Renting a car in Tunisia

Airport pickup is the easiest: Tunis-Carthage, Enfidha-Hammamet and Djerba-Zarzis all have full rental desks airside. Online pre-booking is essential in summer (July–August fully sells out by mid-June). Local agencies (3A Rent Car, Atlas, Express, Hertz Tunisia franchisee) are 30–50% cheaper than the global brands and the cars are equivalent. Read recent reviews; avoid no-name desks with no website. International brands (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget) cost more but are bulletproof for paperwork, English support, and one-way drops between cities (e.g. pick up Tunis, drop Djerba — typically a €60–€120 one-way fee).

Basic CDW (collision damage waiver) is included in nearly every quoted price, but it usually leaves a €600–€1,500 excess (the amount you owe if you damage the car). For peace of mind, take the 'super CDW' / 'zero excess' upgrade — typically €8–€15/day extra. Or buy stand-alone excess insurance from an outside provider (RentalCover, iCarHireInsurance) for €4–€7/day, which usually beats the on-desk upsell. Theft protection is generally included. Tyres, windscreen, undercarriage are NOT — and dust roads to the desert are exactly where they break. If you're heading south, take the all-inclusive package or a 4×4 with full coverage.

Driving is on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on motorways. They are enforced — speed cameras and police checkpoints are common. The motorway from Tunis to Sfax (with branches to Hammamet and Sousse) is European-standard. The road south to Tozeur and Douz is good single-carriageway tarmac. Mountain roads in the north-west and tracks into the deep desert require care. City driving in Tunis is intense — assertive, lots of horn, lane discipline relaxed. Park outside the medina and walk in. Police checkpoints will sometimes wave you through, sometimes ask for licence and registration — be polite, hand over documents, smile, you'll be on your way in 60 seconds. Don't drive at night in rural areas if you can avoid it: unlit roads, occasional livestock, the odd unmarked speed bump.

Inspect the car BEFORE driving off: photograph every existing scratch, dent and the fuel level. Email yourself the photos. This single habit prevents 95% of return-disputes. Return the car with the same fuel level — agencies charge punitive rates to refuel. Keep your rental contract and passport in the glovebox for police checks. If you have an accident (even minor), call the police (197) and get a 'constat amiable' — the European-style accident report. No paper, no insurance claim. Avoid signing blank credit-card slips at handover. Reputable agencies don't ask. If they do, walk away.