What are the features of renting a car in the Scandinavian countries compared to renting in Dubai: conditions and rules, nature, mentality, and the popularity of various car models?
What to Know About Renting a Car in Scandinavia – and How It Compares to Driving in Dubai
The Nordic countries are known for more than their dazzling northern lights, enigmatic northern forests, and magnificent fjords. These countries are to be seen in full with comfort and freedom of movement, for which a car rental is actually a convenient way.
Let’s look at the features of car rental in the Scandinavian countries, and also compare it with renting in the UAE, because if you rent Ferrari Dubai and a 4×4 Volvo in Sweden, it is going to be a radically different experience.
Car rental conditions
Of course, no one is offering you to get a Ferrari rental car to go on the Atlantic road, but let’s look at the differences. Conditions for renting a car differ by country, its laws, and the policies of a certain rental company. First of all, it is worth paying attention to the driver’s age. In Scandinavian countries, you can rent a car starting from 19 years old, and the minimum age of the driver is often 21 years. SUVs and premium models are rented from 25 years old, and pay attention to the experience, usually for 1 year minimum.
If you are at least 21 years old, you can rent a car in Dubai. Therefore, we recommend that you always carefully read the rental conditions. The same applies to the driver’s license — an EU license is typically sufficient in the Nordic countries. But, for example, in both Iceland and the UAE, an international license is required. For example, when you get yourself a Ferrari (or any other elite car), you’ll need a passport, a visa, a driving license from your country of origin, and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
When you rent a car in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, Third-Party Liability insurance is legally included in the price, and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is usually included in the rental price. The same happens in Dubai, for example, Trinity Rental includes full insurance in the price, as well as toll roads, 300 km per day without extra charges, a tank of gas as a gift, and VAT.
The moment of payment also has some differences. In Scandinavian countries, it will be difficult for you to rent a car without a credit card in the driver’s name, since a deposit of 300 euros to 1,500 euros is blocked on the card. In Dubai, renting with a credit card is also common, but you can also do it without problems with a debit card or cash, and even accepts crypto and rents luxury cars without a deposit.
Traffic rules and fines
There are many similarities in this issue: the rules are strict, and the fines are high (in Scandinavian countries, the fines are higher than in the Emirates, but still). There are many cameras, and fines are written off automatically. There are also many toll roads and sections, especially in Norway and Sweden. Laws demand winter tires and, in some areas, studded tires during the winter months. In Iceland, headlights must be on both day and night, and some roads may be completely closed due to weather.
Such rules are certainly dictated by the weather, and you will not find similar ones in Dubai. But there are also some advantages. Gasoline and the rental itself (even luxury cars) are cheaper in the Emirates, and parking, although mostly paid, is very convenient.
Nature and weather conditions
Comparing the sunny desert Emirates and cold, snowy Scandinavia, it is obvious that nature has left its mark on the road infrastructure of these countries. In Norway, you will find many narrow roads, serpentines, tunnels, and at the same time, incredibly picturesque. You will often need ferry crossings. In Finland, do not be surprised if you meet a deer, elk, or other wild animal on the road, especially in the northern part.
Denmark and Sweden can boast of calmer road conditions with well-developed infrastructure. But, within the cities, you cannot do without a navigator, because, unlike Dubai, for example, in Copenhagen, bicycle paths are ubiquitous. There are sections of road in Iceland where you cannot get by without a four-wheel drive vehicle, and driving off the road is strictly prohibited. And of course, it is clear where heated steering wheel and seats will be more popular, and where you can’t do without air conditioning.
Mentality and behavior on the road
Residents of Scandinavian countries, as well as tourists who come there, often choose more compact and practical cars, and sometimes all-wheel drive vehicles are required. Unlike Dubai, supercars, luxury cars, and elite SUVs are not so popular. The driving style is calm and careful. Norway and Sweden are among the safest countries for drivers because the accident statistics there are very low, from 3 to 5 cases per 100,000 residents.
In Dubai, despite strict traffic rules, accidents occur more often (from 18 to 24 cases) and mainly due to speeding, drifting, and abrupt lane changes. Ferrari car rental in Dubai, Lamborghini, or G-Class is very common; the driving style is more aggressive, despite the speed limits, drivers like to race.
Popularity of certain models
In Scandinavian countries, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, and Volvo XC40/XC60 are more popular for rent. Also, due to the popularity of electric cars, Tesla has become very popular, especially in Norway and Iceland. On the contrary, Dubai will boast exotic McLarens, Lamborghini Urus or Huracan, tourists rent Ferrari F8 Tributo, or Porsche 911. Renting is popular there, even for one day, just for photos or some special events, the so-called “rented luxury” economy.
Car rental is a good way to see all the sights of the country at your own pace, without being tied to trains or buses. You always need to be prepared for various nuances, so carefully read the rental conditions and choose the option that suits you. More than 80 models (including 2024 models) are available from Trinity, and they will deliver your car to any convenient place. Your personal manager will also be happy to answer any inquiries you may have left.