The Ultimate Tunisia Digital Nomad Guide

It’s likely Tunisia has never once crossed your mind as a digital nomad destination. And if it has, you’ll find that there’s a real lack of information on what to expect once you arrive in Tunis. To help make your experience in Tunisia as a digital nomad easier, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate Tunisia digital nomad guide that will cover EVERYTHING – yes, everything – you will need to know before and during your trip. This is the guide we wish already existed when we visited Tunisia as digital nomads in October 2024.

We’ll cover pros and cons, where to stay, things to do, cost of living, internet connectivity, transportation, grocery shopping, and answer some frequently asked questions as well. Ready to explore and experience this very unique country?

Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.

Our Personal Experience as Digital Nomads in Tunisia

First, let’s lay out our credentials. As mentioned, we visited Tunisia in October 2024. We spent around 5 weeks total in the country, most of which we spent in the capital city of Tunis. As such, most of the information below pertains specifically to digital nomad life in Tunis, but a lot of the information is easily transferable to the rest of Tunisia as well. On top of simply living life in Tunis for this period of time, we visited other parts of the country, paying particular attention to the south, which is absolutely worth a visit as well (though not necessarily the best base for nomads).

Reasons Tunisia Should Be Your Next Digital Nomad Destination

Are you still on the fence about heading to Tunisia as a digital nomad? Here are some of the main pros to help you make the decision.

It’s Affordable

Tunisia has a relatively low cost of living, especially compared to many Western countries. You can easily get by here on $1,000 to $1,500 a month. In this country, you can find affordable housing, food, and transportation. Depending on your home currency, your money can stretch a lot further here, giving you a higher standard of living than you would be able to afford back home or in more popular digital nomad destinations.

It’s Rich in Culture

Tunisia has had many influences throughout history from the Carthaginian, Roman, Arab, and French eras. Of course, they’ve also got influences from the traditional Berber or Amazigh cultures as well. You’ll have some really special moments exploring Tunisia and getting to know its diverse cultures while visiting amazing sites like Dougga and even Carthage, as well as vibrant markets and stunning architecture in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said. One of our highlights during our stay was visiting Matmata and getting to stay in a cave home carved into the stone, which you may already be familiar with if you’ve seen Luke Skywalker’s home in Star Wars.

It Is Stunningly Beautiful and Diverse

We were shocked by how diverse and beautiful the country was. Tunisia may be a small country, but it has everything from gorgeous Mediterranean beaches to the Sahara Desert. Coastal towns like Hammamet and Sousse are great for relaxing on the beach, while the desert areas offer unique experiences like camel rides and stargazing.

The Locals Are Welcoming and Friendly

We weren’t sure what to expect culturally when we first arrived in Tunisia. But after spending more than a month in the country, we can safely say that Tunisians are extremely kind and made us feel very welcome in the country.

Tunisians are warm and genuinely hospitable. They were super excited to show us their country and food. In Tunis, specifically, you’ll find a mix of both locals and some expats, and you can easily build connections with both.

It Is Very Safe

Contrary to popular belief, Tunisia is a safe country for travelers and digital nomads. In 2015, there were two major terrorist attacks in Tunisia that primarily targeted tourists, since then, many tourists have canceled plans to visit the country. But nowadays, the country is almost completely free of crime.

In fact, Tunisians pride themselves on the fact that their country is very safe. Violent crime rates are low, and while petty theft can occur, it is definitely not to the degree some European destinations experience. Being cautious is usually enough to avoid issues. And unlike the countries surrounding Tunisia, Tunisia is relatively liberal, meaning you can show skin without it being an issue (bar the mosques, of course!).

It Has Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Tunisia is a great place to visit after summer. While the summer can get extremely hot (which can be a pro for some digital nomads), the country really shines after the hottest months. We were in Tunisia in October, and the weather was absolutely perfect. It was warm without being stifling. Tunisia’s mild winter climate makes it a great escape from the winter in European destinations if you like to chase the sun.

Downsides of Setting Up Shop as a Digital Nomad in Tunisia

Of course, not everything in Tunisia is sunshine and rainbows. It’s important to have a well-rounded view of any place you visit so that you are not shocked when you first arrive in the country.

The Internet Connectivity Is Lacking

While Tunisia has made improvements in terms of internet infrastructure in recent years, the internet speed (particularly the Wifi) may not be as fast as you are used to. Our coworking space in Tunis had pretty good wifi, but this wasn’t always the case in cafes or even in the apartment you may rent. In our opinion, it’s worth spending a bit more on data so that you can hotspot yourself when the wifi is not up to par.

There Is Limited Digital Nomad Infrastructure

Unlike more established digital nomad hubs, Tunisia lacks coworking spaces. While there are a few coworking spaces in Tunis with decent enough workspaces, the options are limited compared to places like Bali or Lisbon.

