From the airport to the city centre Tunisia
The airports of the main cities are generally located a few kilometers from the city center (for example, Tunis-Carthage airport is 8 km from Tunis). To get to the city, you generally have two options: cab and bus. Cabs cost less than in France, and will not exceed 20 DT. Buses are cheaper and take you right to the heart of the city.
You can easily change money at Tunisian airports: the exchange rate is fixed and the commission the same as elsewhere!
Arrival by train Tunisia
Rail services in Tunisia are provided by SNCFT (www.sncft.com.tn). Trains from Tunis depart from the central station. To reach the northern suburbs by rail, however, the TGM (Tunis-Goulette-Marsa) company is responsible; departure is from Tunis-Marine station, two metro stations from Place de Barcelone. In the south, the train only goes as far as Gabès in the east and Tozeur in the west. To go further south, you'll need to take a bus or hire a car. Tunisian trains are fairly inexpensive, but rarely leave on time... Some trains (depending on the timetable) are fast, others express and still others omnibus; you often have to change trains to get to your chosen destination. Find out beforehand to save time. Reservations can be made 3 days before the trip, or even on the day of departure, if it's not too busy.
Arrival by boat Tunisia
Leaving for Tunisia by boat means taking a 24-hour interlude to get a feel for Tunisia, to dream about it and to talk to Tunisians who are leaving to be reunited with their families. These are privileged moments for those who know how to take the time to travel. Sea crossings depart from Marseille to Tunis and its port of La Goulette. Prices vary according to the category of seats, the number of passengers, the vehicle and, of course, the season. The two companies making the crossing are Corsica Linea(www.corsicalinea.com) and CTN, Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation(www.ctn.com.tn). If you're traveling with several people, taking a boat to Tunisia is also the most environmentally-friendly option!
Public transport Tunisia
In Tunis, the metro is a modern, fast tramway that takes you from the city center to the Bardo Museum, the Belvedere district and the SNCFT and TGM stations. Some stops are subject to change, so it's best to check with ticket offices and passengers. As for the names of the stations, which are not mentioned on the stops - or at least not on all of them - you'll have to ask a Tunisian. In other cities, public transport is mainly by bus. To get from town to town, rented cars are the national means of transport in Tunisia, widely used by Tunisians: an institutionalized form of car-sharing, these minibuses or large shared cabs can accommodate up to 8 passengers and rush from one destination to another as soon as all the seats are taken. Tickets can be purchased at the stations (each city has at least one) or from the driver.
With a driver Tunisia
There are cabs in all the big cities of Tunisia as well as in Djerba. They are yellow and you will recognize them easily. Contrary to France, when you see the small green light on the cabs it means that they are taken, and when it is the red light, they are free! Before getting into a cab, always ask the driver to start the meter. If he refuses, claiming that it is not working, do not hesitate to call another yellow car: they abound in the cities. In Tunisia, the price of a ride is very low, about 5 times lower than in France. Consider that it is not normal if you are asked for more than 15 DT for a trip in the city; generally, the minimum fare for a trip in the city is 8/10 DT; the fare is higher for the suburbs. In the case of longer distances, it is better to ask for the price, even if it is approximate (insist on having an idea of the price), before getting into the car. It is a good idea, if you are going to a private home, to have the driver's phone number with you so that he can be telephoned if necessary. It is very common for the cab driver to give you his card so that you can call him just in case; if he is friendly, this is a pretty good solution, especially since, for long trips, you will be able to negotiate more easily with him!
By car Tunisia
Travelling with your own (rental) car will give you a great deal of autonomy, even if it's still quite expensive to rent a car in Tunisia. The major international agencies (Avis, Hertz, etc.) are present in the major cities, and you'll easily find them at airports. Be sure to ask about conditions in the event of breakdown or accident. Roads are quite good in Tunisia, but in the South in particular, don't venture onto stony tracks or into the desert if your vehicle isn't suitable. For 4x4s, a driver is often compulsory, especially when driving through the desert, and they are usually hired by the day. Tunisian driving can sometimes be quite brusque, so be careful on the roads. Don't drive after sunset, as the roads are not sufficiently lit, especially in the countryside and villages.
Accessibility Tunisia
Tunisia is not a particularly accessible destination. Specialized facilities are rare. Initiatives led by local organizations and Tunisian citizens do exist, but they are still too rare. In some hotel complexes, rooms have been designed to accommodate all publics. On the whole, it will be quite difficult for a person with reduced mobility to get around the country.
The country is ideal for families: its proximity to Europe is reassuring, safety is guaranteed and Tunisians love children. Your toddlers will be bombarded with caresses on the head, and even on the face. In the hotel clubs: sandpits and water sports, twice-daily entertainment with friendly organizers. As far as hotel discounts are concerned, you'll enjoy a 30-50% discount for children up to 12 years of age, and free accommodation for children under 2.
