Welcome to Tunisia 😊
Tunisia is a North African country bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, ancient Roman ruins, souks filled with spices and crafts, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The capital city of Tunis boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, or old town, full of winding alleyways and colorful shops. Visitors can also experience the vast Sahara Desert in the south or explore the green hills of the north. Tunisia is a multicultural society with a rich history that has been shaped by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and French.
Quick Facts About Tunisia
- Currency: Tunisian dinar
- Population: 11.8 million
- Languages: Arabic,French
Money and Finances
The currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar (TND). The notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 TND, while the coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 millimes.
ATM Network
ATMs are found in major cities and tourist areas in Tunisia, although they may be less common in rural areas. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally accepted in Tunisia, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. However, American Express may not be accepted at all businesses. It's also a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases and in areas where credit cards may not be accepted.
Internet and Phones
The average internet speed for uploads and downloads in Tunisia is around 3-4 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in Tunisia are Tunisie Telecom and Orange. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around TND 20-30 (approximately USD 7-10) per month. There may be sim compatibility issues, so it is best to check with your provider before traveling to Tunisia.
Dialling to Tunisia
To call Tunisia from another country, dial +216 followed by the local area code and phone number. Within Tunisia, the area codes used are 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 76.
Transport Around Tunisia
Air Travel
Tunisia has several major airports, including Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, and Djerba–Zarzis International Airport.
Train Travel
Tunisia has a good inter-city train network operated by SNCFT, with affordable tickets and reasonable journey times. For example, a trip from Tunis to Sousse takes around 2 hours and costs approximately 10-15 TND.
Metro / Local Trains
Tunisia's major cities have a metro system that is efficient and easy to use. Tunis has the only operational metro system in the country.
Buses
There are also many bus options for travel within Tunisia, with comfortable and affordable rides. For instance, a one-way trip from Tunis to Sfax costs around 20-30 TND and takes approximately 5 hours.
Rideshare
Tunisia has some rideshare companies such as Yassir and Careem which provide affordable travel prices based on the traveled distance.
Driving by Car
Driving in Tunisia can be challenging due to the busy traffic and lack of proper signs. The usual speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on main roads, and 110 km/h on highways. Tunisia uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Tunisia, tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated in the service industry. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, and men may also kiss each other on the cheeks. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal language and speak through a translator if necessary. Men and women usually address each other using proper titles, such as Monsieur or Madame.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Tunisia has a public health care system that is generally adequate, but with some issues regarding quality of care. Private health care is also available, but can be more expensive. Medical costs for a basic check-up are around $30-50 USD. It is recommended to have travel health insurance in case of emergencies.
COVID Situation
Tunisia has had relatively low rates of COVID-19 compared to neighboring countries and has taken measures such as mandatory masks in public and restrictions on gatherings to control the spread. As of August 2021, the vaccination rate is around 27% and there have been around 582,000 cases and 19,800 deaths.
Common Health Risks
The major health risks in Tunisia are food and water-borne illnesses such as diarrhea and hepatitis A. Malaria is also present in some regions, so it is recommended to take prophylaxis if traveling to those areas. The country also has a risk of tuberculosis and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Tunisia for non-Muslims, and there are licensed bars and nightclubs in hotels and certain tourist areas. However, public drinking is prohibited and can lead to fines or arrest. It is also forbidden to sell alcohol to Muslims.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is strictly illegal in Tunisia, and penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including long prison sentences and fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
The legal age for marriage is 18 in Tunisia, and couples are required to undergo a medical examination before getting married. Sex outside of marriage is technically illegal, though prosecutions for this are rare.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tunisia and can be punished with up to three years in prison. LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination and harassment in public and in the workplace.
Firearms / Guns
The ownership and use of firearms in Tunisia is highly regulated and restricted, and a permit is required to own a gun. It is illegal to carry firearms in public places, and penalties for violating these laws can be severe.