10 Tunisia travel tips you need to know before you go

Are you embarking on an adventure in the beautiful Tunisia? Then you’ve come to the right place! This country has it all: a rich history, stunning landscapes, warm-hearted people, and mouth-watering cuisine. Tunisia is bursting with discoveries and experiences waiting for you. To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve gathered the best Tunisia travel tips so you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation here.

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About Tunisia

Tunisia is located in North Africa and is a small but diverse country. It stretches from the Mediterranean coast to the depths of the Sahara. This gives it a varied landscape: sunny beaches, green fields, rolling hills, and impressive peaks of the Atlas Mountains. In the south, the iconic sand dunes of the Sahara extend alongside palm groves and unique salt lakes.

Tunisia is full of history. Everywhere you go, you’ll discover traces of ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Phoenicians. Visit ancient treasures like Carthage, the amphitheater of El Djem, and the colorful medinas of Tunis and Sousse. The south will immerse you in traditional Berber life, where age-old traditions are still alive.

Though Tunisia is often seen as a beach destination, it has so much more to offer. This is a land of culture, nature, and adventure. Despite recent political and economic challenges, Tunisia continues to develop. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Tunisia is stunning, full of stories and experiences you won’t want to miss!

Since Tunisia has so much beauty to offer, my biggest tip is to prepare your trip well. This doesn’t mean planning every moment, but make sure to cover the basics. Here are 10 travel tips for Tunisia for an unforgettable holiday!

10 Tunisia travel tips you need to know before you go

1. How to travel to Tunisia?

Traveling to Tunisia from Belgium is very easy and offers several options! I personally flew with Tunisair, which was a great choice. The direct flight from Brussels Airport to Tunis took only 2.5 hours, so you’ll be there in no time! Besides Tunisair, other airlines offer regular flights, especially during the peak season in the summer months.

Looking for a more adventurous trip? You can also consider taking the ferry! From France or Italy, you can sail to Tunisia via Marseille, Genoa, or Civitavecchia. This option is perfect if you want to bring your own car for a road trip through this beautiful country.

The last option requires some serious planning and is for the more seasoned traveler. For most people, the direct and comfortable option remains the airplane. It’s fast, easy, and before you know it, you’ll step off the plane in beautiful Tunisia!

2. Passport, visa, and vaccinations

As a Belgian traveler, you’ll need an international passport that is valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Luckily, for a stay of up to 90 days, you don’t need a visa. Want to stay longer? You can arrange a visa through the Tunisian embassy.

Vaccinations aren’t mandatory, but it’s a good idea to keep your standard vaccines up to date, such as tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, especially if you plan to enjoy local food. It’s worth visiting your doctor or a vaccination center for personalized advice so you can enjoy your Tunisian holiday worry-free!

3. How to get around in Tunisia?

In Tunisia, there are plenty of options for getting around, depending on your preferences and destination. Renting a car is perfect if you want to explore the country at your own pace. Some roads can be bumpy, so renting a sturdy car might be a good idea. The biggest challenge, though, is the local driving style, which can be quite adventurous, so stay alert!

Public transportation is widely available and budget-friendly. For longer journeys, trains are ideal, especially between cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax. The national bus company SNTRI offers a comfortable alternative with modern buses covering more than 40 routes across the country. Want to try something really local? Louages, shared taxis that depart when full, are an authentic and affordable choice.

Domestic flights are also available, for example, between Tunis and Djerba, which is convenient for quickly covering long distances. In cities, taxis are affordable, and in Tunis, you can also use the tram.

In short, Tunisia offers plenty of options to discover the best of the country.

4. Best time to visit Tunisia?

The best time to visit Tunisia depends on your plans and how warm you prefer it. For most travelers, the months from April to June and September to November are ideal. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, usually between 20 and 30 degrees, perfect for exploring cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Carthage without it being too hot.

Are you a true sun lover? Then July and August are great, with summer temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees inland and in the south. It’s perfect if you mainly want to relax on the beaches and enjoy the clear water, but less suitable for intense excursions.

From December to February, Tunisia is quieter and milder, with temperatures around 10 to 15 degrees along the coast. In the desert, it can get quite cold at night, showing a unique side of Tunisia. This is a nice period to enjoy the best Tunisian landmarks without the high-season crowds!

5. Booking accommodation in Tunisia

In Tunisia, you have plenty of options for accommodation, from luxury hotels to charming local stays. Along the coast, you’ll find many all-inclusive resorts, perfect for a relaxed beach holiday where you’ll be pampered. But if you really want to experience the Tunisian atmosphere, book a stay in a dar! This is a traditional house, often converted into a cozy guesthouse.

A dar is usually located in the medina (old city center) of cities like Tunis, Sousse, or Hammamet, with a beautiful courtyard filled with colorful tiles, traditional furniture, and lovely details that offer a truly local experience. It feels like stepping back in time, right in the heart of the city!

You can also choose a vacation home or apartment, ideal if you’re staying longer or want to cook for yourself. Or opt for a cozy boutique hotel or B&B: homey, charming, and often with lots of personal attention. Whether you’re in the mood for luxury or looking for an authentic vibe, Tunisia has the perfect place for you!

Planning a road trip through Tunisia and staying at different locations? Booking.com is a handy option! The map widget makes it easy to see all accommodations at your desired location. You can also filter by “free cancellation” for extra flexibility—useful if you want to adjust your itinerary. I often choose accommodations that can be canceled for free up to the day before arrival. This keeps your road trip flexible!

Take a look below at the many accommodations in the beautiful destinations Tunisia has to offer!