And if you decide to set up shop outside of Tunis, you can pretty much guarantee you won’t be able to find a coworking space, so if this is the case for you, make sure to book accommodation with good wifi!

The Language Barrier Can Be Tough

If you don’t speak French or Arabic, the language barrier can be tough in Tunisia. While some younger Tunisians may speak English, this won’t always be the case, especially outside of Tunis. With that said, if you can speak some French, that will go a long way in Tunisia. We recommend at least learning some basic French phrases and numbers before going to Tunisia.

There Is Some Political Instability

As mentioned, Tunisia is generally safe, but there have been political changes and occasional protests in recent years. After all, Tunisia is where the Arab Spring of 2011 started! While these typically don’t affect foreigners directly, it’s worth keeping an eye on local news and staying informed.

There Is No Digital Nomad Visa

Tunisia doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa. While the country does offer stays for tourists up to 90 days, which is more generous than most other countries, if you want to stay any longer than that, your options are limited.

Where to Stay in Tunisia as a Digital Nomad

So, what are some of the best places to stay in Tunisia as a digital nomad? Here are the best bases you should consider.

Tunis

In our opinion, Tunis is the number one option in Tunisia for digital nomads. This capital city is filled with things to do, is well-connected, and provides way more comfort than any other city in the country. Here, you can find a mix of both traditional and modern architecture. Tunis is also much better equipped with coworking spaces and cafes with wifi than any other city in the country. Plus, despite being a capital city, the cost of living is quite low.

But Tunis is a pretty big place, so what exactly are the BEST places to stay within Tunis? The top three locations are: La Marsa, Sidi Bou Said, and Carthage.

• La Marsa: La Marsa was our pick, and we are VERY glad to have stayed in this area. This area feels very removed from the busy city center but still has everything you would need for your entire stay.
• Sidi Bou Said: Sidi Bou is a pretty small area on a cliff that features the most stunning white and blue architecture.
• Carthage: Carthage is less walkable than La Marsa or Sidi Bou in our opinion, but you’ll be close to all Carthage ruins.

All three of these neighborhoods are very close together. If you want to expand your search a little bit, you can also head a bit more north towards Gammarth and south towards La Goulette.

Sousse

A coastal city in Tunisia, Sousse is one of the most popular beach destinations for tourists. The city has a very relaxed feel and gorgeous beaches. So, if you’re looking for something outside of the main city of Tunis, Sousse is a great option that’s only about a two-hour drive away. The main draw for Sousse is the beach. This region is home to some of the best beaches in the country, and you can find them just outside of the main city. The cost of living is also slightly lower here than in Tunis, so that’s a huge plus as well.

Djerba

While we did not have the pleasure of visiting Djerba during our trip to Tunisia, we’ve been told time and time again that Djerba is the place to be. This island off the coast of Tunisia is incredibly popular with tourists and offers the most stunning beaches and chilled-out vibes, making it a great place to live and work for those seeking island vibes. You can find some coworking spaces on the island.

Digital Nomad Accommodation in Tunis

One of the first steps you’ll need to take to become a digital nomad in Tunisia is to look for accommodation. While there are plenty of options you can find on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, the issue is that not all accommodation is suited for nomads.

We don’t generally promote Airbnb, but Tunisia is a special case. When searching for accommodation, we found that hotels in Tunisia cost a pretty penny without offering much in terms of facilities. This, in addition to the fact that all Airbnbs in Tunisia are owned by locals, has led us to the conclusion that Airbnbs or self-serviced apartments on Booking.com are definitely the way to go, even for ethical digital nomads.

Here are some apartments we found during our research that are well-rated that we would recommend (including the place we stayed during our month in Tunis):

• 1-bedroom Airbnb in Sidi Bou Said
• 1-bedroom Airbnb in Marsa (where we stayed)
• 2-bedroom Airbnb in Marsa

Things to Do in Tunisia

There is so much to do in Tunisia to keep you occupied for a month or more. What are some of the highlights of things to do throughout Tunisia?

Relax on the Beaches

A special shoutout to Tunisia’s coastline. As a Mediterranean country, it should come as no surprise to you that Tunisia boasts some absolutely stunning beaches. Here are some of the best beach towns and cities you’ve got to check out:

• Sousse: One of the most popular resort towns in Tunisia, offering stunning Mediterranean waters. If you want to go to a beach with few crowds and people, drive up north to a beach further from the main city.
• Hammamet: This is another hotspot in Tunisia known for its gorgeous water and beach clubs.
• Kelibia: A lesser-known gem, Kelibia has crystal-clear blue waters and pristine sandy shores.
• Djerba: An island off the coast of Tunisia, Djerba is known for having some of the best beaches in all of Tunisia.

