Car hire in Tunisia

In summer, hire car prices shoot up and the best cars go fast. How much to budget, which papers to carry, and how to avoid nasty surprises when you hand the car back.

Updated October 2026 · sources at the bottom of the page

Key facts at a glance

Small car, outside summer: €30–45Per day, or 100–150 dinars
Small car, July–August: €55–75Per day, or 180–250 dinars
Family car or SUV, summer: €90+Per day, often over 300 dinars
Minimum age: 2122 at some agencies, surcharge under 25
Licence: NationalYour European licence is enough to drive in Tunisia
Motorway speed limit: 110 km/h90 on roads, 50 in towns, 70 on Djerba

What does it really cost?

Outside the holidays, a small car usually costs 100–150 dinars a day, or about €30–45 (€1 ≈ 3.37 dinars in October 2026). In July and August, demand from the diaspora and tourists pushes prices up: expect 180–250 dinars a day for the same car, and over 300 dinars for a family car or SUV.

Over a long stay, it adds up fast. Three weeks with a small car in August easily comes to €1,200–1,500, sometimes as much as a ferry crossing with your own car.

Hire a car there or take the ferry with your own: which is cheaper for your stay?

Run the numbers

Compare rental companies

Prices for the same car vary a lot between sites. Compare at least two: a specialist in local rental firms and a big comparison site.

GetRentacarLocal rental companies in Tunisia, often cheaper than the big brands.See offers
Discover CarsCompares major and local rental firms at Tunisian airports, with optional full cover.See offers
EconomyBookingsCar hire comparison with offers in Tunis, Monastir and Djerba.See offers

Don't need a car for the whole stay? A pre-booked transfer takes you from the airport to your town at a fixed price.

KiwitaxiPre-booked transfer from the airport to your town, at a fixed price.See offers

Papers and conditions

Driving licence: according to the Belgian authorities, a national licence is enough to drive in Tunisia. Agencies usually require 1–2 years' driving experience; some may also ask for an international driving permit, so check before booking.
Age: at least 21 or 22 depending on the agency and car category. Under 25, a young driver surcharge is often added at the desk.
Your passport or ID card.
A credit card for the deposit: most agencies block an amount on your card. Some local agencies accept a cash deposit or a debit card; check before booking.

The car cannot leave Tunisia. Dropping it off in another city is often possible, at extra cost.

Pitfalls to avoid

Booking too late. In July and August, available cars go fast and prices keep rising.
Driving off without photos. Photograph the car from every angle at pick-up, in front of the agent, and have every scratch noted on the contract.
Ignoring the excess. Check how much you'd still pay after an accident, and what the included insurance covers.
Fuel. Go for "full to full": it's the simplest and cheapest.
A cash deposit without a receipt. Always ask for a written receipt.

On the road

Traffic drives on the right, with signs in Arabic and French. Speed limits are 110 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on roads, 50 km/h in towns and 70 km/h on Djerba. The French authorities strongly advise against driving at night.

Fuel is cheap and filling stations are plentiful. Cash is still the usual way to pay, and parking in town centres is often limited.