Tunisia

Travel tips for Tunisia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Carry some cash. Travelers in 2025-2026 report "cash is king" in Tunisia; while urban supermarkets and nicer restaurants accept cards, you must carry dinars for taxis, street food, local shops, and exploring outside major tourist hubs.

Try the food

Brik (بريك): A thin, crispy deep-fried pastry typically folded into a triangle and filled with a runny egg, tuna, parsley, and capers.
Couscous (كسكسي): Steamed semolina grains served with a rich, spicy tomato-based stew of vegetables and tender meat or fish.
Lablabi (لبلابي): A hearty, spicy chickpea soup poured over pieces of crusty bread and often topped with a soft-boiled egg, tuna, and olive oil.

Say it in Arabic

Hello: عسلامة (aslema)
Thank you: يعيشك (yaichek)
Please: بربي (brabi)
Excuse me: سامحني (samehni)
How much is this?: بقداش هذا؟ (b9adech hedha?)
The bill please: الحساب بربي (l'hsab brabi)
Yes / No: إيه / لا (ey / la)
Goodbye: بسلامة (beslema)

Essentials

Plugs: Type C / Type E
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency: 197 (Police), 190 (Ambulance), 198 (Fire)
SIM tip: Pick up a prepaid tourist SIM from Ooredoo, Orange, or Tunisie Telecom at Tunis-Carthage International Airport upon arrival for cheap and reliable data.

Etiquette

Tipping around 10% in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is customary and highly appreciated, though not strictly mandatory.