Explore Ancient Ruins

Did you know Tunisia is home to some of the best-preserved ancient ruins in North Africa? Here, you can find both Roman and Punic ruins in the most unlikelihood of places.

• Dougga: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the best-preserved Roman towns in the world. Here, you can explore a theatre, temples, and baths, all without swarming crowds and with unobstructed access.
• Carthage: You’ll find Carthage ruins scattered along the coast of Tunis. You can find the Antonine Baths, Roman villas and their incredible mosaics, and the ancient Punic ports.
• El Jem: The third largest amphitheater in the world, El Jem rivals Rome’s Colosseum. Although it may be a bit smaller, you will also experience smaller crowds in a well-preserved amphitheater.

Go to the Sahara Desert

You’ve got to visit the Sahara when traveling Tunisia. Here, you can experience the golden dunes, oases, and the ancient and unique Berber culture.

• Desert camping: You cannot leave Tunisia without camping in the desert in the middle of the dunes near Douz. While camping, you’ll view some insane stars while staying in a comfortable tent and (depending on the camp you book) desert activities to boot.
• Chott El Djerid: A massive salt lake offering surreal landscapes. As you’re driving across the salt lake, you’ll find plenty of cafes to stop by with pretty amazing photo ops.
• Chebika, Mides, and Tamberza oases: These oases are a must-visit if you find yourself near Tozeur. Here, you’ll find crazy canyons and amazing waterfalls.
• Berber homes: You’ll find unique Berber homes carved into the rocks during your Sahara trip, especially in the areas around Matmata and Tatouine.

Get Lost in the Medinas

Tunisia’s medinas are a maze of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and architectural wonders. They are super fun to get lost in and explore the culture and heritage of the country. Every city has its own medina, filled with lively markets, tiled courtyards, and stunning mosques. Wandering the medinas is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in Tunisian culture while picking up a few souvenirs along the way… why not?

Marvel at the Mosques

Tunisia is home to some beautiful mosques that are worth visiting. Of course, make sure you have your shoulders and knees covered when visiting (women should also cover their hair), and keep in mind that many mosques won’t let you visit on a Friday. However, if you forget to cover up, don’t worry too much! Most mosques will provide you with the correct outfit and a scarf for your visit – free of charge.

• Great Mosque of Kairouan: Founded in the 7th century, this is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa, if not the oldest. Kairouan itself is one of Islam’s holiest cities, and the mosque features a large courtyard and intricate mosaics.
• Zitouna Mosque: This mosque has tiled interiors and a large courtyard in the middle of the medina of Tunis. Many of the pillars used to construct the mosque are repurposed from Catheginian ruins.

Geek Out at Star Wars Filming Locations

Want to immerse yourself in the fictional Star Wars location of Tatooine? What if we told you Tatooine was primarily filmed in Tunisia? In fact, George Lucas was so inspired by Tunisia when creating Star Wars that he named Tatooine after the southern state of Tunisia called Tatouine.

• Matmata: In this town, you can explore the troglodyte homes that make up the interior of Luke Skywalker’s home. In fact, you can visit and even stay in Luke’s home at Sidi Idriss, a hotel.
• Mos Espa: A set built in the middle of the desert, Mos Espa, a spaceport settlement from Star Wars, still stands and allows visitors to walk around and take pictures for free.
• Chott el Djerid: Remember the iconic scene of Luke looking out over the desert at the dual setting suns? In the middle of this massive salt lake, you’ll find a small lone building where some exterior shots of the Lars Homestead were shot.

Visit Some Museums

Of course, when visiting any country, some of the best information you can get is at a museum. Here are some of the standout museums in Tunisia.

• National Museum of Bardo: If you can only visit one museum during your stay in Tunisia, make it this one. Here, you can find the most incredible collection of Roman mosaics you’ll ever see.
• Carthage National Museum: Located near the ancient ruins of Carthage, this museum contains the largest collection of objects from Carthage, covering periods from the Phoenician and Punic, the Roman, and the more recent Arab periods as well.

Cost of Living in Tunisia for Digital Nomads

One of the biggest considerations when picking a place to stay as a digital nomad is the cost of living. As you may know already, Tunisia is relatively affordable compared to many other destinations. But how much do you need in order to survive here, and how much should you budget?

Accommodation

Likely, you will book accommodation on Airbnb, as it is much more affordable than booking a hotel. Plus, you will also have access to a kitchen and laundry facilities. On average, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the popular Marsa area for anywhere between $700 and $1,200+.

You can find slightly cheaper accommodation in other areas of Tunis for as low as around $600 a month.

Of course, if you decide to stay in other cities around Tunisia, you will be able to find monthly rentals on Airbnb for as low as $400 to $500.

