Money and Payments
The official currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). As it is not convertible, it can generally only be obtained in Tunisia, so you exchange your currency on arrival at the airport, in banks or at authorised exchange offices. Keep your receipts so you can change dinars back before leaving. Bank cards are accepted in hotels and many shops, and ATMs are common in towns, but carry cash for souks and smaller places.
Languages
Arabic is the official language, but in daily life Tunisians speak Derja, the country's own Arabic dialect. French is very widely understood and used in administration, business and on signs. In tourist areas English is commonly spoken, and German or Italian are sometimes heard too. A few words such as "aslema" (hello) or "choukran" (thank you) are always appreciated.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The north and the coast enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The south, on the edge of the Sahara, has a desert climate: very hot in summer and cool at night in winter. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the whole country, summer is perfect for the beach, and winter is well suited to desert tours.
Entry Requirements
Many nationalities do not need a visa for a short tourist stay, but conditions vary depending on your country and may change. Before booking, always check the current requirements with the Tunisian embassy or consulate in your country, in particular the passport validity required and the rules for minors travelling alone or with one parent.
Getting Around
Domestic flights link Tunis with the south of the country, including Djerba and Tozeur. SNCFT trains serve the main coastal cities and some inland regions. Louages, shared taxis that leave as soon as they are full, and intercity buses complete the network. In Tunis, the TGM train connects the centre with La Goulette, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa, and the light metro serves the wider city. Yellow taxis run on the meter.
Driving in Tunisia
Traffic drives on the right, and renting a car is an excellent way to discover the country at your own pace. A valid driving licence is required, and an international driving permit may be useful depending on your country. Motorways and main roads are in good condition, while minor roads vary. Watch out for pedestrians, scooters and animals, comply with police checkpoints and avoid driving at night outside towns whenever possible.
Health
No specific vaccinations are generally required, but it is wise to keep your routine vaccines up to date. Bottled water is recommended, and you should protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids, especially in summer and in the south. Pharmacies are numerous and well stocked. Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is strongly recommended.
Electricity, Time and Phone
The power supply is 230 volts and sockets are type C and E, as in much of continental Europe. Tunisia is on UTC+1 time and does not change its clocks in summer. The international dialling code is +216. Mobile networks cover towns and main roads well, and buying a local SIM card with your passport is straightforward.
Culture and Etiquette
Tunisians place great importance on greetings and hospitality. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected in religious sites and appreciated in the medinas. Most mosques are closed to non-Muslim visitors, with a few exceptions such as the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Kairouan. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking conspicuously in public during the day.
Tunisian Cuisine
Generous and spicy, Tunisian cuisine is built on olive oil, spices and harissa, the country's famous chilli paste. Try couscous, the national dish, crispy brik filled with egg, Tunisian tajine, a baked egg dish quite unlike its Moroccan namesake, ojja with tomatoes and peppers, or lablabi, a hearty chickpea soup. Finish with almond or date pastries and a glass of mint tea.
Shopping and Crafts
The souks of the medinas are a paradise for craft lovers: Nabeul ceramics, carpets, red wool chechia caps, engraved copperware and the blue-and-white birdcages of Sidi Bou Said. Haggling is part of the experience in the souks and is done with a smile. Don't forget to bring home some Tunisian olive oil and Deglet Nour dates, famous around the world.
Safety
Tunisia is a generally welcoming country where travellers usually feel at ease. The usual precautions apply: keep an eye on your belongings in busy places, use official taxis and stay alert to persistent touts. Before you travel, check the travel advice published by your own government's foreign affairs ministry, particularly regarding border areas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tunisia?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures throughout the country. Summer is ideal for the beach, while winter is the favourite season for exploring the southern desert.
Do I need a visa to visit Tunisia?
Many nationalities are exempt from a visa for a short tourist stay. Since the rules depend on your nationality, always check the entry requirements with the Tunisian embassy or consulate before you leave.
Can I pay by card in Tunisia?
Yes, cards are accepted in most hotels, larger shops and many restaurants, and ATMs are widespread in towns. However, keep some cash in dinars for souks, louages and smaller places.
Is English spoken in Tunisia?
English is commonly spoken in hotels and tourist areas, especially by younger people. French is even more widely used, while Tunisian Arabic (Derja) is the everyday language.
How many days do I need to visit Tunisia?
One week is enough to enjoy the coast and visit Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. Allow ten days to two weeks to add Kairouan, El Jem and a trip into the southern desert.
What should I wear in Tunisia?
Light clothing is perfectly acceptable in beach resorts. In towns, in the medinas and especially in religious sites, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is more respectful and appreciated.