Planning your first trip to Tunisia? This is a travel guide for the first-time traveler to Tunisia. It’s always super exciting to discover new countries. I remember perfectly well my first trip to Tunisia and actually, it was also my first time in an African country. That’s why, I have gathered all the useful information, that will make your first trip to Tunisia smooth!
Also, remember to check a couple of previous blog posts. Those will be also very handy when planning your first trip.
You find those here:
Travel budget guide for Tunisia
The weather in Tunisia: The best time to visit
But now let’s dive into the travel guide for the first-time traveler to Tunisia. Shall we?
Travel guide for the first-time traveler to Tunisia
Before your first trip to Tunisia
There’s a couple of things you need to consider before heading to Tunisia. First thing is to check if you possibly need a visa for Tunisia. From this site you get information about Tunisian visa policy and entry requirements. You can also contact the Tunisian embassy in your country. They will provide you all the possible information you could need for your trip.
Next, you should consider buying travel insurance for your trip. It’s all up to you if you want to get one or not. The travel insurance will be convenient in case of trip cancellation or medical emergency. Also, to protect your belongings from damage, theft, or loss. I am traveling quite often, and that’s why my travel insurance is valid all the time. You can also contact your bank, which might be that they offer some travel insurance if you pay a trip with their credit card.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a thing that is affecting strongly to traveling. Contact Tunisian embassy, and/or use this website to check COVID-19 related entry requirements
Where to stay in Tunisia?
It’s your first trip to Tunisia, and you are wondering where to stay. What kind of holiday you are looking for? A holiday package that includes an all-inclusive hotel, and tour organizer? Maybe you are planning to have a road trip around Tunisia? Might be that you are a person that loves a lot of activities or maybe sunbathing is more for you? The great thing about Tunisia is that it’s a really versatile destination. I am sure that you will find your kind of holiday in Tunisia.
Check this article where I have introduced 10 great destinations inside Tunisia. Might be that you will find the potential destination for you. Of course, we should not forget the weather in Tunisia. Even though Tunisia is located in Africa it doesn’t mean hot weather and sunshine 24/7 throughout the year. Check this blog post to find the best weather for your visit.
Getting to Tunisia
The best way to get to Tunisia is by airplane. Tunisia has three main airports and some smaller ones. Carthage International Airport is located in the capital Tunis. This airport has most of the flight routes and traffic. An airport Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport is a very popular airport among tour operators and charter flights. If you have bought a package trip to Tunisia, chances are high that you will be flying to this airport. The third important airport is located on the island Djerba. If you are heading to Djerba, might be that you will have a direct flight to Djerba Zarzis International Airport.
There are plenty of airlines operating flights to Tunisia. Depending on where you live, might be that you can buy a direct flight to Tunisia or you need a connecting flight also. I have traveled to Tunisia with Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Alitalia. But there are many others available like Tunisair, Nouvelair and Qatar Airways.
On your stay in Tunisia
How much money do I need for my trip to Tunisia?
Cash is the most used payment method in Tunisia. The simplest way to get local currency is to use ATMs’ for withdrawing Tunisian dinars or exchange currency. Personally, I always use ATMs as I don’t like to carry a lot of cash with me and I find it easier. The exchange points work also perfectly well if that’s what you prefer to do.
The cost of living is low in Tunisia and it has a reputation of being a cheap travel destination. But it’s really up to you how much money you are willing to spend. Are you looking for a luxury hotel and love to eat in fine dining restaurants? Or is your plan to do stay in hostels or Airbnb? Are you traveling alone or with a big family? There a plenty of choices available and I am sure you will find things that will fit your travel budget.
This is a very useful article that will help you to create your travel budget. It also answers the most common money-related questions.
Getting around Tunisia
Transportation and traffic are slightly chaotic in Tunisia. The best way to get around is a taxi, which happens to be very affordable also. If you are staying in a popular tourist destination, I recommend walking around or taking a taxi. Busses, metro, and collective taxis are often very crowded and incredibly hot.
