Organize your stay Tunisia
Covid-19 : current situation Tunisia
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Tunisia. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Tunisia
The currency of the country is the Tunisian dinar (TND named DT in the guide), which is divided into 1000 millimes. The coins in circulation are: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 millimes, 1 dinar and 5 dinars. The bills in circulation are 5, 10, 20 and 30 dinars.
Exchange rate: 1 € = 3.19 DT - 1 DT = 0.31 € (October 2022).
Budget & Tips Tunisia
Tunisia is not a very expensive country, but if you want a good standard, you will still need a certain budget. Here are some budget ideas:
Small budget. 120 DT per day approximately. Small budgets will find something to sleep in for about 40 to 60 TND per night in the big and medium-sized cities; be aware that there is always at least one hotel in the medina that is in the same price range, if you are not too concerned about comfort. For the really tight budgets, there are youth hostels for about ten dinars a bed in a dormitory. You can eat for 20 DT in local restaurants, 8 or 10 DT minimum if you are satisfied with a snack. The rest will be used to travel by bus, rental car (cheap but rudimentary with accidents regularly), and cabs (ask for the meter systematically to avoid scams).
Average budget. 300 DT per day approximately. Many mid-range hotels at 120 DT per night on average, with sometimes even excellent surprises (especially out of season). As for the food, many establishments of good category propose meals at 50 DT which will allow you to taste a more refined and varied cuisine. The rest of the budget will be used for travel by train, bus and cab.
Big budget. 500 DT per day approximately. At this price, you will be spoilt for choice! Luxury hotel at about 200 TND per night and good restaurants at 80 TND per meal on average in the program, you will move in rented car.
Passport and visas Tunisia
For a stay of less than or equal to 3 months, you simply need 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
If the sanitary conditions are different from those in France, the dangers are minimal when you travel to Tunisia.
That said, do not hesitate to consult your doctor for advice before your trip. You can also visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the heading "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www. diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs)
When you are there, always drink bottled water rather than tap water and avoid ice cubes.
Mandatory vaccination Tunisia
No vaccine is mandatory to travel to Tunisia, it is nevertheless recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and to check if your vaccines 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 and there is almost no delinquency. One always feels safe in the small isolated streets of a medina even if the police presence is not as present as under Ben Ali. Nevertheless, as everywhere, thefts exist even if they are very severely repressed. In the big cities, it is advisable to be vigilant and it is not advisable to carry valuables at night to avoid theft. For the latest information on local security, consult the "Travel Advice" section of the 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. It will be the same time in winter, there is one hour less in Tunisia during the summer time.
Spoken languages Tunisia
The official language is Arabic, which is the first language spoken by all Tunisians.
French is still widely spoken, as it is a compulsory language in school. Even if in remote areas some people do not speak French, they still have some knowledge of it
English, Spanish, German and Italian are becoming more and more widespread, but French remains the majority language: it is therefore absolutely not difficult to communicate in Tunisia.
Arabic is a very difficult language and is spoken differently in different countries (an Egyptian and a Tunisian hardly understand 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 the number of your correspondent without the 0.
In Tunisia, the phone stores are legion. Ooredoo and Tunisie Telecom allow you to buy a chip at a price defying all competition. The line is operational in a few seconds. Then, you just have to recharge your chip with a card with a scratch code and enter your phone. Practical, you will be reachable by your relatives and will be free at any time to call your hotel, to book a restaurant or a cab, for low cost communications. Not to mention that you will also be entitled to 4G as part of your top-ups and the country is well covered by 4G. To contact your loved ones, WhatsApp is a convenient and inexpensive way to call or send messages. Also note that most hotels have wifi, which is handy for keeping in touch with loved ones.
Electricity and measurements Tunisia
Electricity: The voltage is 220 volts in most of the country. However, some hotels and small towns in the south still use 110 volts. As for the plugs, they are similar to European ones.
Weights and measures: units of measurement are identical to France.
Luggage Tunisia
Although Tunisia is reputed to be a hot country, remember to bring a sweater, which you will appreciate at altitude and in air-conditioned places. In winter, warm clothes are essential, especially in the desert, where the nights can be very cool. On the coast, a windbreaker will not be superfluous. In autumn and spring, light clothes are required, but take a small woolen jacket for the evenings, which can be cool and damp. Despite the sometimes oppressive heat, don't forget that you are in a Muslim country. Tunisians are tolerant, but it would be inappropriate to wear shorts, skirts or cleavage that are too provocative. Keep a presentable outfit whatever the place and the heat, Tunisians will be grateful to you and you will avoid the small hassles of those who do not take into account the customs of the countries they visit.
