Tunisia information

Language

Arabic is the main language, but French is the dominant language in the media, commercial enterprise, and government departments. Berber-speaking people form less than 1% of the population.

In the tourist resorts shop keepers and hotel staff usually speak three or four European languages so you will under no circumstances face any short of problems.

Transfer

Regular trains connect all the main cities in the north of the country. The service is fairly good and comfortable but you will need to book in advance. As far as public transport goes  Tunisia has an excellent network of buses connecting all the main cities throughout the country. The service is cheap, comfortable with many buses being air-conditioned.

Car Rental

In case that you will consider hiring a car in order to drive yourselves  you will find   that the road network is in good condition with the speed limit being 100km/h (60mph) in major highways and 50km/h (30mph) in towns. Driving is on the right hand side and all drivers must be in possession of a log book, valid national driving licence and green card insurance. There are many companies offering hire cars, but it can be expensive. Drivers must be 21 years of age and have held a licence for at least a year.

Money and credit card

The official currency of Tunisia is  the    Tunisian Dinar which equals 1000 millimes All banks and most hotels change money and travellers cheques, which are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid additional commission charges. Credit cards are very widely accepted and you will be able to find many Visa ATM’S  at your disposal.

Moreover you will find Banks open  from    Monday to Friday from  07:30 to 11:00 and  from 14:00 to 16:15 during the summer period ,     Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 11:00 and 13:00 to 15:15  during the winter period.

The shops remain open from Monday  to  Saturday from  08:00 to 12:00 and  from 16:00  to 19:00  for  the summer period  and for the winter time  the hours that you will find the Banks open are from   08:30 to 12:00 and from  15:00  to 18:00 during the winter time.

Care and health

Although health insurance is recommended , Tunisia has a well-developed, if somewhat limited, public health service. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.

Food  and drink

  Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated. Milk should be boiled when it is   not commercially processed and packed. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised . Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Climate

As with its landscape, Tunisia's climate offers a season for everyone's taste. Sailing, surfing, diving, golfing, exploring the archeological sites, deserts and oasis is a pleasure from October to May when the average temperature ranges from 12-28° C.

Spring, March through May, brings spectacular displays of wild flowers throughout the countryside and Autumn, October to December, offer warm seas and a particularly golden sun. From June through September warm weather is the rule and August brings the peak of the summer heat. This is the season for the joy of refreshing a sun bronzed body in the cool sparkling Mediterranean.

Tunisia has a warm climate  the whole year , and this is why it is thought to be an exciting holiday destination. Therefore  the best  periods to visit Tunisia remain   spring and autumn. Temperatures can be extremely high inland.

Winter is mild and has the highest rainfall. In any case Tunisia ‘s weather will give you the opportunity to do everything you need during your stay. The clothing required during the summer is lightweights, mediumweights and rainwear during winter  . Tunisia is a Muslim country, so dress should be modest. Swimsuits and beachwear are acceptable at the coastal resorts; visitors entering any mosque should be decently dressed. The use of sun glasses is always a very trendy  and useful option!

Water to drink

Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is cheap and readily available consisting a safe option for most travellers.

Visa and passport

Visas are not required for most nationalities, but checking with any Tunisian embassy, consulate, or travel agent is recommended before departing as regulations are subject to change.

Night Life

The Tunisians "joie de vivre" is reflected in their festivals. Even the smallest village sets aside a time for celebration whether it be for the summer harvest, fishing season, a local saint, or the arrival of Spring.

Visitors are always welcome and urged to participate whether it be in dancing, sharing a cup of tea or just a friendly smile. A balmy summer evening under a magnificient starry sky is often the setting for these occasions.

The Saharian Festival is of special interest to those who dream of the vast expanse of dunes and sober beauty of the Sahara. Additionally , the International Music Festival is held for long evenings in the El Jem Coliseum. An unforgetable experience of hearing the music of renowned artists and symphonic orchestras  is waiting for you in the outstanding setting of the majestic Roman coliseum in a mild summer night.

Internet

 When it comes  to finding internet cafes in order to have web access you will locate  Marweb Tunisia, 12, rue Talamid, Nabeul  with 10 computers available, a printer and a scanner as well . In case you wish to contact this internet café you may use the email address available : amalilham@yahoo.com

The PubliNet - 53 rue des palmiers Nabeul has 35  available computers and you can email them at  the following address  sahbi@nabeul.net Publinet - Imm Gloulou Av. Med Maarouf 4000 Sousse Centre has 10 computers available, printer, scanner, video conference and Air conditioned room .The email you can use in case you wish to contact them is EMAIL: khediril@yahoo.fr