Facts to assist you while travelling to Tunisia.

 

Tunisian population

• 4 million.

Currency

• Tunisian dinar.

Office Hours

• 08:30 – 16:00.

Weekend

• Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

• UTC +1.

Calling Code

• +216.

Tipping

• If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

Embassies

• Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

Government

• Kais Saeed is the current and 8th president of Tunisia, who has been in office since 2019.

Climate

• Tunisia’s climate in the northern regions comprises of mild winters with moderate rainfall and dry summers with hot temperatures. Temperatures in July and August can exceed 40 °C (104 °F) when the tropical continental air mass of the desert reaches the whole Tunisia. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely exceeding 20 °C (68 °F) (exception is the south-west of the country). The south of the country is a desert. The terrain in the north is mountainous, which, moving south, gives way to a hot, dry central plain. As you progress towards the south, the climate naturally becomes hotter, drier, and sunnier.

Transport

• The main airport in Tunisia is the Tunis–Carthage International Airport, located in the capital city of Tunis. Tunisia has rail links with the neighbouring country of Algeria via the Ghardimaou-Souk Ahras line. Major cities are all linked by road through the interior. Approximately two thirds of Tunisia’s roads are paved. Route 1 in the Trans-African Highway network passes through Tunisia, linking it to North African nations including Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Egypt, and to West African nations via Mauritania. The port of Tunis is the largest port in the country.

Economy

• Tunisia’s main industries that contribute to its economy include agriculture, oil mining, automotive parts, equipment, and services.

Hospitality

• If you are invited to a Tunisian’s home, you may be asked to remove your shoes. It is important that you adhere to such requests in order to remain respectful. When invited to eat at a local’s house, it is considered impolite to arrive empty handed. You may bring pastries, nuts, fruit, cake, candy, or flowers to the hostess. Since most Tunisians are Muslim, do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks.

Greetings

• ‘’Aslema’’ is the Tunisian word for “Hi” or “Hello.’’ This will usually suffice and is often accompanied by a firm handshake. Although there are numerous other greetings in both Arabic and French, ‘’Aslema’’ is unique to the Tunisian culture and is also the most common greetings amongst the locals. Aslema is a shorted version of the traditional Arabic greeting, meaning ‘’peace.’’ Tunisia has its own dialect of Arabic, much like Egypt and Lebanon also has their own.

Money

• The dinar (TND) is the official currency of Tunisia. ATMs are widely available across the country. The majority of the ATM’s, especially in the capital city, accept Visa cards. It is also illegal to take Tunisian dinars out of the country, so be sure to get your money exchanged before you leave the country.

Transportation

• All international airports in Tunisia have established connections with many places in Africa and Europe. Those arriving from Europe may be satisfied to discover that most of the flights are low in cost from European countries to Tunisia. Tunisia’s transport system is quite developed and diverse. The railway network is vast, and the ride is scenic, but the infrastructure is not developed or in the best condition. Buses are affordable and convenient, although we don’t advise you to take any public transport.

Safety

• Tunisia is, without a doubt, a safe country. However, petty crimes such as mugging, bag-snatching, pick pocketing, and other petty theft do occur. We therefore advise that you take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Harassment of foreign women in Tunisia have also been reported, so we advise female travelers to never go anywhere by themselves. Homosexuality is illegal in this country and, for citizens, is punishable with jail time of up to 3 years. Owing to the fact that Tunisia is a modest country, it is best to generally avoid any public displays of affections, even between husband and wife.

Culture

• Tunisian culture exists as an amalgamation of three thousand years of history and multi-ethnic influx. Ancient Tunisian civilization was integral in the shaping of history in the surrounding regions and have influenced the culture of the people. Some of the cultures that has had an influence on the country and its people are the Carthaginian – their native civilization, Roman, Vandal, Jewish, Christian, Arab, Islamic, Turkish, French, and most importantly, the native Amazigh.

Shops

• There are many malls in Tunisia that sell the products that everyone wants and loves, including both local and international brands. Some of the best malls located in the major cities include the Mall of Tunisia, Les Square Tunis Mall, Tunis City Mall, La Palmarium Mall, Ice Mall, Mouss Sousse. However, to get a glimpse of the local culture it is better to visit the large souks such as Medina of Sousse and Markt/Basar in Houmt Souk.

 

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Written by Saudika Hendricks

Edited by Eloise Williams