Why do I need a Credit Card to rent a car?

Credit Cards are mandatory for blocking a security amount. This pre-authorization is a blocked amount that is not deducted from the card unless there are charges added on your contract after you have returned the Thrifty vehicle. Traffic Fines are the most common charges that appear late on the contract. Please note the credit card used must have a minimum validity of 6 months remaining before expiry date.

When will Thrifty refund the blocked amount to my credit card?

There will no refund from Thrifty since the blocked amount is not charged. It takes up to 29 days for the block to be released after which the amount will again become available for use. The number of days may be lesser depending on your bank.

Will the return of security amount reflect on my credit card statement?

You may receive a message from your bank when the money is blocked, but the amount is not debited from the account. Since only actual charges reflect on credit card statements, blocking or release of the security amount will not be a part of the statement.

What kind of driver’s license is required to drive in the Sultanate of Oman and does it have to be an International License?

For Oman residence holders, A valid Omani license is mandatory. For visitors with GCC passport, a valid GCC Country License. For other countries, a valid International driving license is mandatory. For a list of countries whose visa holders can drive without an international license, please go the rental requirements section.

Is there a minimum age to rent a vehicle?

Yes, the renter should be at least 21 years old for car groups B C, D, and at least 25 years old for all remaining car groups, holding a valid driving license and credit card.

Do I have to pay for parking in Sultanate of Oman?

Parking in Sultanate of Oman is readily available. Where paid parking is operational then the area will have parking meters installed. Parking charges vary by time of the day and parking zone. Please make sure that you have checked the parking zone you are using and paid appropriately when parking your Thrifty vehicle.

What about traffic violations?

We strongly urge you to follow the traffic regulations for your safety and to ensure you adhere to the law.

The most common traffic fines recorded on rented vehicles from Thrifty are:

  • Exceeding speed limit
  • Failure to pay for parking
  • Lane discipline
  • Following Traffic Signals
  • Wearing the seat belts
  • Using phone while driving

What do we do in the case of a breakdown or Accidents?

Thrifty offers you 24hr breakdown and roadside assistance. And In the unforeseen circumstances of your vehicle being involved in an accident please note that the vehicle should not be moved from the point of the accident or damage, except in the case where the damage is minor and the vehicle is causing an obstruction to the traffic. You will then call the police (9999) and remain with the vehicle in order to obtain a police report to be submitted to Thrifty so that an Insurance claim can be made. Please note that the insurance cover is void in absence of a valid police report.

In case of breakdown or accident, please notify Thrifty by calling 24 510540 from 08:30 to 19:30 7 days a week, to arrange for a recovery. A replacement vehicle will also be provided when the recovery of the immobile vehicle is complete. For road assistance between 19:30 to 08:30 you can call our roadside assistance 24/7 at 24711173.

Show more

Can I tow with a Thrifty car?

No. Towing is a violation of the rental agreement and is not permitted under any circumstances.

Can anyone other than me drive the car?

Yes an additional drive can be added to the rental with a minimal charge. The counter staff is to be informed at the time of the rental and documents such as passport and valid driving license to be submitted.

How can I locate the nearest Thrifty location?

You can locate the nearest Thrifty location in the “Locations” tab section of the website. Select “Locations,” and select your destination from the pop-up window that appears. If you still need assistance please contact us on 24 510540 from 08:30 to 19:30 7 days a week.

Can I pick up the vehicle at one location and drop it off at any other?

Yes, you can choose to drop the car off at any Thrifty location within Sultanate of Oman. A one-way drop-off charge will be applicable.

What happens if I return the car late?

A 29 minute grace period is provided on every Thrifty rental. Any further extensions will amount to additional day’s charge. Please contact the branch to inform about any foreseen delays.

Can I take my Thrifty vehicle off-road?

Off-road use is a violation of the rental agreement and is strictly not allowed.

I took the vehicle for a week and now I want to use it for longer. Is this possible?

