Everything you need to know before you book
The booking process is straightforward. Select your vehicle, dates, and pickup location on the website. You will see full terms and requirements for each specific vehicle before confirming. Once you complete the online booking advance payment, you receive a voucher with all details and the contact information of the local rental company handling your reservation.
Choose your pickup and return dates and location on the homepage. Browse available vehicles and select one that suits your needs. Review the terms, add any optional extras such as a child seat or second driver, then proceed to payment. After completing the booking advance online, you receive a voucher by email with the rental company contact details and pickup instructions.
Yes, modifications are possible subject to availability and the cancellation policy. Contact us at [email protected] with your booking reference. Changes may incur a fee depending on how close to the pickup date you request the modification. Early requests usually have more flexibility.
Confirmation arrives by email within minutes of completing payment. The voucher includes your booking reference, vehicle details, pickup location and time, rental company contact details, and a summary of terms. Print or save the voucher on your phone to present at pickup.
When booking online, you pay a booking advance by card to secure the reservation. The remaining balance is settled when you collect the vehicle. The accepted payment method for the balance - whether cash, debit card, or credit card - depends on the specific vehicle you booked and is stated clearly in your voucher and at the time of booking. We do not accept cash payments online.
The booking advance is paid online by debit or credit card. We accept major international card networks. Cash cannot be paid online. For the remaining balance at pickup, the accepted method varies by vehicle - some accept cash and debit card, others require a credit card. Check the specific requirements during booking or in your voucher. More details are available on our payment methods page.
The booking advance paid online secures your reservation. The exact split between advance and balance at pickup varies by vehicle and rental period. The full breakdown is shown before you confirm the booking. At pickup you settle the remaining balance using the payment method specified for that vehicle in your voucher.
You receive a payment confirmation for the booking advance after completing the online transaction. The local rental company issues a full rental agreement and receipt when you collect the vehicle and pay the balance. Keep both documents for your records.
A security deposit is a temporary hold or block placed on a payment card by the rental company at pickup. It covers potential damage, traffic fines, or fuel shortages. The deposit amount and the type of card required - debit or credit - vary by vehicle. These requirements are independent of the rental price. If your debit card has a low limit, consider requesting a temporary increase from your bank before travel.
No. Some vehicles accept a debit card for the security hold, while others require a credit card. The requirement depends on the specific vehicle you choose, not on vehicle class or type. This information is clearly stated at the time of booking and in your voucher. We also offer a range of no-deposit options - see our 4x4 no-deposit page for details.
The deposit amount varies by vehicle and is shown during booking. The rental company blocks this amount on your card at pickup. If you return the vehicle on time, undamaged, with a full fuel tank and no traffic fines, the hold is released. Release timing depends on your card issuer - typically two to ten business days.
If the vehicle requires a credit card and you do not have one, look for vehicles that accept debit cards. Alternatively, contact your bank to request a temporary limit increase on your debit card to cover both the rental balance and any security hold. Choose vehicles with lower deposit requirements if your limit is tight.
Every driver must present a valid driving licence at pickup. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your home-country licence. Age and licence-holding period requirements vary by vehicle. Some vehicles have minimum age restrictions or require the driver to have held a licence for a certain number of years. Passport or national ID is required for identity verification.
Bring your valid driving licence, an International Driving Permit (recommended), a passport or national ID, and the payment card used for the booking advance. The voucher sent by email must also be presented, either printed or on your mobile device. The rental company may ask for proof of address or a return flight ticket.
Age requirements vary by vehicle. Some standard cars accept drivers aged 21 and over, while certain 4x4 models and larger vehicles may require a minimum age of 25 or even 28. The requirement is also linked to how long you have held your licence - often at least one or two years. Check the specific terms during booking for the vehicle you choose.
Vehicles are collected either from a rental desk at the airport terminal, a nearby lot, or delivered to your hotel depending on the rental company. The pickup method and location are confirmed in your voucher. Inspect the vehicle carefully with a representative before driving away. Any existing damage must be recorded in the rental agreement. Return follows the same process - hand back the keys, complete a brief inspection, and settle any outstanding charges.
Pickup location depends on the rental company assigned to your booking. Some operate desks inside Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Hurghada International Airport (HRG), others have meet-and-greet at the terminal exit or a shuttle to a nearby lot. Hotel delivery is available in many cities. Your voucher contains precise instructions, meeting point, and the company contact number.
Walk around the vehicle with the rental representative and inspect bodywork, glass, tyres, and lights. Note every scratch, dent, or mark on the agreement form or take photos. Check fuel level, spare tyre, warning triangle, and that the registration and insurance documents are in the glovebox. Test lights, wipers, air conditioning, and 4WD engagement if applicable. Any damage not recorded at pickup may be charged at return.
Out-of-hours return depends on the rental company and location. Some accept key drop-off in a secure box, while others require you to return during staffed hours. If you need to return early morning or late evening, mention this when booking or contact the company in advance. Charges may apply for after-hours service.
Egypt drives on the right. Roads range from modern highways linking Cairo, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts to rough desert tracks requiring 4WD. Urban speed limits are typically 60 km/h, highways 90-100 km/h, and open desert roads 120 km/h. Fuel stations are plentiful in cities and along the Cairo-Hurghada and Cairo-Alexandria corridors but sparse in the Western Desert. Travel into Sinai Peninsula or certain Western Desert zones requires written permission from the rental company - request this as an optional extra when booking.
Sinai Peninsula travel requires written permission from the rental company due to local regulations. Request this when booking - it is offered as a paid optional extra. The same applies if you plan to take a ferry from Aqaba to Jordan. Not all vehicles or companies permit cross-border or Sinai travel, so confirm early. Without written permission, insurance and breakdown cover become void.
No toll roads or vignette systems operate in Egypt. All highways and bridges are free to use. Fuel costs and any parking fees in hotel lots or city centres are your only running expenses beyond the rental itself.
Check the vehicle has a spare wheel, jack, and wheel wrench before leaving the lot. If you break down, contact the rental company immediately using the number in your voucher. Many companies provide roadside assistance or will send a replacement vehicle. Do not arrange third-party repairs without approval or you may not be reimbursed.
Plans change. If you need to cancel or modify your booking, contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation terms vary by vehicle and how far in advance you cancel. Early cancellations typically incur lower fees than last-minute changes. Full terms are provided at booking and in your voucher. Refunds for the booking advance are processed to the original payment card.
Cancellation fees depend on the vehicle and how many days before pickup you cancel. Some bookings allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days in advance, others have stricter terms. Review the specific policy during checkout - it is always shown before you confirm. To cancel, email [email protected] with your booking reference.
Refunds are processed within a few business days of cancellation approval. Depending on your card issuer, the funds may take five to ten business days to appear in your account. Contact your bank if the refund has not arrived after two weeks.
If your question is not answered here, reach out to us at [email protected] or visit our contact page for office hours and address. We are based in Nasr City, Cairo, and our team is available Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (GMT+2).