Moving to Tunisia

Tunisia, situated on the northernmost tip of the African continent, stands at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Arab world. When moving to Tunisia, you might not always be sure what to expect from this relatively small African country, but you will likely be pleasantly surprised by the unique blend of people and cultures and its eminently diverse landscape.

Living in Tunisia as an expat

Living in Tunisia as an expat can be a culturally rich experience. With large international communities from France, Italy and Spain, among other countries, you are bound to hear a familiar accent or language. The official language of Tunisia is Arabic, but French is widely spoken in social and business settings, and most Tunisian doctors speak fluent French. On that note, most expats living in Tunisia prefer to use private healthcare facilities, which are of an excellent standard, especially in Tunis.

Safety is likely to be another concern. Be aware of the political situation, and follow the news for developments regarding protests, as well as heightened security measures at Libyan and Algerian borders due to terrorist threats. Moreover, as beautiful and colourful as the local souks may be, you should remain vigilant of pickpocketing in these crowded marketplaces. Women may also experience harassment from men on the streets. We recommend expats dress modestly, especially around religious sites, as a sign of respect and, in some cases, to avoid unwanted attention.

Most visits to Tunisia are problem-free, and Tunisian culture is considerably more progressive than its counterparts in the Middle East. This is especially true when it comes to the position of women, who are held in high regard and encouraged to play a leading role in business. Tunisians are tolerant of other cultures and open to forming strong business relationships and friendships with foreigners.

Cost of living in Tunisia

Petroleum, mining, and manufacturing are the main drivers of Tunisia’s economy. Most expats relocating to Tunisia are employed as senior management professionals in these industries and live in the major cities of Sfax, Sousse, or the capital, Tunis.

You will likely enjoy a low cost of living in Tunisia, with Tunis ranked 210th out of 226 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2024. Similarly priced cities include Durban, South Africa, and Cairo, Egypt. However, high inflation rates and economic challenges are affecting the cost of goods and services, so budgeting accordingly is essential.

Families and children in Tunisia

If you are moving to Tunisia with children, be aware that schooling options are limited, and alternatives can be costly. There are just a handful of international schools in Tunis, and in many cases, expats opt to send their children to international boarding schools in Morocco, Spain, or France.

International schools in Tunisia offer high-quality education with smaller class sizes and various extracurricular activities. These schools often follow British, American or French curricula and are well-regarded for their academic performance and college admission rates.

Weather in Tunisia

Despite its size, Tunisia has much to offer: from the olive-producing eastern coastal plains of the Sahel, the Maghreb mountain range known as the Atlas Mountains and its rolling hills, to the semi-arid Saharan climate and salt lakes in the south. Of course, the warm beaches and coastal resorts are popular tourist attractions, as are the ancient ruins of Carthage and the multicultural capital of Tunis.

Tunisia's weather varies according to the region. Summer is typically warm from May to October, with average temperatures ranging between 81°F and 95°F (27°C and 35°C). Most of the country's rainfall occurs in September. Winter lows in the country frequently reach 52°F (11°C).

All in all, Tunisia is a fascinating, vibrant, and culturally rich country. If you move here, you will enjoy the pleasant lifestyle and generous cost of living.

Fast Facts

Population: Over 12 million

Capital city: Tunis

Neighbouring countries: Tunisia is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast, and is otherwise surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

Geography: Tunisia contains the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and the northern reaches of the Sahara desert. Much of the rest of the country's land is made up of plains and low hills.

Political system: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Major religion: Islam

Main languages: Arabic and French

Money: The Tunisian Dinar (TND) is subdivided into 1,000 milim. ATMs are available in most towns and cities. You can open a local account once you are in the country.

Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is 5 to 10 percent. Taxi fares should be rounded up.

Time: GMT+1

Electricity: 230 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs have two round pins.

Internet domain: .tn

International dialling code: +216

Emergency numbers: 197 (police), 198 (fire), 190 (ambulance)

Transport and driving: In Tunisia, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Buses and taxis are common, and trains connect the major cities.