Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot are recommended for Tunisia. Consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies if you plan extended stays in rural areas or have specific exposure risks. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Tunisia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for TunisiaCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Women should cover shoulders and knees. When greeting, a handshake is common but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless invited. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and taxis; around 10% is customary.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet, as homosexuality is illegal. Women may experience unwanted attention; traveling in groups or with a male companion can help alleviate this. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Tunisia.
- Couscous: Often dubbed the national dish, this steamed semolina is typically served with a hearty stew of meat (usually lamb or chicken) and vegetables. It’s a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, reflecting its cultural significance.
- Brik: A popular street food, brik is a thin pastry filled with egg, tuna, or minced meat, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a must-try for its satisfying crunch and the surprise of a runny egg yolk.
- Lablabi: A spicy chickpea soup traditionally eaten for breakfast, especially in winter. Topped with harissa, lemon, and sometimes a poached egg, it’s a comfort food that’s both budget-friendly and filling.
- Harissa: Though technically a condiment, this spicy chili paste is central to Tunisian cuisine. It’s served with almost everything, from grilled meats to bread, adding a fiery kick that locals love.
- Tajine: Unlike the Moroccan version, Tunisian tajine is more like a frittata or quiche, made with eggs, meat, and cheese. It’s a versatile dish that showcases the creative use of spices and ingredients.
Tap water in Tunisia is generally safe for locals, but tourists are often advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any issues. While it’s treated, the mineral content and different bacteria might upset sensitive stomachs. Better safe than sorry, so grab a bottle if you’re unsure.
The main language in Tunisia is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Tunisia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Tunisia,
English is not the primary language, but it is increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Many young Tunisians, particularly those in urban centers like Tunis, are proficient in English due to education and exposure to global media. However, outside major cities and tourist hotspots, English speakers may be less common, and French often serves as a more widely understood second language due to Tunisia’s colonial history.
Travelers may encounter varying levels of English proficiency, with younger generations generally more fluent. In rural areas, communication might be more challenging, and basic French or Arabic phrases can be beneficial. Learning a few phrases in Arabic or French can enhance the travel experience and foster positive interactions with locals. Overall, while you can get by with English in many places, being prepared for limited proficiency in certain areas will help ensure a smoother journey.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Tunisia is TND (د.ت).
When backpacking in Tunisia, it’s a good idea to keep a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are common in urban areas, but not so much in rural spots, so always carry some cash for those less-connected regions. Tunisian Dinar is the local currency, and you’ll need it for most transactions, as USD and EUR aren’t widely accepted for payments.
ATMs: They’re available in cities and popular tourist areas. Stick to ATMs attached to banks to avoid any sketchy fees or security risks.
Cash: Always handy, especially for smaller markets, local eateries, and public transport. Keep smaller bills, as breaking larger ones can be tricky.
Cards: Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but don’t count on it everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are your best bet.
Currency Exchange: Exchange your money at banks or official exchange offices for the best rates. Hotels and airports often offer poor rates, so avoid them if you can.
Having a combo of cards and cash will keep you flexible and ready for anything Tunisia throws your way!
Tipping in Tunisia is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving around 10% of the bill is customary if service is good. For smaller services like taxi rides or hotel porters, rounding up or giving a small tip is a nice gesture.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.