A practical guide to Tunisia is information for anyone planning a trip to North Africa. If you want sun, clean beaches and interesting flavors at a reasonable price, Tunisia can be an ideal choice and a great break from traveling to Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia or Montenegro.
The Arab Spring that swept through North African countries a few years ago seriously damaged tourism. Fortunately, this turbulent time is now only a memory. Tunisians have strengthened their army, police, government bodies and secret services. Each such crisis makes the resort much cheaper.
What currency should I take?
You can easily take euros and dollars to Tunisia. The local currency is the dinar. The euro has a better exchange rate to the dinar than the dollar, so take care of the currency at home. Another option is to withdraw money from an ATM in Tunisia. However, remember a very important point. It is not allowed to take the local currency out of Tunisia. Therefore, on the way back, find an exchange office at the airport where you can exchange dinars for euros or dollars at a reasonable rate. Do not forget to save the bill from the previous exchange or the confirmation from the ATM.
Internet in Tunisia
In Tunisia, you will find free Wi-Fi in most hotels or the best restaurants and cafes. However, its speed sometimes leaves much to be desired. Therefore, a great alternative is to connect to the mobile Internet.
Prices and bargaining
Prices are negotiable in most Arab countries. Only in very touristy places will you find regulated or fixed prices. The same is true in Tunisia. Do not buy everything in the first burst of emotion. Look, think, ask the price of one seller, a second and a third. Negotiations are welcome. It is worth offering an absurdly low price compared to what you hear. Let's say at the level of 10-20 percent of the initial. You will see the reaction of the seller, understanding what to expect. After bargaining, you will find out the actual price at which the seller is ready to sell the product you have chosen. Sellers in Tunisia are less intrusive than in Egypt or Turkey. You can easily communicate with them in one of the four or five languages they use. Everyone knows French and Arabic here, and for trade and services it is necessary to use Russian, English, German.
How to get around Tunisia?
There are many types of public transport in Tunisia. Locally, taxis and small buses are good. Prices are negotiable. You should pay from 3 to 5 dinars for five kilometers. If you are traveling with three or four people, the price is divided. On long routes, it is worth going by train, which is called Metro here. Modern trains inspire confidence and are really clean for local conditions. You will pay 1,6 dinars for a route of almost 40 kilometers.
Food and drink
In the summer in Tunisia it is very hot, so the basis is two liters of liquid per day. Still water is available everywhere, sometimes people buy carbonated water, which is certainly more expensive. Tunisians, like most people in Arab countries and Africa, drink a lot of sweet drinks. Water costs 1-2 dinars.
Coffee costs from 1,5 to 5 dinars. Tunisians have excellent cuisine, so even if you go to a hotel, try to find a local, non-tourist eatery and try the delicacies. You will definitely find something for yourself in fish, meat, seafood or in delicious vegetables and fruits.
Remember that although this is the most European country in North Africa, it is still a Muslim country. Alcohol can be bought in selected stores of one of the French chains. Wine costs from 8 dinars and up. Beer on the spot can cost 15 dinars. On the tourist beaches you will definitely find small charming pubs, which are also used by young Tunisians. There you will feel like you are in Europe.
