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Tunisia FAQ

Is tipping customary in Tunisia?

Tipping is expected by most service workers in Tunisia. Drivers, waiters, porters and other hotel staff will generally expect a small tip for serving you at a restaurant, showing you to your room or carrying your bags. Set aside some dinars for this to avoid offence.

What is the internet access like in Tunisia?

Internet access in Tunisia is growing, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots increasingly becoming more common in large cities, especially Tunis.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Tunisia?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Tunisia, especially in large cities. Coverage may not be available in more remote areas, especially if travelling through the desert. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Tunisia.

What are the toilets like in Tunisia?

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Tunisia. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee in a coffeehouse = 1-2 TND
Street food snack = 2-3 TND
Basic lunch at a cafe = 6-10 TND
Dinner in a restaurant = 15-20 TND

Can I drink the water in Tunisia?

Exercise caution when drinking water in Tunisia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Tunisia?

Major credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and shops in the cities and areas frequented by tourists, but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors, in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option in Tunisia.

What is ATM access like in Tunisia?

ATMs can be found in large cities like Tunis but are less common in rural areas and smaller towns. You're advised to be prepared for this by having enough cash before travelling out of the city.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Tunisia?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Tunisia?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 24 Birth of Prophet Muhammad
Mar 20 Independence Day
Mar 21 Youth Day
Apr 9 Martyr's Day
May 1 Labour Day
Jul 25 Republic Day
Aug 8 Eid al-Fitr (End of the Ramadan)
Aug 13 Women's Day
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Nov 4 Hegire (Islamic New Year)
Nov 7 New Era Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/tunisia/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Tunisia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • TUNISIA (NORTH AFRICAN DISCOVERY):
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: No - not required
    Canada: No - not required
    Germany: No - not required
    Ireland: No - not required
    Netherlands: No - not required
    New Zealand: Yes - in advance
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: No - not required
    United Kingdom: No - not required
    USA: No - not required

    At the time of writing all Western European countries, Americans, Canadians, Irish and Japanese can get a free 3 month visa at the Libyan/Tunisian border crossing of Ras El-Jedir. Australians can also get a 3 month visa at this border without any trouble but must pay a fee of $6 US. New Zealand citizens are required to apply for a visa before arriving into the country as visas aren't available at the border. They should check with their Tunisian embassy to ascertain the most recent requirements.

    Please note that it won't be possible to enter Tunisia with Israeli stamps in your passport.
  • TUNISIA:
    Australia: Yes - before travel
    Belgium: No - not required
    Canada: No - not required
    Germany: No - not required
    Ireland: No - not required
    Netherlands: No - not required
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: No - not required
    United Kingdom: No - not required
    USA: No - not required

    At the time of writing, many nationalities can get a 3 month tourist visa on arrival. New Zealanders and nationalities where this is no Tunisian embassy in their home country will be issued with a visa on arrival for the exact duration of stay (either at the airport or land border at Ras Jedir). The fee is 10 Tunisian Dinars. To speed up process upon arrival, these nationalities must provide a scanned copy of passport to Intrepid or their travel agent at least 30 days prior to travel.

    Australians are required to apply for visa before travel and will need to provide the Tunisian embassy in Canberra with a copy of flight tickets and Intrepid itinerary (trip notes)

    Please note that it won't be possible to enter Tunisia with Israeli stamps in your passport.

    All passengers must also provide Intrepid or their travel agent arrival flight date, flight number and flight time into Tunisia at least 30 days prior to travel.

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Tunisia at a glance

  • 1
  • Tunis (population 887,800)
  • 10.5 million
  • Arabic, Italian, English
  • TND
  • (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
  • +218

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