Food and Drinks

Food is another major expense you will need to consider as a digital nomad in Tunisia. The food in Tunisia can be divided into two major categories: fast food and restaurants.

Tunisian fast food is best described as cheap local food. A sandwich in a Tunisian fast food restaurant can cost anywhere between 5 and 15 TND ($1.61-$4.82 USD). The most expensive meal you can get at a Tunisian fast food restaurant would be a plat, which comes with bread and various sides. A plat can cost anywhere between 12 and 18 TND ($3.86-$5.79 USD).

Sit-down restaurants are definitely much more expensive than fast food in Tunisia. Expect to spend anywhere between 20 and 50 TND ($6.43-$16.07) per person at a restaurant.

Psst! We didn’t have too much alcohol while we were in Tunisia, but a beer, on average, at a bar set us back anywhere between 5 and 9 TND ($1.61-$2.89 USD). What we did have a lot of, however, is coffee and tea. These were very affordable and cost around 1 to 3 TND ($0.32-$0.96).

We would say you should budget around $150 to $300 for eating out, but feel free to adjust this amount according to how much you want to eat at fast food restaurants vs. proper restaurants.

If you stay for a month like we did, you’re going to want to cook at home every now and then. We had a bit more than half of our meals at home, keeping in mind that we always had breakfast at home. We would say budget around $100 to $150 for groceries per person for a month if you want to balance cooking at home with eating out just once or twice a day.

Transportation

This is another area where the actual spending will differ according to your plans and how you want to get around. We were based in Marsa, which meant getting to the city center via taxi started adding up by the end of our stay. The last time we went to the center, we discovered how to take the louage that takes you straight to the city for just 1.7 TND ($0.55 USD) each way, so, in hindsight, we could have saved around $50 in just taxis!

If you take taxis everywhere around the city like we did, we would budget around $150 to $200 in transportation. This includes transportation around Tunis as well as to other cities in the north. If you want to go to Djerba or the South, you would need to budget extra for a rental car or a flight.

Activities

Activities surprisingly don’t cost very much in Tunisia. For example, here are ticket prices we paid for the following attractions:

• Dougga – 8 TND ($2.57 USD)
• Carthage – 12 TND ($3.86 USD)
• El Jem – 12 TND ($3.86 USD)
• Bardo Museum – 13 TND ($4.18 USD)

So, keeping this in mind, you’ll only need to budget around $15 to $20 on activities.

Miscellaneous

Of course, there are some miscellaneous costs to keep in mind. Here are the main things you will want to plan an additional budget for:

• 30 GB SIM card – 32 TND ($10.29 USD)
• Souvenirs – 10 to 30 TND ($3.21 to $9.64 USD)
• Full-service barber, including beard, hair, and head massage – 15 TND ($4.82 USD)
• Gel nail removal and application – 50 to 60 TND ($16.07 to $19.29 USD)
• Coworking space – 15 to 20 TND per day ($4.82 to $6.43 USD)

We’d recommend budgeting around $100 to $150 for miscellaneous costs that may pop up. You can budget much less if you decide not to pay for a coworking space.

Total

As you can see, how much you should budget for Tunisia can vary. You can stay here for as little as $915 per month. But if you want to spend a bit more, you could just as easily spend up to $2,020. Since rent is largely the most variable expense, if you take that out of the equation, you’ll just need around $500 to $800 per month for every other expense.

Of course, if you travel with one other person, you can easily cut down on expenses that way, as you would be sharing accommodation and transportation, among other expenses.

How Much We Spent in 5 Weeks in Tunisia

We spent a bit over a month in Tunisia, and this is exactly how much we spent in USD:

• Rent: $835.01
• Groceries: $314.44
• Eating out: $500.80
• Transportation: $168.67
• Activities: $43.15
• Miscellaneous: $346.24
• 5-day road trip: $719.43

That’s a total spend of $2,927.74 for two people over 5 weeks or $2,342.19 for 4 weeks. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

Our “Miscellaneous” budget included a few expenses you may not need to budget for, namely souvenirs, toiletries, getting nails and hair done, and, most importantly, a tattoo ($117.01).

Our 5-day road trip was an additional expense that may not apply to you either. The total included a rental car for 5 days, accommodation, food, gas, and activities. This road trip included one night camping in the desert, which set us back $132.

Finally, in terms of groceries and eating out, we could have totally saved a lot of money in these categories. But we didn’t hold back in terms of food, choosing to eat at both Tunisian fast food restaurants and fancier places whenever we ate out, and buying some imported food as well as alcohol for when we cooked and ate at home. For example, one fancy dinner we had for Mia’s birthday at Dar El Jeld cost $87.39. With that said, generally, we would not spend more than $10 total for 2 people per meal.

