Money, Budget, and Shopping for Tunisia

Money

Currency

• Currency: Tunisian dinar (1,000 millimes).

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinars.

• Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 millimes + 1/2, 1, 2, and 5 dinars.

• Exchange:

Exchange

Since the Tunisian dinar is not convertible outside the country, you’ll need to wait until you arrive to exchange your money. This won’t be a problem, as exchange bureaus are easy to find at ports and airports, in most banks, some high-end hotels, and many tourist spots.

ATMs are also widely available across the country, with most major banks offering them. The only downsides are relatively low withdrawal limits and a commission on each transaction.

Which currency to bring

If you live in the Eurozone, euros are the obvious choice, including small denominations. These can often be used as payment in many situations once you’re there. Otherwise, other major foreign currencies can be exchanged without issue in Tunisia.

Payment methods

Generally, it’s best to always carry cash and small change for daily expenses and small purchases, especially in souks. Card payments are accepted in hotels, car rentals, and many shops in tourist areas.

Note that in tourist zones, you can often pay directly in euros for almost everything. This is always an option, even convenient if you’re running low on dinars, but you’ll need to know the current exchange rate.

Returning home

Since the Tunisian dinar isn’t convertible abroad, there’s no point in bringing any home.

Plan to spend all your dinars or exchange them back to euros before leaving, even if the rates for such transactions aren’t always favorable. In any case, especially for larger amounts, keep your previous exchange receipts to prove the origin of the dinars you want to exchange.

Budget

The budget for a trip to Tunisia varies depending on the type of stay and the season. However, the country remains affordable compared to Europe.

On average, budget around 30 to 40 € per day per person for a "backpacker" trip for two, using public transport, eating at markets or small restaurants, and staying in mid-range hotels. For more comfort and activities, it’s better to plan for at least 50 to 60 € per day.

What can be expensive

• Forgetting to negotiate prices, especially for purchases.

• Staying too long in coastal resorts.

• Traveling during peak season.

What can be inexpensive

• Meals when eating local.

• Local hotels.

• Public transport.

• Traveling off-season.

Price range

• Double room in a "backpacker" hotel: 15 to 20 €.

• Double room in a "tourist" hotel: around 35 to 40 €.

• Local breakfast: 1.5 to 2 €.

• "Tourist" breakfast: 3 to 5 €.

• Meal in a local restaurant: around 5 or 6 €.

• Meal in a "tourist" restaurant: around 15 €.

• Budget car rental: 40 to 50 € per day.

• 100 kilometers by bus: 2 to 2.5 €.

• 100 kilometers by train: roughly 2.5 € in second class.

• Urban taxi: around 3 € for a 5- or 6-kilometer daytime trip.

• Urban bus: less than 1 € per trip.

Bargaining and tips

Bargaining

Bargaining is part of Tunisian culture. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to negotiate prices during your stay, which will directly impact your budget.

However, not everything is negotiable. Bargaining mainly applies to purchases in souks and other shops. You can also negotiate for a guide or a taxi ride, but not for meals, public transport (though it’s still good to check fares), or entry fees to sites and monuments.

To bargain well, first decide on the maximum amount you’re willing to spend and research prices beforehand (fixed-price shops, hotels, etc.) for the items or services you’re interested in.

In shops, only start negotiating if you’re genuinely interested, and don’t haggle over the equivalent of a few cents. For the first price quoted (avoid stating your own first), you can usually offer a third, aiming to settle at 50 or 60% of the initial price. In any case, bargaining takes time but should remain enjoyable and a kind of "mutual exchange" between both parties.

Tips

Since wages are low for many people in Tunisia, tips are especially appreciated, even if they’re not "mandatory." It’s customary to leave around 10% of the bill at restaurants or for taxi drivers. For services like car guarding, 1 or 2 dinars (less than 1 €) will suffice. For guides, it depends on the quality of the service.

While you can be generous, there’s no need to leave disproportionately large tips like those you might leave in Europe or North America. The amount of a tip, wherever you are, should reflect the service provided and the local cost of living. That said, some recipients may pressure you for much more.

Shopping and souvenirs

Tunisia is renowned for its craftsmanship, best discovered in its souks where bargaining is customary. If you’re unsure about prices, start by visiting shops with fixed and displayed prices, or check online.

What to bring back

Jewelry: A wide variety, in gold or other materials. The "Hand of Fatma," originally meant to ward off the evil eye, is one of the most famous.

Birdcages: These beautiful and iconic cages are typical of Sidi Bou Said.

Copper: Many copper items, both decorative and practical, like kitchenware.

Leather goods: Leather is used for luggage, bags, slippers, belts, wallets, poufs, and saddles.

Pottery: Originally a specialty and craft of the city of Nabeul, now found throughout Tunisia.

Rugs: A must, as in many other countries in the region, with a vast selection.

Other souvenirs: Among other items, don’t miss the essential spices in local cuisine and, above all, dates, which are everywhere.