If the plan is to discover many cities in Tunisia. You can rent a car, take a train or bus or collective taxi. Renting a car makes traveling easier and you are freer. Just that you know Tunisian traffic is chaotic and driving can be quite challenging. There are a lot of cars and rush hours. Happens to be, that a lot of people do not follow any rules.
For the long-distance traveling inside Tunisia, I have used a car (I didn’t drive), train, and collective taxi. All of those have worked perfectly well but you need a bit of an adventurous mindset with you. Remember that public transportation and collective taxis do not have any kind of AC. So, the ride might get quite hot. When the collective taxi or bus is stopped due to a traffic jam, and strong sunlight is hitting the vehicle.
What to wear in Tunisia
If it’s your first trip to Tunisia, you might be confused about how you should dress. Tunisia is a conservative country but it’s also a very popular destination among tourists. So, how tourist should be dressing? Check this article that will help you with dressing and packing the right clothes with you. There you find a couple of tips for dressing for the Sahara Desert, beach, night clubs, Ramadan, and mosque.
To sum up this topic briefly. Tunisian citizens are very used to have tourists. That’s why in tourist areas, you can dress very freely. In more conservative areas, it is desirable to dress more in a modest way. During the summer, Tunisian weather can be extremely hot and humid. So, pack your swimwear and also clothes that will protect your skin from the strong sunlight. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat! If you are heading to Tunisia during the winter, remember to pack warming clothes.
What language do they speak in Tunisia?
The official language in Tunisia is Arabic. Tunisian Arabic happens to be a little different compared to others Arabic dialects. Quite similar dialects to Tunisian one is the Moroccon and Algerian dialects. But if you are not speaking Arabic, which other languages might be useful on your trip? The answer is French. Tunisia was a colony of France until the year 1956 due to this some of the Tunisian people speak fluent French, and others can speak some.
How about, do Tunisian people speak English? In my experience, English is not a very useful language in Tunisia. In the touristic areas: hotels, restaurants, beaches, and shops often offers service in English. But if you are getting out of the touristic areas, then you will have a hard time when trying to manage with English. That’s why a dictionary and gesturing will be helpful. Luckily, Tunisian people are extremely warm and hospitable people. That is why a little language barrier isn’t a problem!
Tunisian cuisine
On my first trip to Tunisia, I fell in love with Tunisian food. When I am telling my friends, colleagues, or strangers about Tunisia, I usually start with their food. I love Tunisian food.
Let me say it one more time: “I love Tunisian food”.
In Tunisia, you can eat cheap and delicious street food just with a couple of euros. There are also plenty of high-quality restaurants with a great quality-price ratio. Tunisian food is made of fresh ingredients that are full of flavor. There is plenty of seafood, lamb, beef, chicken, and vegetarian dishes available. Popular dishes include briks (crispy and savory pastry), tagine, couscous, grilled pepper salad Slata Mechouia and Mlawi-Tunisian flatbread.
Don’t forget to try Tunisian coffee, mint tea, and refreshing lemonade! Sweets and amazing dates are enjoying great popularity among Tunisian people.
In a conclusion, Tunisia is a great destination for foodies. Or if you are looking for delicious food at an affordable price. I almost forget to mention, you can consume and buy alcohol in Tunisia.
Accommodation in Tunisia
Tourism is an important income source for Tunisia. Tunisia has invested a lot into tourism, due to this there are thousands of hotels, resorts, and hostels available. The versatile accommodation selection offers luxury hotels with a 500€/night price tag and simple hotels with 20€/night and everything between those. I am sure that you will find accommodation that fits your taste and budget.
Hotel prices in Tunisia depend on the season, the number of nights, the location of the hotel, the city, the hotel you choose, and the number of people. It’s difficult to estimate how much your stay in Tunisia will cost. After all, I have been very pleased with the price-quality level of hotels in Tunisia. To get a room from a nice hotel with access to the beach or pool is not too expensive!
You made it to the end! I know this is a lot of information to take in. Hopefully, this travel guide for the first-time traveler to Tunisia has been helpful for you. I truly recommend discovering this beautiful country that has a lot to offer. What kind of tips you would like to give to the person, who is heading to Tunisia for the first time?
