Tunisia
North Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Tunis
- Currency
- Tunisian Dinar (TND د.ت)
- Language
- Arabic (official); French widely used
- Timezone
- UTC+1
- Safety rating
- 6/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer ideal weather for sightseeing and the coast, avoiding the peak summer heat.
Overview
Compact and history-rich, Tunisia spans the ruins of ancient Carthage, the gleaming blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Saïd, the vast Roman amphitheatre at El Jem and Star Wars film sets amid Saharan dunes. Mediterranean beaches and lively medinas round out its appeal. It is North Africa at its most accessible and affordable.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities enter visa-free for short tourist stays; check current rules before travel.
Safety information
Tourist areas, Tunis and the coast are generally safe with normal precautions, though petty theft occurs in medinas and crowds. Avoid the mountainous border regions with Algeria and the far south near Libya due to security concerns.
Travel tips
Carry dinars in cash for medinas and small vendors, though cards work in hotels and the dinar cannot be taken out of the country. French and Arabic are useful, and modest dress is wise at religious sites. Buy an Ooredoo, Orange or Tunisie Telecom SIM, and bargain politely in souks.