national identity card.
An employee card and proof of residence are required.
A bill of exchange or check with a maturity value of the car rental’s price has to be presented.
A security deposit is presented to the rental company to hold until the rental car is returned to the company’s premises.
Terms for Foreigners
If you are traveling from outside of Iran and would like to explore the country, you do so with a driver or opt to rent the car yourself. If you plan to use the self-driving option while renting a car in Iran, certain conditions need to be met. These are:
Age
You have to be at least 20 years or more.
Driving License
You need an international driving license to operate a vehicle in Iran.
Guarantor Letter
You have to present an original, valid passport to use a rental car in Iran.
Security Deposit
You will have to deposit an agreed-upon amount of money. This amount will vary based on the type of car you rent and is deposited as a warranty in case of any damages. The deposit is reimbursed when you return the car.
Rules for Renting a Car in Iran
There are a few basic guidelines that anyone renting a car in Iran should remember. These are:
If a person rents a car with a driver, the rental company is liable for any damage to the car. However, if the rental was a self-driven option, then liability for any damage is the responsibility of the hirer.
If a mechanical fault occurs with the car, the rental company shall replace the part in case the hirer was not responsible for any damage to the car.
All traffic violations during the rental period will be the sole responsibility of the customer. Additionally, if the hirer drives the car in a congestion zone, they will pay the congestion charge. It is up to them to pay this fee.
When a person rents a car with a driver, the car rental company will cover the cost of fuel. However, if a person opts for the self-driving option, they will cover the cost of fuel. That means that a renter has to fill the fuel to the same level as when they hired it or they should pay the cost of the fuel at the current pump price.
Summary
If you opt to drive in Iran, you will find that the roads are quite good. Besides that, you will find that there are numerous places to visit. However, due to how large Iran is, you will need to ensure that you carefully map out the route you will use during your stay in the country.
In general, Iranian roads are safe and open to foreign visitors. Visitors have access to accurate, updated maps, and a nationally-maintained system of English language signs and signals. Besides that, car rental companies are usually accessible 24/7 in English to visitors to help guide them during their visit to Iran. If you would like to rent a car in Iran, you should begin the process before you arrive in the country. Get in touch with CafeeRent, one of the best companies for a car rental in Iran, and inform them of your intention to rent a car from them. It will make the process much easier when you arrive.