Carthage Tunisia Travel Guide
Local SIM cards are available from Ooredoo, Tunisie Telecom, and Orange at Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN) and city shops. Bring your passport for registration. Affordable data and call plans are available.
Arabic (Tunisian dialect, Darija) and Standard Arabic are official languages. French is widely spoken, notably among educated individuals and in tourist areas. Some English is spoken in hotels and major attractions.
Learning a few local phrases makes interactions smoother.
ATMs (Distributeurs Automatiques) are wide in urban areas, at banks, and in shopping centers. Most accept international credit and debit cards. Look for major bank logos.
An Ejector tool can be useful for swapping physical SIM cards, though eSIMs eliminate this need.
Observe local customs for a respectful journey.
Shops: 9 AM-1 PM, 3 PM-7 PM. Banks: 8 AM-4 PM. Restaurants: Lunch 12-3 PM, Dinner 7-10 PM.
Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) and public holidays affect schedules. Ramadan involves reduced hours.
Some coastal resorts or seasonal businesses may close during the low winter season.
Handshakes are common. Men shake hands with men, women with women. Men wait for women to offer a hand. "As-salam alaykum" has a polite, universal greeting.
Avoid public displays of affection. Do not openly criticize Islam or the Tunisian government. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless a local starts the conversation and you are comfortable.
For attire, refer to general travel modesty guidelines. Carry a small Translation app with offline packs.
Travelers with mobility challenges may find Tunisia's infrastructure limiting. Older structures like Medinas and archaeological sites often feature uneven surfaces, stairs, and narrow passages, making navigation difficult.
Handshakes are common. Men shake hands with men, women with women. It is respectful for men to wait for women to offer a hand. "As-salam alaykum" has a polite universal greeting.
Remove your shoes before entering mosques. Women should cover their heads (carry a scarf) and ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Men should also dress modestly. Silence and respect are important during prayer times.
Avoid public displays of affection. Do not openly criticize Islam or the Tunisian government. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless a local starts the conversation and you are comfortable. Listen more than you speak.
Tipping is common in restaurants and for services. A 10-15% tip is typical for good service, especially where a service charge is not explicitly included.
Make travel choices that have a positive impact.
Tunisia has national parks (e.g., Ichkeul National Park for migratory birds) and nature reserves. Support these through official tours or by paying park fees. Waste management and recycling practices are developing but limited.
Look for hotels with sustainability certifications or practices, like water/energy saving programs or local sourcing of food. Some eco-lodges exist in rural or desert areas, presenting environmentally conscious stays.
Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience and honors the community. Support local artisans by purchasing authentic handicrafts directly from workshops or reputable souk vendors.
Respect rules at historical and religious sites. Do not climb on ruins. Dress modestly in mosques.
Learn basic Arabic or French phrases. Be patient when bargaining. Always ask permission for photos.
Seek out cooperatives or direct artisan sales for fair trade options.
Package Free ShopEat at local restaurants, shop at local markets, and hire local guides. This keeps money within the Tunisian economy rather than going to international chains. Consider Patagonia for sustainable gear, and G Adventures for ethical tours.
