Money:
The unit of currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), divided into
1,000 millimes. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. Banks and
some hotels provide foreign exchange. ATMs are found in most towns
and at all the tourist resorts; almost all will accept Visa cards
and many will also accept Maestro (Switch) cards. Visa, Diners
Club, American Express and MasterCard are accepted for payment in
souvenir shops, upmarket hotels and restaurants, although Visa
encounters the least problems. All Tunisian currency must be
exchanged before departure.
Time:
Local time in Tunisia is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday
in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity:
Electrical current in Tunisia is 230 volts, 50Hz.
Round European-style, two-pin plugs are used.
Language:
The overwhelming majority of people in Tunisia speak
Arabic and French. English is taught in all schools and is
increasingly spoken especially by younger people. Some German and
Italian is also spoken.
Health:
No vaccinations are recommended for Tunisia and no serious
health risks exist, but all travellers are required to show a
yellow fever certificate if coming from an infected area.
Travellers' diarrhoea and other parasitic infections may be
contracted, but is unlikely in the modern seaside resorts. Visitors
travelling outside these resorts should ensure they drink only
boiled, purified water and eat well-cooked food. All medical
expenses must be paid for immediately after treatment in Tunisia,
and costs can be quite high. The availability of medication is
limited. Visitors should bring adequate supplies of their own
medication. Health insurance is a necessity.
Tipping:
Tipping is not a requirement in Tunisia but appreciated for good
service in local establishments. Most people performing a useful
service will wait to be tipped. Waiters in resort and hotel
restaurants expect a tip of around 10%.
Safety:
Although Tunisia has experienced political upheaval in the last
year, but the country has made the transition to democracy smoothly
and there is little chance of violence or unrest. A nationwide
State of Emergency is still in place and curfews may be imposed at
short notice, and foreign travellers are advised to carry a copy of
their passport at all times. There is little violent crime, but
petty theft and pick pocketing does occur. An increase in bag
snatching has been noted in tourist areas and visitors are advised
to keep bags close at all times. Travellers are advised to avoid
the border areas with Algeria, and be extra cautious if travelling
alone in the southern desert areas.
Customs:
Tunisia is a Muslim country and visitors should respect the
local sensibilities, especially during the month of Ramadan.
Visitors, and women in particular, should dress modestly outside of
the beach resorts. Women should note that coffee houses are mainly
populated by men and women are often ushered into the 'family
section' in restaurants as this is for the comfort. Homosexuality
is illegal and although it is common to see Arab men greet each
other with a kiss on the cheek and even hold hands in public, this
is unacceptable for tourists. Only married couples are allowed to
share rooms, but the norm is more relaxed in the tourist resorts
and hotels. Being a Muslim country, alcohol is not as widely
available as in other countries and those looking for a drink at
the end of the day should visit hotel bars and restaurants.
Business:
Tunisians like to get to know the person with whom they will be
doing business and negotiations tend to be prolonged and very
sociable occasions. As with other Arab countries, one is expected
to dress conservatively and formally in Tunisia. French is the
common language of business and interpreters will be necessary
otherwise. A firm handshake is the accepted form of greeting and
the Arabic 'Salaam Aleikum' works better than a simple 'Hello.'
Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm Monday to
Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Tunisia do not have to pay duty on the following
items: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 400g tobacco; 1 bottle of
alcohol; a reasonable amount of perfume; and gifts to the value of
10 Tunisian dinars.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Tunisia is +216. The
outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country
code (for example 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in
use, e.g. (0)1 for Tunis. The country is covered by two GSM 900
mobile networks. There is widespread Internet coverage with
Internet cafes in the main cities and towns.