Dubai, as a city is known for its grandeur and opulent nature and brags about a convenient road network specially built to keep flow of traffic as smooth as possible. An important feature of this system is Salik, the electronic toll system of Dubai. For local residents, Salik is secondary. If you are planning to visit Dubai and strategizing to navigate the city with a rental car, knowing Salik charges Dubai car rental is important to avoid fees that are unexpected and make sure you have a journey which is problem free. This guide will take you through everything you need to understand about electronic tolls UAE and how to pay Salik fees. Choose Leon Car Rental to know about Salik beforehand.
Dubai’s Salik Toll System
Dubai’s Salik Toll System, simply known as Salik in Dubai , is an electronic tolling system that has free flowing nature. This means tolling booths, barriers and physical stops are not present. Instead, bridge cranes are calculatedly placed on major roads. As your car passes under a Salik gantry, a minor RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag stuck to your car’s windshield is scanned automatically. This scan records the toll, and the alternative fee is deducted from a Salik account that is usually pre-paid. The major objective of Dubai’s Salik Toll System is to manage traffic commotion and encourage the use of parallel routes or public transport during peak hours of Dubai.
How Does Salik Work with Car Rental Companies Of Dubai ?
This is where mostly the travellers and drivers of car rental companies get confused. When a car is rented by you in Dubai, the car rental company is responsible for making sure the car is enabled with a proper Salik tag. This tag is pre-recorded to the rental company’s Salik account. Leon Car Rental makes travellers understand about Salik tolls.
- Charges are automatic: Every time your car passes through a Salik gate the toll fee, generally 4 AED per gantry, is automatically deducted from the rental company’s account.
- Billing Of Rental Company : The rental company will then charge you for these Salik tolls. How they do this can vary:
- Charge Per Toll: Some car rental companies will charge you with the accurate Salik fee i.e 4 AED for each gantry you pass through, often with a minor administrative fee added per toll or per day.
- Regular Flat Fee: Other car rental companies may charge a flat daily fee that covers a number of Salik tolls that are unlimited. This can be helpful if you are planning to drive a lot through tolled areas.
- Combination Of Deals: Some of the best car rental packages may even include Salik tolls as part of the overall price.
Exploring Electronic Tolls UAE: Where are the Salik Gates?
If you know the locations of Salik gates it can help you strategize your routes and probably lower your toll charges, in case your rental agreement charges per toll. Here are some of the important areas in Dubai where you’ll find Salik cranes:
- Sheikh Zayed Road (E11): This is Dubai’s main expressway, several Salik gates are present in these roads. If you drive on Sheikh Zayed Road invariably you’ll encounter Salik.
- Al Garhoud Bridge: An Important crossing over Dubai Creek. One will have to pay Salik fees there.
- Al Maktoum Bridge: A crucial bridge crossing over Dubai brook. It has Salik gates.
- Business Bay Crossing: Adjoining areas around Business Bay have Salik gates. Salik fees are a must here.
- Al Safa Park,Al Barsha And Jebel Ali: All these are present in Sheikh Zayed Road and all of them have Salik Gates.
- Tunnel Of Airport: For entering to Dubai International Airport.One has to pay Salik tolls.
While it’s better to know, trying to totally avoid Salik gates can sometimes lead to lengthy travel times or routes that are more complex. Often, the comfort of using the major roads exceed the cost of the toll.
How To Pay Salik Fees for Car Rentals In Dubai?
As a rental car driver, you typically don’t need to stress about filling up a Salik account yourself. The car rental company controls the payment to Salik. Your duty is to pay the car rental company for the tolls suffered during your rental period.
- Billing for Post Rental: Generally, the car rental company will add up all your Salik tolls when your car rental period gets over or even a few days after you return the car. They will then put the amount to the credit card you used for the car rental.
- Pre-Authorization: Some car rental companies may pre-authorize an amount on your credit card to cover probable Salik charges, regulating the final amount based on actual usage.
Crucial Suggestions for Rental Car Drivers:
- Check the Salik Tag: Before you start your driving, please confirm that a Salik tag is there on the windshield of the car, typically near the rearview mirror of the car . While rare, a tag if missing or faulty can lead to fines.
- Records must be kept: If it is at all possible, ask the car rental company for a breakdown of your Salik charges. This can help you accommodate your credit card statement.
- Never Try To Bypass: Trying to avoid Salik gates by using roads that are undesignated or illegal manipulations can lead to serious fines. Dubai’s traffic rules are strict.
- Budget for Salik: Consider probable Salik charges when planning your travel budget. Even at AED 4 per toll, multiple crossings can add up over several days.
Conclusion
Dubai’s Salik Toll System is an important and effective part of the infrastructure of the city. For car rental drivers, knowing how it works and how you’ll be charged is crucial for a comfortable and hassle free experience. Always ask the Salik charges Dubai car rental policy with your chosen provider before you start your journey. With this knowledge, you can confidently explore the city’s road network that is impressive, enjoying everything Dubai has to offer without taking stress about electronic tolls UAE or how to pay Salik fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will I be charged for Salik tolls as a rental car driver?
The car rental company will ask you for the tolls you suffer. They will have a Salik account usually pre registered for their collection of cars, and the tolls will be automatically deducted from that account. The car rental company will then provide you with the bill along with these charges, typically at the end of your car rental period.
2. How much is the Salik toll fee?
The standard Salik toll fee is AED 4 per crane as of the latest update. Some car rental companies may add a minor administrative or service fee beside this charge. It is important to confirm the rental company’s policy on this fee before you rent the car.