Renting a car in Egypt: 7 things to check before you drive away

A good rental starts at the counter. Walk around the car with the agent and photograph every scratch, check the fuel gauge and the kilometres, and make sure the spare tyre, jack and warning triangle are in the boot.

Insurance and deposit

Ask what the basic insurance covers and how much you would pay in case of damage. Zero-excess cover costs a little more per day but removes that worry completely. The security deposit is refunded when the car comes back in the same condition.

Kilometres and fuel

Most rentals include a daily kilometre allowance. Plan longer trips – Cairo to Ain Sokhna or the North Coast – with the allowance in mind, and return the car with the same fuel level you received.