SIM Cards in Tunisia

As a digital nomad, it’s important to have internet access wherever you go. One of the first things we did was find a local SIM card. While we did use our trusty Airalo eSIM in the beginning, we only really use Airalo for the first few days in a new country in order to have internet access before we can get a local SIM card.

Getting a local SIM card in Tunisia was a lot easier than we thought it would be! The two major carriers we would recommend are Ooredoo and Orange. Pick whichever is convenient to you in terms of location. And make sure to go to an official Ooredoo or Orange location, not a random corner store that says they sell SIM cards.

We went to the Ooredoo Zephyr location in Marsa. When you first enter, you’ll need to take a ticket out of the machine, which has an English option. Then, wait for your number to be called to a specific counter. We’re not sure if this was designed this way because we picked “English” on the machine, but the guy who served us spoke perfect English. We would recommend coming prepared with some French beforehand or using Google Translate, just in case.

We were able to get 30GB for 30 TND, which is just under $10 USD; we also paid for the SIM card itself, which was 2 TND or 0.64 USD. But we would recommend getting even more data if you can, as WiFi in most places, even in our Airbnb, was not great. We also got access to the Ooredoo app, which allows for checking how much data you have left. You can easily top up through the app or come back to the shop when needed.

Transportation in Tunis and Tunisia for Digital Nomads

There are a few different modes of transportation to pick from to get around in Tunis and Tunisia. We’ve tried most of the methods, and to get around Tunis, we recommend either taking a taxi or a louage. And to visit other parts of Tunisia, we recommend taking a louage or renting a car.

Let’s cover all the different transportation options available in the country.

Taxi

Within Tunis, the taxi is by far the most convenient method of getting around. You’ll find the bright yellow taxis everywhere. When you take them, make sure they put on the meter to avoid getting scammed. With that said, we did get scammed even with the meter on one occasion as the driver had fiddled with it to make the numbers go faster, but this only happened at the airport. This experience was enough to deter us from getting taxis the normal way (by flagging one down with a red light), so we almost exclusively used Bolt and inDrive from then on. To be on the safe side, we recommend using these apps.

You do end up paying a bit more (inDrive tends to be cheaper than Bolt, but you should use both and compare), but we think it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Keep in mind you’ll need to pay all drivers in cash. They’ll generally have change for you, but it’s good to have smaller bills and coins on hand, just in case.

Louage

A louage is a form of transportation that’s like a shared taxi in a van. First things first, we have to preface by saying louage drivers are honestly INSANE. They drive super fast and weave in and out of traffic like nothing. So, if something like that scares you, we recommend opting for another form of transportation.

You can easily find a louage station near you by typing “louage” on Google Maps. Here is the louage station in Marsa. Simply get on one of the white vans, and once it’s full, it’ll start driving to the city center.

In the city center, head toward Bab Aliwa, and you’ll start to see louage drivers. Here, you’ll simply let the guys know where you want to go (for example, “Marsa”), and they’ll herd you to the right van. A louage ride from Marsa to the city and vice versa costs 1.7 TND ($0.55 USD).

You can also take louages to other cities in Tunis. Here are some stations that may be useful to you:

• Moncef Bey
• Bab Aliwa
• Bab Saadoun

At these stations, you’ll find plenty more louages. Just ask around, and someone will point you to the right louage for your chosen destination.

Train

When we first arrived in Tunis, we thought we would be taking the train much more often. However, there was a disruption in the service that made it inconvenient for us to take further than La Goulette. Honestly, the train service is not that clean or fast and does not come often enough to warrant taking the train over a louage or taxi.

You can also take trains to go to other cities from Tunis. You can find the timetable here. But again, trains in Tunisia are pretty unreliable and do need updating, so only use this method of transportation as a last resort.

Car Rental

To really travel around Tunisia, you’ll need a car. While you won’t need a car while you are staying in Tunis, once you want to leave to explore the other cities and towns in the country, the best thing to do is rent a car.

We rented a car through a well-rated local car rental company called Avantgarde, which we were fairly happy with. The only thing we would note is that no one told us we had to bring back the car at the exact level of the gas as it was given to us. We were one bar below, which caused a bit of a headache and ended with us paying a fine even though we were never informed of this beforehand. But other than that, everything else was pretty seamless, and we were happy with the car.

Driving in Tunisia is not too difficult. While the main streets in popular towns and cities can be pretty crowded, driving was fairly easy, even in the south.

It’s worth noting that you are very likely to get pulled over in Tunisia, but don’t worry if and when this happens. Police in Tunisia can pull you over for no reason. If this happens, they’ll likely just ask you for your passport for a couple of seconds and then welcome you to Tunisia. At least, that was the case for us the three times we were pulled over during a 5-day road trip.

