Entry Requirements and Money in North Africa

Entry Requirements and Visas for North Africa

Individuals

Vehicles

Money

Currency Exchange

In theory, local currencies are not convertible outside the country, so you should wait until you arrive to exchange your money. However, there are no issues with carrying out these transactions. Exchange bureaus can be easily found at ports and airports, in most banks, some high-end hotels, and many tourist spots. ATMs are also increasingly available, and most major banks have them.

Which Currency to Bring?

If you live in the eurozone, it’s obvious to bring euros (cash, and traveler’s checks as a backup), including small denominations. These can always be used as a means of payment in many situations once you’re there. Otherwise, major foreign currencies can be exchanged without any problems.

Payment Methods

Generally, it’s best to always have cash and small change on hand to cover daily expenses and small purchases. Card payments, however, can be used for (large) hotels, vehicle rentals, and in many shops in tourist areas.

Note that in tourist areas, it’s also possible to pay directly in euros almost everywhere. This is always an option—even a good one if you’re running low on local currency—but it requires knowing (and negotiating if needed) the current exchange rate.

Budget

Daily "backpacker" budget for two people:

• Egypt: 25 to 35 € per person.

• Morocco: 25 to 40 € per person.

• Tunisia: 25 to 35 € per person.

What Can Be Expensive

• Forgetting or poorly negotiating prices, especially for purchases.

• Staying too long in coastal beach resorts.

• Traveling during high season.

What Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

• Meals when eating local food.

• Local hotels.

• Public transport.

• Traveling off-season.

Haggling

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

However, not everything is up for negotiation. Haggling mainly applies to purchases in souks and other shops. You can also negotiate hotel rates, vehicle rentals, hiring a guide, or agreeing on a taxi fare. On the other hand, haggling isn’t done for meals, public transport (though it’s still useful to check fares), or entry fees to sites and monuments.

To haggle well, first determine 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 quibble over the equivalent of a few cents. When the first price is given (avoid stating yours first), you can usually offer a third of it, so that in the end, both parties settle at 50 or 60% of the initial price. In any case, haggling takes time but should remain a pleasure and a kind of "mutual exchange" between both parties.

Tipping

Since wages are very low in North Africa, tips are especially appreciated. It’s customary to leave around 10% of the bill at restaurants or for taxi drivers. For services like car guarding, around 1 € will do. For guides, it depends on the quality of the service.

In any case, 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, no matter the country, should reflect the service provided and the local cost of living. This holds true even if some recipients might pressure you for more.