Tunisia, Tunisia - Travel Guide

Tunisia offers a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From ancient Roman ruins and vibrant souks to beautiful Mediterranean beaches and the vast Sahara Desert, it's a destination that appeals to history buffs, adventurers, and beach lovers alike.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

CarthageTunisDjerbaMediterraneanNorth Africa

🇹🇳 Country Information: Tunisia

CapitalTunis

CurrencyTunisian dinar (ت.د)

LanguageArabic , French, Berber

Phone Code+216

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common and appreciated
Restaurants: 5
10% of the bill, or round up
Taxis: Round up the fare
Hotel staff: A small amount for porters and housekeepers
Tour guides: Around 10
15 TND per person per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but less so in smaller establishments and souks
It is advisable to bring some cash for smaller purchases and local markets
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress codes: Modest dress is recommended, especially for women, covering shoulders and knees
When visiting mosques, women should cover their heads
Behaviors considered rude: Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Showing the sole of your foot to someone is considered offensive
Using your left hand for eating or handing objects is considered unclean
Eating customs: It is common to eat with your right hand
In traditional settings, meals may be shared from a communal dish

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Tunisia and punishable by imprisonment. There are no laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Alcohol consumption is generally tolerated, especially in tourist areas, but it is not widely available outside of hotels, bars, and restaurants
Public intoxication is illegal
Drug laws are very strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences

Special Laws

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or outside of tourist resorts
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours are generally frowned upon
Be aware of local sensitivities regarding photography, especially of people, without permission

Common Phrases

NoLa (lah) لا

YesNa'am (na-am) نعم

HelloAhlen (ah-hlen) أهلا

PleaseMin fadlak (min fad-lak) من فضلك (m.) / Min fadlik (min fad-leek) من فضلك (f.)

Thank youShukran (shook-ran) شكرا

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jun
Sep
Floods: Oct
Dec

Getting There

Fly into Tunis
Carthage International Airport (TUN) (Costs vary widely by departure location and season, typically $600
1200+ from North America/Europe)
Intercity buses and trains connect major cities, with costs ranging from $5
20 for a few hours of travel
Ferries connect Tunisia to Europe (e
g
, Marseille, Genoa, Palermo) with costs from $100
300+ for a passenger and car

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and affordable, often metered or negotiated
Louages (shared taxis) are common for intercity travel and offer a local experience at low cost
Ride
sharing apps like Bolt and InDrive are available in major cities
Car rental is an option for exploring independently

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B are recommended
Typhoid vaccine is recommended
Rabies vaccine may be recommended for certain travelers
Discuss with a healthcare professional regarding altitude sickness or malaria concerns, though generally not high risk
Probiotics can be helpful for adjusting to local cuisine

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available through major local providers like Ooredoo, Tunisie Telecom, and Orange Tunisia
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are generally compatible and offer plans for Tunisia

Local Cuisine

Couscous (Kosksi) must_try

The national dish of Tunisia, this is a tiny granule made from steamed and dried durum wheat, often served with a spicy, red, tomato-based stew that t

Brik street_food

A popular crispy savory snack made from thin warka pastry (similar to phyllo) folded into a triangle and deep-fried. The most common filling includes

Lablabi breakfast

A thick, hearty soup made with chickpeas, garlic, and cumin-flavored broth, often served over pieces of stale bread. It is commonly topped with ingred

Shakshouka/Ojja regional_speciality

A dish of eggs poached (Shakshouka) or scrambled (Ojja) in a vibrant sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin and given a

Mechouia Salad snack

An hors d'oeuvre of finely chopped, grilled vegetables, typically sweet peppers, tomatoes, and onions, mixed with olive oil and lemon juice. It is fre

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Sahara Desert Multi-Day Tours tour_or_activity

Book 3 weeks to 2 months in advance

Reputable multi-day tours (e.g., from Tozeur or Douz) have limited capacity, and booking early ensures availability with a high-quality operator.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Accommodation (e.g., Boutique Hotels in Tunis/Sidi Bou Said) Accommodation

Book 6 weeks to 3 months in advance

The best-rated accommodations, especially boutique hotels or riads in popular areas, fill up quickly, particularly during the peak summer months.

International Flights to Tunis-Carthage (TUN) Transport

Book 2 to 6 months in advance

While generic, booking flights early for Tunisia is critical to secure the best prices and direct routes, especially during the high-demand summer season.

Fun Facts

1. Tunisia is home to the largest colosseum in North Africa, the El Jem amphitheater, which could once seat up to 35,000 spectators and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, located in Tunisia's holiest city, is often referred to as the fourth holiest city of Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, and one pilgrimage there can be equalled by seven pilgrimages to Mecca.
3. The ancient remains of the Roman site of Dougga are considered the best-preserved example of an Africo-Roman town in North Africa.
4. Tunisia's holiest city, Kairouan, was once the center of Islamic scholarship under the Aghlabids in the 9th century.

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