Capital city, Tunisia
Tunis
North Africa's easiest big-city short stay: a UNESCO medina, Carthage ruins, the Bardo Museum and seaside suburbs, all cheap. Touts, cash-only habits and limited English are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$944–1,520Comfortable, one person · DT2,800–4,500Details
- Value for money64/100Better value than 63% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is treated but salty; buy bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$17–40Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at big hotels, malls and some restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and cafés.Details
Where to stay in Tunis
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Medina | Culture: souks, mosques, guesthouses in old houses |
| Centre Ville (Avenue Habib Bourguiba) | Central hotels, cafés and the new town |
| La Marsa | Seaside suburb for long stays, beach and cafés |
| Les Berges du Lac | Modern offices, malls and apartments near the airport |
| Carthage–Sidi Bou Said | Quiet, leafy and scenic with TGM rail links |
Apps that work in Tunis
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Restaurants and groceries across Tunis |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Louage: Shared intercity taxis
- Taxis: Yellow taxis are cheap if the meter runs; many drivers refuse it for tourists. Use apps or negotiate before you get in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Tunisia.
- Mostly cash Cards work at big hotels, malls and some restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and cafés. Foreign cards are accepted but ATM limits are low.
- Currency: Dinar (TND). US$1 ≈ DT2.97 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs accept foreign cards with fees; limits are often around 400-600 TND per withdrawal, so withdraw regularly and keep cash.
- Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; small coins for porters and guides.
- Paying by phone: Local mobile wallets exist but need a Tunisian bank; Apple and Google Pay are rarely accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK and US, enter visa-free for up to 90 days; other nationalities need a visa from a Tunisian embassy.
- Border officers may ask for a hotel booking and onward ticket; some visitors have been refused entry for lacking accommodation proof.
- Declare foreign currency on arrival to export it on departure; the dinar cannot be taken out or bought outside Tunisia.
Emergency numbers
Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
SIMs are sold at the airport and shops; passport needed; 20-50 GB tourist bundles cost roughly 20-40 TND. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Tunisia
Going to Tunis solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tunis meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Tunisia–Carthage Airport (OACA)
- SNCFT (Tunisian National Railways)
- Transtu (Tunis public transport)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Tunisia
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.