Plane

The last transportation option in Tunisia is, of course, flying. This is probably the easiest way to get to the south, as there are airports in Tozeur and Djerba. While there are flights daily, keep an eye out for any delays, as they can be annoyingly common. Domestic flights in Tunisia are also pretty expensive considering how short they are. With that said, this is still the fastest way to get to those further parts of Tunisia. Once in Djerba or Tozeur, we would recommend renting a car to get around.

Coworking Spaces in Tunis

There are not a ton of coworking spaces in Tunisia, but whatever coworking spaces the country does have are mostly located in the capital city of Tunis. We were lucky when we spent a month in Tunis in that we found a coworking space we loved literally the day after we arrived. On the flip side, we didn’t do a lot of shopping around so that we can show you other options. But we do have a few alternatives that we’ll suggest taking a look at if they happen to be closer to you.

The coworking space we recommend, especially if you are staying in the Marsa area, is The Green Box. They do have a second location in Menzah 6 as well.

Here are some alternatives that we’ve found during our initial research. While we cannot personally vouch for them, they do come highly rated!

• Tunis Tech Villa (La Marsa)
• Bubble Chill (La Marsa) – Not just coworking; also a social space
• Cobink Cooperative (Tunis Centre)

Digital Nomad Visa in Tunisia

As of 2024, there is no digital nomad visa in Tunisia. With that said, it is possible to stay in Tunisia for most digital nomads for up to 90 days visa-free. This should be more than enough time for you to explore the country, establish a routine, and immerse yourself in life here.

Looking for some countries that offer digital nomad visas? Check out our digital nomad visa hub.

Best Restaurants in Tunis

Not gonna lie… food was one area we struggled with in Tunisia, as restaurants were relatively difficult to find compared to other countries due to a lack of locals using Google Maps (more on this below). But after spending a month in Tunis, we still managed to find some great restaurants that we wholeheartedly recommend.

Note on using Google Maps: As mentioned, Google Maps is not heavily used here, so you cannot rely on it. And for whatever restaurants that do appear on Google Maps, do not pay too much attention to the reviews. Many Tunisians abide by giving 3 stars for good, 4 stars for great, and 5 stars for absolutely fantastic. In our opinion, as long as the restaurant is rated 3.5 stars and above, you’ll be in good hands. Generally, we would do a mental calculation of adding another 0.5 stars to the average rating, which seemed to do the trick.

With all that said, here are some of the standout restaurants we tried in Tunis:

• Dar El Jeld – While this restaurant is definitely on the expensive side, this restaurant is a great introduction to Tunisian food.
• Bambino and La Piadina– Our favorite Italian restaurants in the Marsa area.
• YaBon – Great place for fish in the Marsa area (with that said, the best place for fish in Tunis is La Goulette, where you’ll find plenty of fish restaurants on the main street)
• Le Golfe – Fancy place by the seaside with gorgeous seafood.
• Dar Slah – Amazing quality local food at a fair price.
• Restaurant of People – A very cheap restaurant serving classic Tunisian dishes near the medina of Tunis.

On top of the above, you really can’t go wrong with Tunisian fast food restaurants. These restaurants serve classic Tunisian food for very cheap, and they are almost always delicious. Fast food restaurants are not always on Google Maps, but you should easily be able to find one in your area if you see plenty of locals sitting around for lunch and dinner.

If you are based in the Marsa area, here are our go-to fast food restaurants:

• Oueld El Bey
• Chapatti Mahdia
• Chez Bouba

Tunisian Food to Try

We really didn’t know what to expect in terms of food in Tunisia, but we were very pleasantly surprised by everything we ate during our time here. Whether you are based in the north or south, here are some of the best foods the country has to offer that you’ve got to try at least once during your stay.

• Harissa – A spicy paste you can put on pretty much any food. If the person serving your food asks you if you want “spicy,” this is what they are referring to.
• Brik – A crispy fried pastry generally filled with boiled egg, tuna, and parsley. An amazing starter.
• Couscous – Couscous dishes are topped with some veggies and a protein of your choice.
• Lablabi – A chickpea soup filled with spices, served with bread that you cut up into chunks yourself.
• Mechouia salad – A smoky grilled veggie salad with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and tons of spices. This was by far one of our favorite starters.
• Tajine – A tajine in Tunisia is best described as a quiche made with eggs, meat, and vegetables.
• Mloukhia – You can dip your bread in this black “soup” made with jute leaves with a flavor that may remind you of matcha.
• Ojja – A delicious and spicy tomato-based stew with various vegetables and traditionally cooked with merguez (spicy sausage).
• Omek houria – A mashed and spiced carrot salad, perfect as a starter.
• Fricassee – A small fried sandwich you can eat on the go, filled with tuna, potatoes, boiled egg, olives, and harissa.
• Kafteji – A side dish made up of potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and, depending on the region, pumpkin, deliciously seasoned. This was another favorite of ours!
• Tunisian salad – A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, eggs, and tuna.
• Mlewi – A layered, flaky flatbread served with various sauces and sometimes even a protein of your choice.
• Bambalouni – The most amazing Tunisian donut.
• Malfouf – A type of sandwich made with flatbread, resembling a grilled burrito.
• Baguette sandwich – A crispy baguette filled with various toppings, including tuna, harissa, olives, and egg.
• Chapati – A type of flatbread sandwich filled with meats, vegetables, and sauces.
• Gargoulette – A slow-cooked meat and veggie stew cooked for hours in a clay pot called a gargoulette.

