About Tunisia

Tunisia is situated in North Africa, along the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisia budget travel offers a blend of cultures, sights and experiences, and is highly recommended for culture-seekers as well as outdoor fans.

Tunisia Budget Travel

Below is a list of Tunisia's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Fast Facts

Currency

Tunisian Dinar (TND)

Dialing Code

216

Airports

Tunisia airports include the following:
• Gafsa - Ksar International Airport
• Nefta International Airport
• Sfax - Thyna International Airport
• Tunis - Carthage International Airport

Birdlife

Tunisia birdlife is fairly diverse, with some 375 species to be found, including waterbirds such as the rare and threatened Marbled Teal, Ferruginous Duck and White-headed Duck as well as Greater Flamingo. Other species include Levaillant's Woodpecker, Moussier's Redstart, Lesser Kestrel and Corncrake.

Conservation

With a range of endangered bird and wildlife species, Tunisia conservation projects are essential to address key environmental concerns. Some of the projects underway include reintroduction of gazelle, as well as protection and preservation of key natural reserves.

Culture

Tunisia cultures have the following influences:
• Roman and other period ruins play a large role in the country's heritage
• Food and drink play an important role in social gatherings
• Tunisia is a largely Islamic country with a strong Arabic heritage
• Cinema is a growing market and cultural trend
• Art has a multi-cultural aspect and mosaics are especially a common art form

Health

Tunisia health facilities are fairly good in larger towns and tourist resorts, however free public health care is not available and treatment can be pricey. Take out comprehensive travel insurance, and take basic precautions - stick to bottled water, don't eat food that's been left too long, peel all fruit and vegetables and take a multi vitamin during your travels.

AIDS

Tunisia HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don't ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment may not be adequately sterilised, or blood may not be properly screened for HIV
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing unless the equipment is sterile

Vaccinations

Tunisia vaccinations include the following:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever (if coming from an infected zone)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-diphtheria

Languages

Tunisia languages include the following:
• Tunisian Arabic
• Standard Arabic
• French
• Berber languages

Money

Tunisia money and banking info includes the following:
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday 08h00-16h00 (winter) and Monday to Friday 07h30-13h00 (summer)
• Tunisian Dinar (TND) = 1,000 millimes
• Credit cards are accepted in a few places in major resorts and towns
• There are ATMs in most towns and every tourist resort
• The most convenient currencies to exchange are Euros or US Dollars

Phrase

Tunisia local phrases in Arabic include:
• Hello - As-salaam-alaikum
• Goodbye - Ma'assalama
• Thank you - Shokran
• Please - Men fadlak (male), men fadlik (female)
• How much? - Bikam?

Plants

Tunisia plant life is very diverse. The north has a range of vineyards and dense forests of cork oak, pine, and juniper trees. Oranges and other citrus fruits are grown in the northeast. In the south, olive trees are common. On the plateau, steppe vegetation with wild grasses, notably esparto grass, and a wide variety of shrubs are found, while date palms are found in the extreme south.

People

Tunisia people include the following groups:
• Arab 98%
• European 1%
• Jewish and other 1%

Safety Tips

Tunisia safety tips include the following:
• Tunisia is generally a safe and friendly place to visit
• Petty crime such as bag snatching and pick-pocketing can occur however
• Keep valuables safe and out of sight in a moneybag under your shirt, and keep certified copies of travel documents at all times
• Avoid large crowds or demonstrations which may turn violent
• Women should dress modestly and cover arms, legs and neck as much as possible

Religion

Tunisia religion includes the following groups:
• Muslim 98%
• Christian 1%
• Jewish and other 1%

Transport

Tunisia local transport includes the following options:
• Car
• Bus
• Taxi
• Train

Travel Books

Tunisia recommended travel books include:
• The Rough Guide to Tunisia by Daniel Jacobs
• Tunisia: Mediterranean Cuisine by HF Ullmann
• Tunisia: Globetrotter Travel Pack by Ann Jousiffe
• Tunisia - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and culture by Gerald Zarr
• Lonely Planet Tunisia by David Willett

Visa Requirements

Tunisia visa information is as follows:
• All foreign nationals except South Africans and Australians and some other nationals do not require visas to enter Tunisia
• A valid passport of 6 months minimum is required
• All visitors must hold documents and tickets for return or onward travel
• Visas can be obtained when entering the country at a cost of 3 dinars

Wildlife

Tunisia wildlife mostly consists of desert-dwelling species such as hyena, wild boar, jackal, gazelle, and hare. Several varieties of poisonous snakes, including cobras and horned vipers, are also present, as well a range of marine life including whales and a range of big game fish.

What To Pack

What to pack for Tunisia safaris:
• Camera, batteries and spare film or memory as well as binoculars
• Long-sleeve, loose, lightweight clothing with skirts and t-shirts covering shoulders for women as well as headscarves
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and swimming costume
• Warm jacket for cooler months and night time

What To Buy

What to buy for Tunisia safaris:
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• Backpack plus a good quality moneybag to keep valuables
• Tunisia travel guide plus Arab phrase book and a good map
• First aid kit with basic supplies and malaria medication
• Travel pack with wet wipes, toilet roll and waterless hand wash

When To Go

Best time to visit Tunisia:
• Spring and autumn are generally the best months to visit
• Spring falls between March and June
• Autumn falls between September and October
• July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 32Ëš C
• January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 15ËšC