Know before you go : Tunisia Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Tunisia, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Tunisia is a country located in North Africa. It shares borders with Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast, and it is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east.

The capital is Tunis, which is also the largest city in the country. Tunis is situated in the northeastern part of Tunisia, near the Mediterranean coast and the ancient ruins of Carthage.

Known for its  vibrant medinas, ancient ruins, Mediterranean beaches, and desert scenery, Tunisia offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions.

As of 2025, Tunisia covers approximately 163,610 km² and has a population of around 12.5 million people.

The best time to visit Tunisia is in April/May or September/October, when the weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy Tunisia with fewer crowds!

If you plan to come in July or August, consider avoiding the hottest (temperatures can reach 45°C !) and busiest spots like Tunis, Sousse, or Hammamet, and instead explore less crowded coastal towns or head south for a desert road trip to places like Tozeur or Matmata.

The currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND).

Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and some shops, but cash is still the way to go—especially in souks, small local eateries, markets, or remote areas. It’s essential to change or withdraw some cash upon arrival. Use official ATMs at banks like BIAT, ATB, or Amen Bank, and always choose to be billed in Tunisian Dinars, not in your home currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

Tunisia is generally very affordable compared to Western Europe. A meal at a casual restaurant or café can cost around 5–10€ per person, while dining in more touristy or fancy places may cost 15–20€. Local street food or market snacks are even cheaper.

Entrance to museums, archaeological sites, and monuments typically ranges between 1€ and 7€.

Accommodation is also budget-friendly: expect to pay €30 to €60 per night for a mid-range hotel or private Airbnb for two people. Prices may rise slightly in summer or during national holidays.

Clothing: Tunisia is a very hot destination, so no need for warm clothes. Instead pack light and breathable clothing. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, especially if you’re heading to the coast or the desert. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring medinas, ruins, or desert landscapes. A light scarf can also be useful for sun protection or visiting religious sites. A small backpack is great for day trips and excursions, especially to bring water bottles as tap water is not drinkable.

Adapter: Tunisia uses Type C and E power outlets, similar to many European countries. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter. Bringing a power bank is also a good idea to keep your devices charged while exploring.

There’s a lot to bring back from Tunisia !

Traditional Items: For authentic Tunisian souvenirs, consider bringing back a handwoven traditional rug, colorful ceramics, perfumes, handcrafted olive wood items, or traditional silver Berber jewelry. You’ll also find beautiful foutas (lightweight hammam towels) and locally made leather goods.

Food & Drinks: If you’re into savory flavors, grab a jar of harissa (spicy chili paste), some Tunisian olive oil, or a selection of spices from the local souks. For sweets, makroud (semolina pastries with dates or almonds) or Bambalouni (sugar-dusted doughnuts, if you can get them fresh!) are delicious.

The official language of Tunisia is Arabic, but French is widely spoken, and you’ll often find people in tourist areas who speak basic English.

Here are a few Tunisian Arabic phrases that might come in handy:

• Hello: Aslema / Marhba [ahs-LEH-ma / mar-HBA]
• Thank you: Shukran [SHOO-krahn]
• You’re welcome: Besh shay / Afwan [besh SHAY / AF-wan]
• I (don’t) understand: Nefhem (ma nefhemesh) [NEF-hem / ma neh-fhe-MESH]
• Sorry: Samhni [SAMH-nee]
• My name is…: Ismi… [ISS-mee…]
• Yes / No: Ey / La – [AY / LA]

These phrases will help you connect with locals and show appreciation for the culture—even just a few words can go a long way!

If you’re traveling to Tunisia from Europe, EU roaming doesn’t apply, so your mobile plan will likely incur extra charges. To stay connected affordably, you can buy a local SIM card at Orange. Packages with data starting at around 5–10€ are available at airports, kiosks, or phone shops. They will offer you the SIM card and you have to top it with the desired Gb amount.

If you’re only staying in Tunis, Sousse, or Monastir, you don’t need a car—you can explore the main sights on foot or with cheap local taxis. For nearby destinations, louages (shared minibuses) or trains are convenient options, though not always very punctual.

However, if you plan to visit the desert, remote beaches, or lesser-known ruins, renting a car offers much more flexibility. Make sure to have a valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended if you’re from outside the EU) and a credit card, which is usually required by rental companies.

There’s a lot to see in Tunisia ! You can spend a few days exploring ancient ruins, wandering through colorful medinas or heading into the desert… You definitely won’t be bored!

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Tunisia :

That’s it for my Tunisia travel tips !

I have also made detailed posts about the top places to see Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, Bizerte, Sousse and Monastir.