Tunis Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tunis.
Healthcare System
Tunisia has a dual healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Public hospitals provide affordable care but can be overcrowded with long wait times. Private clinics and hospitals offer higher quality care with English and French-speaking staff, at reasonable costs compared to Western countries.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals include Clinique El Manar, Clinique Taoufik, and Polyclinique les Berges du Lac. These cater to international patients and tourists. Public hospitals like Charles Nicolle Hospital provide emergency care. Most private facilities require payment upfront or proof of insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies/صيدلية) are widespread throughout Tunis and easily identified by green crosses. Many medications available by prescription-only elsewhere can be purchased over the counter. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and often speak French. At least one pharmacy in each area operates on a rotating night/weekend schedule (pharmacie de garde).
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Private hospitals require payment upfront, and medical evacuation can be extremely expensive. Ensure your policy covers Tunisia and includes medical evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter
- French is the primary medical language; English may be limited outside major private facilities
- Keep receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in Tunis but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
- Private clinics may require cash or credit card payment before treatment
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, particularly targeting distracted tourists. Thieves work in teams and target bags, phones, and wallets.
Traffic in Tunis can be chaotic with aggressive driving, poorly maintained vehicles, and unpredictable road conditions. Pedestrians often have difficulty crossing streets safely.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach issues can occur from unfamiliar food, different hygiene standards, or contaminated water/ice.
Some tourists, particularly women, may experience verbal harassment, persistent vendors, or unwanted attention from touts and unofficial guides.
Occasional protests and demonstrations occur, usually related to political or economic issues. While generally peaceful, they can turn confrontational.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Friendly locals approach tourists near the medina or attractions, offering to show them around for free or a small fee, then demand large payments, take them to commission-paying shops, or lead them to isolated areas.
Tourists are pressured into shops where they're offered tea and subjected to high-pressure sales tactics. Items are misrepresented as antiques or handmade when they're mass-produced, and prices are vastly inflated.
Taxi drivers claim their meter is broken and quote inflated fixed prices, or run the meter on a higher rate (tariff 2 during daytime when tariff 1 should apply).
Extra items appear on bills, prices are higher than menu prices, or items you didn't order are added (bread, olives, service charges).
Street money changers or dishonest shop owners offer favorable rates but short-change tourists, use sleight of hand, or swap real bills for counterfeits.
After tourists take photos of people in traditional dress or with animals, aggressive demands for payment are made, often for inflated amounts.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than street ATMs at night
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Make copies of important documents and store separately
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Transportation
- Use official yellow taxis with meters or ride-sharing apps
- Avoid unlicensed taxis (louages for intercity only)
- If renting a car, choose comprehensive insurance and avoid night driving
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic
- The TGM light rail is safe but watch belongings during rush hour
- Agree on taxi fares beforehand for airport trips or negotiate firmly
- Take a photo of taxi license plate and share with someone if traveling alone
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security and reviews
- Verify the address and route from airport/station before arrival
- Keep your room locked and use door chains/security latches
- Don't let strangers into your room claiming to be staff without verification
- Store valuables in room safe or hotel safe deposit box
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially in non-touristy areas and religious sites
- Learn basic French or Arabic greetings to show respect
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Remove shoes when entering mosques (if permitted) or homes
- Use right hand for eating and greeting
- Respect prayer times and Ramadan customs if visiting during this period
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Learn basic French phrases as it's widely spoken
- Download offline maps before exploring
- Keep your embassy contact information accessible
- Have your accommodation address written in Arabic
Food and Drink
- Drink bottled water (check seal is intact)
- Avoid ice unless at reputable establishments
- Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover
- Try street food but choose vendors with many local customers
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Be cautious with raw vegetables and salads
- Start with mild dishes if you have a sensitive stomach
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Tunisia is more progressive than many countries in the region regarding women's rights, and women travelers generally report feeling safe. However, solo female travelers may experience unwanted attention, catcalling, or persistent approaches, particularly in tourist areas. Most of this attention is verbal and non-threatening, but can be uncomfortable. Tunisian women are visible in public life, and female tourists are common, which helps normalize their presence.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, avoid low-cut tops, particularly outside beach resorts
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband to deflect unwanted attention
- Walk confidently and purposefully; avoid appearing lost or uncertain
- Ignore catcalls and comments; engaging usually encourages more attention
- Sit in family sections on public transport when available
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, safe neighborhoods
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis or ride-sharing
- Join group tours for medina exploration if uncomfortable alone
- Be firm and loud if someone makes you uncomfortable; don't worry about being rude
- Connect with other travelers or local women through your accommodation
- Avoid isolated beaches or quiet areas alone
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Consider covering hair with a light scarf in very conservative areas, though not required
- Be aware that some cafes are male-dominated; choose restaurants or modern cafes instead
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Tunisia under Article 230 of the Penal Code, with potential penalties of up to three years imprisonment. While prosecutions are relatively rare and primarily target locals rather than tourists, the law exists and creates legal risk. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized.
- Exercise discretion and avoid public displays of affection
- Do not discuss sexual orientation openly with strangers or service providers
- Book accommodations carefully; international hotel chains are generally more accepting
- Be aware that sharing a room as a same-sex couple may raise questions at some hotels
- Avoid LGBTQ+-specific events or gatherings as they may attract unwanted attention
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly venues discreetly through international travel resources
- Be cautious on dating apps; they may be monitored and used for entrapment
- Do not assume that Western attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights apply
- Consider traveling as 'friends' rather than partners for safety
- Know your embassy contact information in case of issues
- Remove LGBTQ+ identifiers from social media that might be visible to locals
- Be particularly cautious outside major cities where attitudes are more conservative
- Understand that legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are minimal
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Tunis. While healthcare is affordable compared to Western countries, private medical care still requires upfront payment, and medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and theft—all potential issues when traveling. Tunisia's political situation, while currently stable, has experienced periods of unrest, making comprehensive coverage important.
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