Tipping in Tunisia
Tip 10% in Tunisian restaurants if service isn't included; taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare, and hammam workers typically expect 2–5 TND for their services.
Tunisia price guide
Prices in Tunisia in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap
Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 44% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price.
29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 12 verified, 16 estimates, and 1 rough estimate How I check
Fair prices at a glance
- Street food meal TND 3–8 ≈ $1 – $2.70
- City taxi 1 km TND 0.50–1.00 ≈ $0.17 – $0.34
- Local beer TND 3–6 ≈ $1 – $2
- Massage (1 hour) TND 60–150 ≈ $20 – $51
All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it
One day in Tunisia: TND 40 or TND 122
About $13 or $41 a day.
The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.
Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 3.1× as much.
Restaurant meal alone: TND 75, or 62% of the tourist-trap day.
+TND 82 (about $28) for the same day
| Item | Fair (TND) | Trap (TND) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 5.50 | 12.50 |
| Restaurant meal | 25 | 75 |
| Coffee (espresso) | 2.25 | 7.50 |
| Water 1.5 L | 0.90 | 3 |
| Local beer | 4.50 | 11.50 |
| Public transit ticket 2 rides | 1.50 | 6 |
| Short taxi ride about 1 km | 0.75 | 6 |
| Total | 40 | 122 |
- Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is TND 10–30 (about $3.40 – $10).
- Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.
Where tourists overpay most in Tunisia
Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.
Check a price you were quoted
Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.
about $1.70
Tourist-trap price
Fair TND 0.50–1.00 Trap TND 2–10
TND 5 is 6.7× the middle of the fair range (TND 0.50–1.00).
Tourists often get charged TND 2–10. From TND 2 you are paying the tourist-trap price.
In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.
Fair vs tourist prices in Tunisia, item by item
What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Tunis, Sousse, Djerba, and Hammamet.
Show prices in
- Fair price
- Tourist-trap price
- Verified
- Estimate
Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.
Food & drinks
Restaurant meal: fair is TND 15–35. From TND 50 you are on the tourist menu.
-
Water 0.5 L
Bottled, convenience store
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 4.0× the fair priceFair TND 0.50–1.00 ≈ $0.17 – $0.34Trap TND 2–4 ≈ $0.67 – $1.30 -
Coffee (espresso)
Cafe or street vendor
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.3× the fair priceFair TND 1.50–3.00 ≈ $0.51 – $1Trap TND 5–10 ≈ $1.70 – $3.40 -
Local beer
Draft, at bar or restaurant
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair TND 3–6 ≈ $1 – $2Trap TND 8–15 ≈ $2.70 – $5.10 -
Restaurant meal
Tourist area, main course
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair TND 15–35 ≈ $5 – $12Trap TND 50–100 ≈ $17 – $34 -
Street food meal
Local market or stand
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair TND 3–8 ≈ $1 – $2.70Trap TND 10–15 ≈ $3.40 – $5.10 -
Cocktail at bar
Mixed drink, bar
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.0× the fair priceFair TND 15–25 ≈ $5.10 – $8.40Trap TND 30–50 ≈ $10 – $17 -
Bottle of wine (restaurant)
House wine, restaurant
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.2× the fair priceFair TND 35–55 ≈ $12 – $19Trap TND 65–130 ≈ $22 – $44 -
Fresh juice
Cafe or street stall
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair TND 1.25–3.75 ≈ $0.42 – $1.30Trap TND 5–10 ≈ $1.70 – $3.40
Transport
Airport taxi to the center: fair is TND 8–22. At TND 30 or more, walk away.
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Airport taxi to center
Standard route
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair TND 8–22 ≈ $2.70 – $7.40Trap TND 30–60 ≈ $10 – $20 -
City taxi 1 km
Metered or typical fare
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 8.0× the fair priceFair TND 0.50–1.00 ≈ $0.17 – $0.34Trap TND 2–10 ≈ $0.67 – $3.40 -
Public transit ticket
Single ride
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 4.0× the fair priceFair TND 0.50–1.00 ≈ $0.17 – $0.34Trap TND 2–4 ≈ $0.67 – $1.30 -
Private transfer (app)
Grab / Bolt / Uber
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.7× the fair priceFair TND 25–60 ≈ $8 – $20Trap TND 80–150 ≈ $27 – $51
Souvenirs
Fridge magnet: fair is TND 2–5. From TND 10 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.
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Fridge magnet
Tourist shop
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 5.7× the fair priceFair TND 2–5 ≈ $0.67 – $1.70Trap TND 10–30 ≈ $3.40 – $10 -
Printed T-shirt
Tourist shop
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair priceFair TND 8–18 ≈ $2.70 – $6.10Trap TND 30–60 ≈ $10 – $20 -
Local handcraft
Ceramics, textiles, etc.
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 5.8× the fair priceFair TND 15–50 ≈ $5 – $17Trap TND 80–300 ≈ $27 – $100
Daily essentials
Tourist SIM: fair is TND 5–20. From TND 25 it is the tourist-kiosk price.
