Frequently asked questions

It depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Check with the Tunisian consulate or embassy in your country and with your foreign ministry's official travel advice website before booking.

Spring and autumn are ideal for combining sightseeing, nature and mild temperatures. Summer is beach season, and winter suits the desert, which is more pleasant once the heat has eased.

A week lets you discover Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and some of the great sites of the Sahel such as El Jem and Kairouan. Allow a few more days to add the south and the desert without rushing.

It is strongly recommended. Make sure it covers medical costs, repatriation and, if needed, the activities you have planned, such as diving or desert excursions.

Light, covering clothes for summer, a jacket for spring and autumn evenings, and warm layers for desert nights in winter. Also bring an outfit that covers shoulders and knees for medinas and religious sites.

The official language is Arabic, and in everyday life Tunisians speak Tunisian Arabic, known as derja. French is very widely understood, and English is increasingly spoken, especially by young people and in tourist areas.

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated away from beaches and hotels. At religious sites, it is essential.

Tap water is treated in towns, but many travellers prefer bottled water, which is easy to find everywhere. If you have a sensitive stomach, it is the safest option.

Tourist sites stay open, but opening times may change and many cafés close during the day. The evenings, after the fast is broken, are lively and warm. Ramadan dates change every year.

Landscapes and monuments are fine to photograph, but always ask before taking a picture of someone. Avoid official and military buildings and security forces.

The louage, a shared taxi, is fast and widely used. SNCFT trains are comfortable on the main coastal routes, and intercity buses complete the network. For freedom, nothing beats a rental car.

Yes, rental agencies operate at airports and in major towns. Before you travel, check whether your licence is valid in Tunisia, as well as the insurance included in the contract.

In towns, individual taxis run on a meter. Make sure it is switched on when you set off; for long journeys or transfers, agree on the fare before leaving.

The main roads in the south are accessible, but for tracks and dunes always go with a licensed guide or agency. Some areas may also require a permit, so check before you set off.

Yes, domestic flights connect Tunis with some southern cities such as Djerba and Tozeur. They save time; check flight days and times when booking.

The currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). As a rule, you obtain it locally, at banks, authorised exchange offices or ATMs.

Cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. In the souks, small shops and on public transport, cash remains essential.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated in restaurants and cafés and for guides and drivers. Leave what feels fair for the quality of the service.

Yes, haggling is a tradition in the souks. Do it with a smile and without pressure; in shops with displayed prices, however, there is no bargaining.

Taking dinars out of Tunisia is regulated. Spend or change back your dinars before you leave, keeping your exchange receipts, and check the current rules with official sources.