Tunisia Travel Information

Tunisia, located in North Africa, is a country rich in history and culture. From the ancient ruins of Carthage to the charming medina of Tunis, there is something for every history buff to discover. The country also offers beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine. Here are the top 10 things to do in Tunisia:

1. Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage

Carthage was a major city in ancient times and the ruins offer a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Punic ports, Roman villas and the Antonin Baths.

2. Wander the charming medina of Tunis

The medina of Tunis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the traditional Tunisian way of life. Visitors can explore the narrow streets, bustling souks and visit the many historic sites such as the Bardo Museum.

3. Relax on the beaches of Hammamet

Hammamet is a popular coastal resort town known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities or just relax on the beach.

4. Visit the Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village located just outside of Tunis. The village is famous for its blue and white buildings, and offers beautiful views of the coast.

5. Take a desert tour in the Sahara

Tunisia is home to a portion of the Sahara desert and visitors can take a tour to explore the vast sandy landscape and meet the nomadic Berber people.

6. Experience the culture at the Festival of Sufism

Held annually in Kairouan, the Festival of Sufism is a celebration of Tunisian culture and spirituality. Visitors can attend religious ceremonies and enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

7. Visit the ruins of Dougga

Dougga is a well-preserved Roman ruin that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The site features a theater, temples, and an impressive Capitoline Temple.

8. Explore the Bardo Museum

The Bardo Museum is located in Tunis and is home to one of the most important collections of Roman mosaics in the world.

9. Take a day trip to the island of Djerba

Djerba is a beautiful island located off the coast of Tunisia and is known for its white sandy beaches, clear waters and historic sites.

10. Taste the delicious Tunisian cuisine

Tunisian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, African and Middle Eastern flavors. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as couscous, brik, and harissa.

Climate

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The temperatures generally range from the high 50s to the low 80s Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Celsius) in the winter and the high 70s to low 100s Fahrenheit (25 to 40 degrees Celsius) in the summer. Rainfall is relatively low, with the majority of precipitation occurring in the winter months.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tunisia is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. The crowds are also smaller during these months, making it a great time to explore the country's historical sites and beaches. If you plan to visit the desert, the best time is from October to April. In the summer, the desert can be extremely hot and dry.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Tunisia offers a wide range of hotels, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. Many hotels are located in tourist areas such as Tunis, Sousse, and Hammamet, and offer amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts are becoming more popular in Tunisia, and offer a more intimate and personal experience than a hotel. They are typically located in smaller towns and villages, and are often run by local families.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, villas, and houses are another popular accommodation option in Tunisia. These rentals are often located in residential areas and offer a more home-like experience, allowing visitors to feel more immersed in the local culture.

Camping

Camping is also possible in Tunisia, with several campsites located throughout the country. Many of these campsites are located near beaches and offer amenities such as bathrooms and showers.

Air

Tunisia has several airports, with the main one being Tunis-Carthage International Airport located in Tunis. From here, visitors can fly to destinations within Tunisia and internationally. There are also several smaller regional airports throughout the country.

Train

Tunisia has a well-developed rail system, with trains running between major cities such as Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax. The trains are comfortable and efficient, and offer a great way to see the country.

Bus

Buses are a popular and inexpensive way to get around Tunisia. The bus network is extensive and covers most of the country. The buses are comfortable and reliable, and offer a great way to see the country.

Car Rental

Car rental is also an option in Tunisia, with several rental companies located at airports and in cities throughout the country. This is a good option for those who want to explore the country at their own pace and visit more remote areas.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Tunisia, and are an easy and convenient way to get around. They can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands. They are also available for booking in advance. Be sure to agree on a price before starting the trip as not all taxi drivers use the meter.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.