Is there any better way to discover the country than renting a car and going on a road trip? Are you planning on seeing more of Tunisia than just one city? Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around. In this post, I share everything about renting a car in Tunisia. I will give practical tips and all the needed information for renting a car, and in no time, you can hit the roads of Tunisia. Read this guide carefully through. Enjoy reading and safe driving!
Planning to have a road trip in Tunisia? I have listed 10 destinations to start discovering this wonderful country. In the list, you find three spots in the capital Tunis, and a couple of perfect beach holiday destinations, islands, and two cities nearby the Sahara. Perhaps one of the places will find the spot on your travel plan?
Renting a car in Tunisia
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tunisia?
The price of renting a car depends on a couple of factors. What kind of car are you willing to have? When are you renting a car? For how many days do you need the vehicle? Where do you rent a car? Below, I have listed some of the elements that affect the price of a rental car. But first, shall I answer the question of how much it cost to rent a car in Tunisia.
Rental cars are somewhat affordable in Tunisia. October-May renting a small manual car will cost around 20-30 euros/day. June-September prices rise up to 50-80 euros/day. Usually, the longer time you rent the car lower your per-day rate will be. The price online is similar to the price on location, so booking a car in advance online is advisable.
Factors that influence the price of rental car
There are many kinds of rental cars available. The price is mainly affected by the following things:
Time of the year: high season
- In Tunisia, renting a car is the most expensive during the tourist season from June to September. Also, the prices are slightly higher during Ramadan when people visit their families in Tunisia.
Age of the car
- In conclusion, the newer the car more expensive the price.
Fuel consumption
- Usually, cars that consume less fuel are more expensive. Also, pay attention to the engine type, as powerful engines consume a lot.
Brand, model, and type of the car
- Planning to rent Toyota or Maserati? Of course, renting an expensive high-end car will cost more than a regular car. Also, vans, SUVs, camper vans, and trucks usually cost more than ordinary cars.
Where do you rent the car?
- The competition in the area might influence the price of the car. Renting a car is more expensive in popular tourist destinations such as Hammamet, Sousse, Djerba, Monastir, and Tunis. Getting a car at the airport is incredibly convenient but significantly more expensive. Many people find better car rental deals near the city instead of the airport.
When do you book the car?
- Generally speaking, the earlier you start looking, the better the deal you will get. The most expensive way is to rent a car for the next day.
How many days do you need the vehicle?
- Usually, the longer you rent a car, the lower your per-day rate will be. And if you’re planning a road trip, you may be better off renting for an entire week instead of a couple of days. But if you need a car only for a couple of days, try to rent it on weekdays as the per-day rent is most expensive on weekends.
What kind of car should you rent in Tunisia?
Can’t wait to hit the roads of Tunisia? So, what kind of car you should rent for Tunisia to ensure the most pleasant experience. Tunisian summer is hot, actually very hot. If you plan to rent a car during the summer, I advise having a car with AC. In addition, an automatic car will be handy in cities where traffic jams are commonplace.
Choose the car according to your travel plans. Cars compact in size are great for city trips and short trips. While a full-size one is better for long trips with enough space for luggage. SUV works perfectly on long journeys and rural roads.
You won’t need a 4×4 car for the streets of Tunisia, as a regular car with good wheels will do the trick. But a 4×4 will be practical off-road.
Where to rent a car in Tunisia?
Renting online
If possible, I would recommend renting a car online. Many trustworthy companies operate online, and it’s the most convenient option. Especially in the summer months, demand for rental cars is high in Tunisia. Renting a car online guarantees that you will get a car. (Please note that during the high season, June-September, most companies rent a car only for an extended period. You may succeed in booking a car for a couple of days, but I advise contacting the rental company to ensure that the car is reserved for you.)
Rent a car from Tunisian airports
Many car rental companies operate in Tunisian airports, such as Tunis-Carthage International airport, Enfidha-Hammamet Internation airport, Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport, and Djerba-Zarziz airport. Getting a car at the airport is incredibly convenient but significantly more expensive.
Car rental companies in Tunisia
Numerous car rental companies operate all-around Tunisia. You will find Tunisian companies, such as Avantgarde, Tunisia Rent Car, and Camel car, and international car rentals, such as AVIS, Europcar, and Hertz. Also, many car rental businesses are owned by private owners.
How to rent a car in Tunisia?
Luckily, renting a car in Tunisia is easy. What documents and requirements do you need to rent a car in Tunisia?
To be able to rent a car, you must have held a driving license for at least two years. But the minimum driver age varies between the companies. It might be low as 21 but can get up to 27 years. You will need a driving license, passport, and credit card to rent a car in Tunisia. Some travelers like to have an international driver’s permit with them. It’s a multi-language translation to show that your driving license is legitimate. In my experience, you won’t need an international driver’s permit to rent a car on holiday in Tunisia.
In addition, you need to have a rental agreement and an accident report. The rental agreement is handed over by the rental company. The accident report, known as constat amiable d’accident automobile, must be in the car’s glove compartment without exception.
Problems with a rental car?
Let’s face it, some problems might occur when renting or driving a rental car. Maybe you get a flat tire, or the police will stop you. So, what should you do? Here are some helpful tips that might help you in a tricky situation in Tunisia or elsewhere.
Problem 1. A flat tire
Check that there’s an extra tire and tools for changing a wheel in the trunk. Can you change a wheel? If not, I am happy to tell you that Tunisian people are helpful. So, don’t be shy to ask for help. In addition, have a rental company’s phone number close by to get a piece of advice on what to do.
Problem 2. Police stop you, but you don’t understand what they are saying
Did you get stopped by the police? Don’t be surprised if there’s a language barrier between you two if you don’t speak Arabic or French. Have the phone number of someone who could help you. It could be the number for the hotel’s reception if you don’t know any Tunisian in person.
Problem 3. Noticing some damage in a rental car before renting it.
When renting a car it’s essential to check the possible damages and malfunctions. Take pictures of the exterior and interior. If you see something, all the damages should be marked in the reports and documentation. If you detect some problems with the car when you start driving it, take it back to the rental.
Tips for renting a car in Tunisia
- Tunisian traffic is somewhat chaotic. I recommend buying insurance, especially if you haven’t been driving in Tunisia. Before doing it, ask your travel insurance company what their insurance covers. In addition, some credit cards might have rental insurance, so be sure to check it out.
- Before renting, go through the car’s condition and take some pictures if needed. Also, read all the documents carefully.
- It’s convenient to have an extra wheel with you if you end up with a flat tire. So, look inside the trunk for a tire and needed tools.
- If you rent a car with a filled tank, also return it with the filled tank. It’s cheaper than letting the rental company do the filling. Of course, if you are short on time might be clever to pay a little extra and let the rental take care of filling up the tank.
- Renting a car in Tunisia in the high-season June-September? Book the rental car beforehand. This is the way to get the best deal, and getting the vehicle is guaranteed.
- Financially speaking, renting a car from the airport is not the best idea. If convenience matters more than money, then book the car beforehand. The car will be waiting for you, and in no time, you can hit the streets of Tunisia.
- To save some more money, download offline maps on google maps instead of renting a GPS.
I hope you find this guide about renting a car in Tunisia helpful. See you again next week with a new topic!