Currency in Tunisia

Tunisia for some is a fly-and-flop beach destination. And with a lovely climate, fine Mediterranean beaches and cheap flights, who can blame them? However, Tunisia has plenty for the more adventurous traveller too. Jump aboard a louage to the Roman city of Dougga or the lovely mountain town of Le Kef. If you've always dreamed of crossing the Sahara by camel, Tunisia is the place: fly to Tozeur or bus it to Douz, where bona fide explorers can also rent a 4WD to access the remote south.

Can I use ATMs in Tunisia?

To get cash, there are ATM (accepting Visa and MasterCard) in all cities and touristic areas. Note, however, that the transaction involves withdrawal fees, so it is better not to make a withdrawal every day.

There are currency exchange offices (often incorporated into a bank branch) everywhere and the exchange is usually done without commission. No problem therefore to get cash. It is also possible to change in post offices (again without commission) and in some hotels.

How do I travel around Tunisia?

Louages (long-distance shared taxis) are the workhorses of the Tunisian road and by far the simplest and fastest means of public transport, as well as a good way to meet local people. Louages are colour-coded: a red stripe signifies long-distance, a blue stripe is regional and a yellow stripe means it’s a local/rural service. Fares cost around the same as buses. Louages leave when full rather than to any timetable, but you'll rarely have to wait more than 45 minutes. In most towns, the louage station is close to, or combined with, the bus station, enabling you to choose between the services. At the louage stations, drivers stand by their vehicles and call out their destinations. A foreigner is sure to be asked their destination and given assistance.

Check with your GP before you travel that your vaccinations are up to date. Mosquitoes are a pain in southern oasis towns – take plenty of repellent.

Travel to within 10km of the Tunisia-Libya border is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED, as is all travel south of El Borma. Extra care should be taken when travelling around Tunisia due to recent attacks carried out on the country by extremists.

Temperature in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south. The Tunisian Sahara is quite gentle compared with other deserts, climate-wise. Tunisia is best visited in late spring or late autumn.