6. Paying in Tunisia and tipping

In Tunisia, you pay with the Tunisian Dinar (TND), a currency you can only get within the country. You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and often in larger hotels. There are also plenty of ATMs, especially in cities and tourist areas, where you can withdraw cash using your bank card or credit card. Larger stores, hotels, and restaurants often accept credit cards, but in smaller villages and markets, cash is a must!

Tipping is common in Tunisia and much appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the bill is usual if the service charge is not included. In hotels, it’s nice to tip housekeeping one to two dinars per day. Bellboys and other hotel staff can also be given a small tip for their services. When taking a taxi, rounding up or giving an extra 5 to 10 dinars for a longer ride is fine.

Guides and tour leaders appreciate an extra tip after a tour, especially for a personal touch and a good story! It shows you value their service and supports the local community.

7. Wifi/4G in Tunisia

In Tunisia, you can count on wifi in most places, especially in hotels, cafés, and restaurants in cities and tourist areas. The speed can vary and might be slower outside the big cities.

If you want to stay connected at all times, consider getting a local SIM card or eSIM. Providers like Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, and Orange offer affordable prepaid SIM cards with 4G data. These are easy to find at airports, provider stores, and city kiosks.

4G coverage is surprisingly good, even in many rural areas, though speeds may drop occasionally. In Tunisia’s desert regions, 4G is usually unavailable. As you go deeper into the Sahara, you can expect mobile signals to mostly disappear. This is especially true in remote areas and during trips to desert camps, where you’ll be truly off the grid. Be sure to download anything you need beforehand and enjoy the rare opportunity to be completely offline!

Bringing a charger? No worries! Tunisia uses the same power outlets as Belgium, type C and E (two round pins), with a standard voltage of 230V at 50Hz. You won’t need a special adapter for your European plugs, which makes it easy to charge your devices and stay connected!

8. Respecting local culture

Tunisians are very welcoming, but it’s important to be respectful of the local culture, which is deeply influenced by Islamic traditions. Tunisians are generally hospitable and appreciate when visitors are mindful of their values. In cities like Tunis and tourist areas such as Djerba, the atmosphere is relaxed, but modest clothing is still recommended. This is especially true outside the beaches and when visiting religious sites. For example, cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or local markets.

Tunisians also appreciate it when you try a few Arabic words, like “salaam alaikum” (hello) or “shukran” (thank you). Haggling in markets, or “souks,” is common and even expected. It’s a fun way to engage with locals. However, note that men and women do not always touch in public. A smile or nod is often enough as a greeting.

Additionally, it’s polite to ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in smaller villages. This shows you respect their culture and customs, enriching your experience in Tunisia!

9. Must-try specialties in Tunisia

Tunisia is a paradise for food lovers, with dishes full of rich spices and local flavors that will surprise your taste buds!

One of the must-try classics is couscous, usually served with tender lamb, chicken, or fresh fish, and flavored with vegetables in a rich tomato sauce.

You should also try Tajine Malsouka, Tunisia’s version of tajine, made in layers with thin filo dough.

Don’t miss the chance to taste brik. It’s a crispy filo pastry filled with egg, tuna, and a blend of spices, fried to a golden brown snack. It’s often served with a slice of lemon for freshness.

If you like spicy food, harissa is a must! This fiery paste made of red peppers, garlic, and spices is served with many dishes to add an extra kick.

Lablabi is another dish you should try. It’s a hearty chickpea soup, usually found in local cafés and markets, often served with pieces of bread and a generous scoop of harissa.

Craving something sweet? Go for makroud, deep-fried cookies filled with dates—absolutely delicious!

The Tunisian cuisine offers a flavorful journey you definitely don’t want to miss!

10. Discover Tunisia’s historical treasures

Tunisia is a haven for history lovers, with historical treasures that date back thousands of years. Beyond the famous sites in the north, like Carthage, you’ll also find fascinating historical locations in the south.

Carthage, once the powerful heart of an empire, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can explore ruins of baths, temples, and an amphitheater, bringing the Roman Empire’s past to life.

Another highlight is El Djem, with its impressive Roman amphitheater. The El Djem amphitheater is the largest in North Africa and the third largest in the Roman Empire. You can imagine how gladiator battles once attracted thousands of spectators.

In the medinas of Tunis, Sousse, and Kairouan, you can get lost in winding streets full of mosques and markets reflecting the rich Islamic culture. Kairouan, a holy city with the stunning Great Mosque, is especially significant due to its spiritual importance since the 7th century.

In the south of Tunisia, the historic desert cities of Tozeur and Tataouine await. Tozeur was once an important stop on caravan routes and is known for its ancient palm oases and beautiful sand-colored brick architecture. Tataouine, which you may recognize from the Star Wars films, features old Berber settlements and underground homes, offering a unique glimpse into traditional life.

Whether you explore ancient ruins or visit desert cities, Tunisia offers a unique journey through time that you shouldn’t miss!

Without a doubt, the answer to whether a trip to Tunisia is worth it is a resounding “yes”! This surprising destination has something for everyone, from stunning beaches and historic ruins to adventurous desert tours. Good preparation is essential to make sure you don’t miss anything that Tunisia has to offer. Hopefully, my Tunisia travel tips will help you fully enjoy your vacation.

Is a trip to Tunisia already on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!

Read more about Tunisia? 

• The ulitmate Tunisia road trip itinerary
• 11 must-see historical landmarks in Tunisia
• The ultimate road trip through South Tunisia

Would you like to plan an unforgettable trip? Then be sure to check out useful websites.