last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other practical information for Tunisia
Location Map of Tunisia
Luggage and equipment to bring
From spring to autumn, pack light clothing plus a woollen layer for evenings, especially in the South. In winter, mid-season clothes will do, along with something warm for the sometimes freezing nights in the desert. Winter is also the rainy season in the north. For the desert, sunglasses, sun protection, a hat, and optionally a *cheich* (a long local scarf) are essential, particularly against sandstorms.
Otherwise, a torch can be useful in the evenings in poorly lit alleys or for nights in the desert, as can earplugs (for the muezzin and other early-morning noises). If you’re staying in budget hotels, consider bringing a towel, toilet paper, and a lightweight sleeping bag liner for questionable bedding. However, Tunisia is generally well-stocked, and you’ll find all the equipment and supplies you might need in larger cities.
Communications
Phone
Country code: (00 +) 216.
Internet
Finding an internet café in tourist areas is no problem, with good connections available for roughly 1 €/hour. Wi-Fi is also widely available, including in hotels, bars, and restaurants. Note that some websites may be blocked in the country due to local regulations...
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Time difference
Local time: .
Tunisia is on GMT+1 but does not observe daylight saving time. This means there’s one hour less than in France during summer and no time difference in winter.
Electricity
230 Volt (50 Hz) with "French" plugs or, more officially, types C + E.
Opening hours
In Tunisia, shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During Ramadan, they close in the afternoon (as do banks and public services) but reopen after sunset and stay open late into the night.
Laundries
Local tourist offices
Weights and measures
Tunisia uses the metric system, like France.
French language use
French is widely spoken in Tunisia, particularly in cities and tourist areas. It’s the country’s primary foreign language, so communication is rarely an issue.