Absolutely. Rental extensions can be done during the course of the rental by contacting the respective pick-up location. or our reservations department on 24 510540 from 08:30 to 19:30 7 days a week.

I have full insurance (SCDW). Do I still need a police report if I have a damage?

For any insurance coverage to be applied on your rental agreement, a valid police agreement is mandatory. SCDW need to be opted at the time of booking or at the time of vehicle pickup. It can not be added during the course of the rental.

Can I drive to United Arab Emirates in my Thrifty rental vehicle.

Thrifty vehicle can be taken to United Arab Emirates when this is arranged in advance, prior to vehicle pick-up, Mandatory United Arab Emirates Insurance and paperwork will be required and additional charges are applicable. The vehicle cannot be driven to other GCC countries.

Can I hire a vehicle from Thrifty in Oman, and drop it one way to UAE?

No, this is not possible.

I have booked a vehicle and my travel plans have changed. Do I need to notify Thrifty?

Yes, please make sure that you modify your booking in such situations. Additional charges depending on the prevalent rates may apply. In case your plans to pick up the vehicle are cancelled, please make sure that you cancel the booking with adequate notice to avoid any cancellation or no-show penalties.

What happens if I have unused days on my rental?

On daily and weekly rentals, there is no refund for unused days. On monthly rentals, if the customer has chosen to return prior to completion of the month, refund will apply subject to application of a lesser duration package.

Can another person use his credit card for the security?

Credit card holder is required to be present at the time of hire and is required to sign the customer declaration form.

Should we clean the vehicle before returning?

No, but please note that additional charges apply if the vehicle is returned with excessively dirty interior or with smoking odor which requires a professional valeting.

Is it possible to take the Thrifty vehicle to the mountains (i.e. Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Jebel Shams)?

We recommend that you hire a 4×4 SUV vehicle due to some mountains have restrictions (i.e. Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Jebel Shams) but the vehicle must remain on paved or graded roads. No off roading is allowed.

Is it possible to take the Thrifty vehicle to a desert camp?

All roads leading to desert camps are pre paved therefore accessible with a 4×4 vehicle. Please note that you will always need to stay on the pre paved road . Off-road use is a violation of the rental agreement and is strictly not allowed. Any damage during Off road usage is fully chargeable.

Do we need 4x4 I Oman?

Most points of interest are accessible with a regular car. However, we recommend using a 4×4 as it allows more comfortable journey and access to additional point of interest, such as the mountains of Oman (i.e. Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Jebel Shams).

Is it easy to drive around Oman?

Yes. When driving in Oman caution should be taken due to the risk of wandering camels/donkeys/goats which can be found crossing roads especially in rural villages. Also special caution should be taken during heavy rainfalls which can cause sudden and severe flooding on the roads especially when near wadi’s.

I forgot some personal items in my Thrifty rental vehicle after returning, what should I do?

Please call immediately the branch which you returned the vehicle so our staff can check the car immediately and inform you accordingly.

Duqm Down Town Muscat Head Office Muscat International Airport Salalah International Airport

Duqm Down Town

Address

Duqm city center, oposite Shell Petrol Station Duqm Main Traffic lights,
Duqm ,
Oman PO BOX 3558, PC 111 CPO

Phone

(+968) 90614607

Opening Hours

Sunday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:30

Muscat Head Office

Address

Way No. 5007, Building No. 95, Complex No. 266, Al Umran Street, Ghala, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman ,
Muscat ,
Oman PO BOX 3558, PC 111 CPO

Phone

(+968) 24510540 (+968) 98516873

Opening Hours

Daily 08:30 - 19:30

Muscat International Airport

Address

Arrivals Hall Muscat International Airport,
Muscat ,
Oman PO BOX 3558, PC 111 CPO

Phone

(+968) 91710241

Opening Hours

Open 24/7

Salalah International Airport

Address

Arrivals Hall (Meet and Greet) Ar Rubat St,
Salalah ,
Oman

Phone

(+968) 99323619

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Select your pickup depot
Start Typing your Address or select on Map