The capital
Tunisia is a country located in the northern part of Africa. Capital – Tunisia
Time
GMT +1 (3 hours behind Moscow).
Phones
Emergency services:
198 – fire department
197 – police
190 – ambulance
120/12 – local help desk
17 – international reference
There are many payphones on the streets of the country. You can find them by the sign “taxiphones”.
When calling from Moscow to Tunisia, use the combination: 8-10-216 and the area code. To call back, dial 00, Russia code (7), Moscow code (495).
City codes for internal communication:
01 – Tunisia
02 – Hammamet and Nabeul
03 – Sousse, Mahdia, Monastery
04 – Sfax district
05 – Tatavin, Gabes, Djerba, Kebili
06 – Gafsa, Sidi Bu-Zid, Tauzar
07 – Kasserine, Kairouan
08 – Le Kef, Tabarca
Important: A call using a payphone will cost you 3 times cheaper than a similar service in a hotel.
Currency
The national currency of Tunisia is a dinar, in one dinar there are 1000 millimeters.
The import of national currency into the country is prohibited. You can exchange foreign money for local money at any exchange office. The exchange rate of the dinar is fixed, it is set by the Central Bank of Tunisia.
The opening hours of the currency exchange office are from 9.00 to 11.00, and from 15.00 to 17.00.
In Tunisia, dollar traveller’s checks Visa, American Express, Thomas Cook are universally accepted. You can exchange them at ATMs in major cities and regional centers. From credit cards, Eurocard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club are popular.
Accommodation
For tourists in Tunisia, 2-5-star hotels are open. But the level of comfort in them does not always depend on the “star”, so pay attention to the range of services they offer.
Each hotel has certain rules of conduct for tourists:
It is forbidden to take food from the restaurant to the room on your own
Do not take alcohol with you to crowded places
Keep money and valuables in the hotel safe at the administration
Give the keys to the porter when you leave the hotel
Damage to hotel property requires full financial compensation
You can try national cuisine by ordering a buffet, free or set menu. A variety of dishes depends on the “star” of the hotel. Alcoholic drinks are available for a surcharge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are held at fixed times
Payment is made for the hotel room, not the number of people settled in it
Each hotel has a swimming pool. Beach towels are not provided, so it’s best to purchase your own.
Tips
Tips in Tunisia are not mandatory, but they are often included in the cost of services and are subject to mandatory payment (10%). You can additionally thank the porter or guard with a few coins. The taxi driver is given 10% of the fare as a tip.
Restaurants
Standard tours to Tunisia include two meals a day in a restaurant. Breakfast and dinner are served from 7 am to 10 am and from 7 pm to 10 pm respectively. In the morning, tea and coffee are served for free, but at dinner you will have to pay for drinks.
The shops
Shops are open to visitors from 8 am to 12.00 and from 16 to 20 pm, on Saturday – until 12.30. During Ramadan, you can shop from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 19:00 to 21:00.
The prices for things in them are comparable to the cost of goods in Moscow or Paris. You can buy cheaper products in numerous markets and shops in Tunisia. Exotic chests, baskets and mats woven from palm leaves will be good souvenirs. See liuxers for Tunisia customs and traditions.
Security
Check the money without leaving the cash register, so as not to be deceived. In crowded places, keep a close eye on your wallet.
If you are going on a trip to the Sahara, warn about your destination and the route to the post of the National Guard. This will make it easier for them to search if necessary.
Health
In Tunisia, the risk of contracting hepatitis A and C is high – vaccination is necessary. When relaxing, drink only bottled water, wash your hands and fruits thoroughly before eating. Buying products from street vendors, you are at great risk – it is better to walk to a nearby cafe.
Take antipyretic and anti-allergic drugs with you on a trip. You can buy the missing medicines at the pharmacy with the inscription “Pharmacie”. Medical care for foreign tourists in Tunisia is paid.
Transport
Taxi. In Tunisia, you can use the services of several types of taxis:
Yellow taxis – operate within the same locality
With a red stripe – travel long distances
With blue – will take you to the nearest settlement
Shuttle taxi – goes along a strictly defined route. Fare should be negotiated in advance.
Buses. They will take you to almost any corner of the country.
TGM – resembles a tram. Walks along the route Tunisia – la Gullette – la Marsa. On it you will reach Salambo, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said. The journey from the starting point to the final point will take 35 minutes.
Airlines. There is air communication between the major cities of the country ( Tunisia, Sfax, Monastir, Tozeur, Djerba Island, Tabarka). Flights are operated by Tuninter.
Car rental. Any person over the age of 21 can rent a car after presenting an international driving license issued more than a year ago. The rental price is 75 dinars per day.
Electricity
The mains voltage is 220 V.