Nightlife in Tunisia

If you like to have a drink or two or like to go out dancing, you might wonder what the nightlife is like in Tunisia. Tunisia has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, especially compared to its neighbors. But finding bars and clubs is much more difficult than you may think, depending on where you are. For many Tunisians, the nightlife is made up of coffee shops and shisha rather than bars and clubbing.

You’ll find most of Tunisia’s nightlife concentrated in cities. You are much less likely to be able to find a bar in a town, even in popular towns like Matmata and Tozeur. In Tozeur, we did manage to find one restaurant bar, so don’t bank on it when traveling outside the main cities.

Best Bars in Tunis

In Marsa, specifically, there aren’t too many bars. However, you can find some restaurant bars and beach clubs along the coast, especially as you head up north towards Gammarth. Other than the Gammarth area, you can also find bars in the city center.

Here are some of the bars we liked during our month in Tunis.

• Bellini Gammarth
• 360 Terrace
• Tangerine Rooftop
• Wet Flamingo (La Goulette)

Where to Go Grocery Shopping in Tunis

After some trial and error over the month we were in Tunis, we finally figured out how to properly grocery shop in Tunisia. As always, this advice is going to be most useful if you are staying in Marsa, like we did.

For your big weekly shop, we recommend going to Carrefour La Marsa, which is by far the biggest supermarket in this area.

If you forget something in the middle of the week or simply don’t want to do a big shop, go to any Monoprix, and they’ll generally have whatever you’re looking for. To buy alcohol, you’ll need to go specifically to Monoprix La Marsa Plage.

However (and this is a big one!), for produce, skip the supermarkets altogether. The quality isn’t great in the supermarkets. Instead, get your produce from a local market. In Marsa, go to La Marsa Central Market. You can find fish here, too, if you go early enough. If you are in the city center, you can try the Central Market of Tunis.

Even if you are not based in Tunis, the main supermarket brands are Monoprix and Carrefour.

Healthcare in Tunisia

Like most countries, Tunisia does not offer healthcare to foreigners. That means if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing a doctor, you will need to pay all doctors’ fees, treatment, and medication yourself. This is where travel health insurance can come in handy. While a single doctor’s visit should be affordable enough for you to pay out of pocket, when it comes to surgeries or accidents, you’ll want to be covered. Even if you are the most careful person in the world, you never know what may happen. And, as mentioned, those louage drivers are CRAZY!

We’ve been personally using SafetyWing for a couple of years now and couldn’t recommend it more. It’s easy to use, cheap (just $56.28 USD for 4 weeks), and quick to respond. We love having the peace of mind that comes with having travel medical insurance like SafetyWing. As a travel medical insurance, SafetyWing covers everything from travel-related claims to medical claims – all for a great price.

When to Visit Tunisia

The perfect time to visit Tunisia is in the spring and fall. Avoid visiting Tunisia in the summer, as it can get pretty swelteringly hot (especially in the South, where temperatures can get up to 50 C or 122 F), and the beaches can get very crowded. We visited Tunisia in October, and the weather was absolutely perfect. It was still very warm, with temperatures generally ranging from 20 to 30 C (68 to 86 F), and the sun was out almost every day, with very little rain. The temperature was still warm enough to enjoy swimming in the sea. Other ideal months to visit include April, May, and September.

One last thing to mention. Try to avoid visiting during Ramadan, as no restaurants will be open during the day. This can be a very great cultural experience, but if you don’t want to switch your schedule around completely to become a night owl like the rest of the country, avoid Ramadan.

Digital Nomad Community in Tunisia

Tunisia is still relatively unknown and is not a popular country for digital nomads. So, the digital nomad community here is very small. If you’re looking to make connections with nomads left and right, we’d recommend looking elsewhere, such as Thailand, Bali, or Portugal. The few nomads we did see during our time here were based in Tunis, the capital city.

You’ll find digital nomads in coworking spaces specifically. While we did not find any coworking spaces with events, one option to find likeminded friends in by going to Bubble Chill, a social space where you can also work (but definitely keep the hours in mind!).

