Organize your stay Tunisia
Money Tunisia
The country's currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND referred to as DT in the guide), which is divided into 1,000 millimes. Coins in circulation are: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 millimes, 1 dinar and 5 dinars. Banknotes in circulation are 5, 10, 20 and 30 dinars.
Exchange rate: 1 € = 3.36 DT - 1 DT = 0.30 € (July 2024).
Budget & Tips Tunisia
Tunisia is not a very expensive country, but if you want a good standard of living, you'll still need a certain budget. Here are some budget ideas:
Small budget. around 160 DT per day. Low-budget travellers will find accommodation for around 80 DT per night in large and medium-sized cities (unless there are youth hostels, which are even cheaper); you should be aware that there is always at least one hotel in the medina in a similar price range, if you're not too fussy about comfort. For those on a really tight budget, there are youth hostels for around ten dinars a bed in a dormitory. You can eat for 20 dinars in local restaurants, or a minimum of 8 or 10 dinars if you settle for a snack. The rest will be used to travel by bus, hire car (cheap but rudimentary, with accidents occurring regularly) and cab (always ask for the meter to avoid scams).
Average budget. 300 DT per day approx. Numerous mid-range hotels at an average of 120 DT per night, with some excellent surprises (especially out of season). As for food, many "bonnes tables" establishments offer meals for 50 DT, allowing you to sample a more refined and varied cuisine. The rest of the budget will be used for travel by train, bus and cab.
Big budget. around 500 DT per day. At that price, you'll be spoilt for choice! Luxury hotels at around 200 DT per night and good restaurants at 80 DT per meal on average are on the agenda, and you'll be traveling by rental car.
As a general rule, try to compare hotel prices in advance to avoid the hotelier offering the maximum price displayed at the entrance to the hotel.
Passport and visas Tunisia
For stays of 3 months or less, all you need is a valid passport.
Driver's license Tunisia
A French driver's license obtained more than one year ago is sufficient to rent a car and to prove your identity in case of a control. If you have it, the international driving license is preferable.
Health Tunisia
Although health conditions are different from those in France, the dangers of traveling to Tunisia are minimal.
That said, don't hesitate to consult your doctor for advice before you travel. You can also visit the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www. diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
When on site, always use bottled water rather than tap water, and avoid ice cubes.
Mandatory vaccination Tunisia
No vaccinations are required for travel to Tunisia, but it is advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and to check that your vaccinations are up to date (DT Polio...).
Security Tunisia
Tunisia is far from being a dangerous country, despite the somewhat unstable situation since 2011. The tourist areas are quiet, with almost no crime. You'll always feel safe in the small, isolated streets of a medina, even if the police presence is no longer as strong as it was under Ben Ali. Nevertheless, like everywhere else, theft does occur, although it is severely punished. In the big cities, it is advisable to be vigilant and not to carry valuables at night to avoid theft. For the latest information on local security, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs.
Time difference Tunisia
The time difference between Tunisia and France varies according to the season. In winter, it will be the same in both countries; in summer, it will be one hour less in Tunisia.
Spoken languages Tunisia
Arabic is the official language and the first spoken by all Tunisians.
French is still widely spoken, as it is a compulsory language at school. Even if some people in remote areas don't speak French, they still have some knowledge of it.
English, Spanish, German and Italian are becoming increasingly widespread, but French remains the majority language, so it's not at all difficult to communicate in Tunisia.
Arabic is a very difficult language, and is spoken differently in different countries (an Egyptian and a Tunisian have difficulty understanding each other). Nevertheless, literary Arabic is common to all Arab countries.
Communication Tunisia
To call from France to Tunisia, dial + 216 followed by the 8 numbers of your correspondent.
To call from Tunisia to France, dial + 33 followed by your correspondent's number without the 0.
There are plenty of phone stores in Tunisia. Ooredoo and Tunisie Telecom allow you to buy a chip at an unbeatable price. The line is up and running in a matter of seconds. Then all you have to do is top up your chip with a scratch-code card that you insert into your phone. Conveniently, you'll be reachable by your friends and family, and free at all times to call your hotel, book a restaurant or a cab, for low-cost communications. Not to mention that you'll also be entitled to 4G as part of your top-ups, and the country is well covered by 4G. To get in touch with your loved ones, WhatsApp is a practical and inexpensive way to call or send messages. It's also worth noting that most hotels have wi-fi, which is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family.
Electricity and measurements Tunisia
Electricity: voltage is 220 volts throughout most of the country. However, some hotels and small towns in the south still operate on 110 volts. Sockets are similar to those in Europe.
Weights and measures: units of measurement are the same as in France.
Luggage Tunisia
Although Tunisia is reputed to be a hot country, remember to bring a sweater, which you'll appreciate at altitude and in air-conditioned areas. In winter, warm clothing is essential, especially in the desert, where nights can be very chilly. On the coast, a windbreaker won't go amiss. In autumn and spring, light clothing is the order of the day, but take along a little wool for the evenings, which can be cool and damp. Despite the sometimes oppressive heat, don't forget that you're in a Muslim country. Tunisians are tolerant, but it would be inappropriate to wear provocative shorts, skirts or cleavage. Tunisians will thank you for it, and you'll avoid the hassle of those who disregard the customs of the countries they visit.
