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Tunisia Practical information Tunisia

 
 
Area : 63  sq.mi - Population 1021600 hab.
Tunisia

Our expert Tunisia

map

map Tunisia

Weather

  • Tunis  29°C 28°C 29°C 28°C
  • Djerba  27°C 25°C 26°C 23°C
  • Kairouan  32°C 32°C 33°C 31°C
  • Sfax  26°C 25°C 25°C 25°C

Practical information Tunisia

superficie

Area

63  sq.mi
vol

Flights

3 hrs. Tunis is 1,291 mi from London.

The airline company Tunisair regularly flies to Djerba from London-Heathrow via Tunisia: 4 times a week, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tel: 0810 797 997.

Since many flights to Tunisia connect in Paris, bear in mind the low-cost French airline transavia.com (founded by the group Air France/KLM) which offers daily flights from Paris-Orly to Djerba and Monastir New feature: transavia.com now has three weekly flights from Lyon and Nantes to these two Tunisian towns. Tel.: 0892 058888. Website: www.transavia.com
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

1021600 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

The international airport lies 5 and a half miles from the heart of Tunis. It is a 30 minute journey by the no.35 bus (costing less than 1 dinar), that leaves every thirty minutes; and 15 minutes by taxi (costing 2 to 4 dinars).
Djerba airport lies 16 miles from the tourist complex. It is a 15 minute drive by taxi (8 dinars). There are no buses. At Monastir, the airport is 5 and a half miles from the city centre. It is less than 15 minutes by taxi (3 to 4 dinars) and roughly 30 minutes by bus (1 dinar).
Know that when leaving Tunisia's airports (international flights), you will no longer be able to pay in dinars (except in restaurants) once you have been through customs. Be sure to have changed or spent your last dinars before going through passport control.
securite

Security

Nevertheless, the crowded markets, the Tunis Medina and the highly visited sites may attract all different sorts of pickpockets. In your car, always avoid leaving your things exposed.

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) currently advise against all but essential travel to areas of Tunisia within 40km of the border with Libya.

A curfew was imposed on 7 May in Tunis and the capital city suburbs between 2100 hrs and 0500 hrs until further notice.

There are no travel restrictions advised for other areas of Tunisia, but all travellers should be aware of the current political and security situation, restrictions imposed, and the impact of the unrest in neighbouring Libya.

There is a general threat from terrorism in Tunisia. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by British expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more details see the FCO website.

langue

Languages

The official language is Arabic, but French is spoken all over the country.
formalites

Requirements

For European citizens, a valid identity card is enough to enter the territory, as part of a group. Individual travellers need to have a valid passport.
religion

Religion

Islam is the official religion (close to 98% of the population). At Tunis, you will find a small Jewish community and roughly 20 000 Catholics.
monnaie

Currency

The official currency is the dinar (TND). Bear in mind that you cannot change dinars outside the country. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged in banks, but be sure to compare the exchange rates offered by each establishment first. Banks do not charge a transaction fee for travellers cheques (except BIAT bank). Hotels and restaurants accept credit cards almost everywhere and there are plenty of cash machines in Tunis and most other cities. Banks are open from 8:00am to 11:30am and 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00am to 11:00am and 1:30pm to 4:00pm on Fridays. During the summer, from 1st July to 31st August, they open from 8:00am to 11:00am, Monday to Friday.
transports

Local transportation

Hiring a car in Tunisia will cost you roughly £320 per week for unlimited mileage. It is preferable to take out insurance. Budget approximately 80p per litre of fuel and check the state of the vehicle before leaving. Car rental agencies are numerous, including in small towns. The French driver's license is accepted in Tunisia. The roads in the North are tarred, unlike those of the south. Note that in Tunisia the car horn is used as a signal before turning. Fines are paid directly to the police.
Trains cover a railway network of over 1,240 miles. Such a distance is worth covering in Tunisia, especially from Tunis to Gabès (3 hours). At atmosphere is guaranteed in 2nd and 3rd class. The bus network covers all of the cities. It is the least expensive and the most practical means of transport. Shared taxis or rentals carry six people. Although it is not comfortable, it is equally cheap (a group is formed, the price is bargained and the car kicks off once it is full, not before).

Domestic airlines fly to the major cities, but prices are high and it is preferable to book well in advance.
sante

Health

No particular vaccine is required to enter Tunisia. It is recommended to be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A. Fruit and vegetables must be washed, peeled, or well cooked. Only drink mineral or purified water (you can use 'Micro-pur' water purification tablets).
electricite

Electricity

220 V in all hotels.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

In 2006 Tunisia hosted 6.5 million visitors.
The French form the bulk of tourist clients after the Libyans.
taxe

Taxes and tips

Here is how government taxes are allocated: 18% on common goods and services, 29% on luxury products and 6% on vital products (food products). These taxes are usually included in the marked prices. Tips, however, are not included, and it is a common practice to leave a few coins equivalent to 10% of the bill's total.
telephone

Telephone

To call Tunisia from the UK, dial 00 + 216 (country code) + city code (71 for Tunis, 76 for Tozeur, 72 for Hammamet, 73 for Monastir), followed by number you are calling.
To call the UK from Tunisia, dial 00 + 44 followed by number you are calling without the initial 0.