Basic Tunisian Arabic Phrases to Know

Did you know Tunisian Arabic is completely different from Arabic you might have heard in Egypt or Morocco. In fact, most countries that speak Arabic have very many unique words and phrases that make it difficult for Arabic speakers to even understand one another. So, if you want to stay in Tunisia for a bit, you’re going to need some Tunisian Arabic words. While we are by no means proficient, here are the words and phrases that came in very handy during our stay.

Plus, whenever we used any of the below words, the locals absolutely loved it!

• Aslema – Hello
• Bislema – Goodbye
• Aishek – Thank you
• Ay – Yes
• Le – No
• Shwaya – A little
• Barsha – A lot
• Marrajeya – Next time (useful when trying to get away from an insistent seller)

Besides the above, you’ll be able to get by with French as well.

Tips and Things to Know for Digital Nomads in Tunisia

This is the most comprehensive Tunisia digital nomad guide out there, but there are a few additional tips and things to know that we have not yet covered that you’ll need to know before we wrap this up.

Cash Is King

Tunisia is largely a cash-based society. While some upscale hotels and restaurants might accept credit cards, most local shops and markets prefer cash. So, make sure to carry some Tunisian dinars for daily expenses. It’d be helpful to have a separate coin purse as well!

Keep Your Money Exchange Receipt

Tunisia has a closed currency, so you cannot leave the country with Tunisian dinar. This makes exchanging money a bit more complicated than in other countries. Make sure you never exchange more than you need. If you do exchange your home currency to dinar when you first arrive, hold onto your receipt. In order to change the dinar back to your home currency (if you have any left over), you’ll need to provide the proof at the airport.

Learn Some French

If you don’t speak Arabic, the best language to use to get around is French. While some young people, particularly in the cities, speak English, French will go a long way in terms of ordering food, bartering prices, and asking for directions. Beyond that, learning some basic Tunisian Arabic will earn you a smile or two!

Organize Airport Pickup Beforehand

Our first mistake in Tunisia was not pre-booking an airport pickup when we arrived. Of course, you end up paying more than you would a standard taxi, but taxi drivers are relentless and aggressive at the airport (they are perfectly fine once you’re out of the airport). To give you peace of mind and avoid getting scammed, organize airport pickup.

You can also use Bolt, but you’ll need to leave the airport grounds before you can order it. And the taxi drivers at the airport may harass you on the way, so it’s just easier to book airport pick-up if you have the budget for it.

Avoid Tap Water

The tap water in Tunisia is not potable. Stick to bottled water for drinking. With that said, the tap water is clean enough to brush your teeth and cook.

Buy a Scarf

A must-have item to pack for your trip to Tunisia is a lightweight scarf or shawl. This can come in handy when you visit mosques to provide extra coverage. It’s also useful when you visit the south, as it can protect you from the sun and sand.

Check Out Fripes for Clothes Shopping

If you want to buy some clothes, the best place to do so in Tunisia is at a fripe (a second-hand clothing shop). You can find plenty of fripes around Tunisia, particularly in the cities, although they may not necessarily be on Google Maps.

If you are in Marsa on a Sunday, we highly recommend checking out the Marsa souk. Most items ranged from 1 to 4 TND ($0.32 to $1.28 USD), which is such a bargain!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tunisia safe?

Yes, absolutely! Tunisia is one of the safest countries we’ve visited in recent years. It’s one of the few places we’ve been where we have not felt on edge walking alone at night – even as a woman.

Are there co-working spaces in Tunis?

Yes, there are! While there aren’t as many as you would find in other capital cities around the world, you will be able to find some coworking spaces dotted across the city, including in the Marsa area.

How easy is it to get around Tunisia?

It is relatively easy to get around in Tunisia. The easiest option by far is taking taxis and private transportation, but you can also take public transportation in the form of trains, buses, trams, and louages (shared taxis).

Is Tunisia a good digital nomad destination?

This depends on what you are looking for. If a destination with good food, interesting culture, friendly people, and unique landscapes sounds great for you, Tunisia could be a great fit! But if you’re looking for a destination with a good digital nomad community, you might want to look elsewhere.

Should you tip in Tunisia?

There isn’t much of a tipping culture in Tunisia. In fancier restaurants, you may tip a small percentage of your total bill to show your appreciation for excellent service. We also recommend tipping the taxi driver if they help you with your bags. But other than these examples of exceptional service, there is zero expectation for you to tip.

Tunisia: An Underrated Digital Nomad Destination?

After our five weeks in Tunisia, we concluded that this country is definitely one of the most underrated digital nomad destinations out there. In fact, it’s one of the most underrated travel destinations as well. Tunisia offers so much in terms of food, culture, and nature that it’s hard to believe many skip it in favor of more famous destinations. If you’re thinking about heading to Tunisia for a bit during your nomad adventures, let this be the push you need to book your ticket. You’ll have the time of your life!

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