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Tourist SIM card
Data package
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair TND 5–20 ≈ $1.70 – $6.70Trap TND 25–50 ≈ $8 – $17 -
Sunscreen SPF50
Pharmacy or shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.2× the fair priceFair TND 25–80 ≈ $8 – $27Trap TND 85–150 ≈ $29 – $51 -
Water 1.5 L
Supermarket
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair priceFair TND 0.60–1.20 ≈ $0.20 – $0.40Trap TND 2–4 ≈ $0.67 – $1.30 -
Cigarettes
Pack of 20
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair priceFair TND 2–10 ≈ $0.67 – $3.40Trap TND 11–15 ≈ $3.70 – $5.10 -
Painkillers (paracetamol)
Pack of 20 tablets
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.4× the fair priceFair TND 1–3 ≈ $0.34 – $1Trap TND 3.50–6.00 ≈ $1.20 – $2 -
Mosquito repellent
Spray or lotion
Rough estimateTourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair TND 5–15 ≈ $1.70 – $5.10Trap TND 16–35 ≈ $5 – $12
Services
One-hour massage: fair is TND 60–150. Above TND 150 you are paying for the address.
-
Men's haircut
Local barbershop
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair TND 5–15 ≈ $1.70 – $5.10Trap TND 20–30 ≈ $7 – $10 -
Laundry (per kg)
Laundry service
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair TND 8–12 ≈ $2.70 – $4Trap TND 20–40 ≈ $7 – $13 -
Massage (1 hour)
Standard full-body massage
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.1× the fair priceFair TND 60–150 ≈ $20 – $51Trap TND 150–300 ≈ $51 – $100 -
Women's haircut
Basic cut, salon
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair TND 15–30 ≈ $5 – $10Trap TND 35–70 ≈ $12 – $24
Attractions
Top museum or attraction: fair is TND 10–30. From TND 35, check that you are not buying through a reseller.
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Top museum / attraction
Entrance ticket
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair priceFair TND 10–30 ≈ $3.40 – $10Trap TND 35–50 ≈ $12 – $17 -
Half-day group tour
Organized excursion
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 1.9× the fair priceFair TND 80–160 ≈ $27 – $54Trap TND 170–280 ≈ $57 – $94 -
Full-day group tour
Organized excursion 6-8h
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair TND 85–180 ≈ $29 – $61Trap TND 250–400 ≈ $84 – $135 -
Cooking class
Local cuisine cooking class
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair TND 80–150 ≈ $27 – $51Trap TND 200–400 ≈ $67 – $135
Converted at 1 USD = 2.966 TND, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.
Money and tipping in Tunisia
Currency
Tunisian dinar (TND)
- 1 USD = 2.966 TND
Quick converter, TND to USD
When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose TND. The rate it offers is almost always worse.
Bargaining in Tunisia
Bargaining is expected in Tunisian medinas, in Tunis' medina and Sousse, start at 40–50% of the asking price; a friendly demeanour and patience will typically get you 30–40% off the initial quote.
Fuel prices per liter
- Gasoline TND 2.53 / liter ≈ $0.85
- Diesel TND 2.21 / liter ≈ $0.74
Scams and safety in Tunisia
What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.
Law Photography, drone and religious sensitivities
Bringing a drone into Tunisia without prior authorisation is illegal. Any drone found is confiscated at the airport and held until you leave. Do not photograph police, military sites or government buildings. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public between sunrise and sunset may cause offence, so be discreet or eat indoors. Cover your shoulders in mosques.
Nature Sahara heat, sandstorms and rip currents
In southern Tunisia (Douz, Tozeur, Tataouine) temperatures can exceed 40 °C between June and September, and sand and dust storms are frequent enough to close roads. Cross the desert only with a licensed guide, check the Tunisian met agency INM forecast each morning and carry at least 4 L of water per person. At the coast, follow the beach flag system: a red flag means stay out of the water.
Emergency numbers in Tunisia
Not sure who you need? Call this one. 197 Police
Tunisia has no single universal emergency number. Dial 197 for police, 190 for ambulance (SAMU), 198 for fire. 112 is not always reliable, use the local numbers instead.
Medical costs
- Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $11 – $25 ≈ TND 33–74
- Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $100 – $300 ≈ TND 295–890
- Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $26 – $226 ≈ TND 77–670
- Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $25 – $90 ≈ TND 74–265
Good to know before you go
Gestures and etiquette
Hospitality & hand rules
Never show the soles of your feet to anyone, it's considered very disrespectful. Always use your right hand for eating and greetings, as the left hand is seen as unclean. Don't refuse hospitality, accepting offered food and drinks is a sign of respect and declining can cause real offense.
Buying souvenirs
Harissa & hand-Painted ceramics
Harissa paste is Tunisia's culinary soul, buy artisanal versions from local markets for the real thing. Hand-painted ceramics from Nabeul and Sejnane (the latter is UNESCO-recognized) feature Mediterranean blue and white patterns. Tunisian olive oil is excellent and underrated. Deglet Nour dates from Tozeur, chéchia hats (red felt caps), and bkhour (incense blends) are other authentic Tunisian picks.
Did you know?
- The planet Tatooine from Star Wars was named after the Tunisian town of Tataouine. Several movie sets still stand in the desert and can be visited.
- Tunisia was home to Carthage, one of the great ancient civilizations and Rome's fiercest rival. The ruins near Tunis are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tunisians commonly switch between Arabic and French mid-sentence. Most tourist areas are French-friendly, making communication easier for European visitors.
Cities these prices cover
The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.
- Tunis تونس
- Sousse سوسة
- Djerba جربة
- Hammamet الحمامات
How Tunisia compares
The TruePrice Index for Tunisia, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.
-
Ethiopia 33 Prices about 41% lower than in Tunisia -
Egypt 50 Prices about 11% lower than in Tunisia - Tunisia 56 This page
-
Senegal 79 Prices about 41% higher than in Tunisia -
Morocco 101 Prices about 80% higher than in Tunisia -
Turkey 112 Prices about 2.0× as high as in Tunisia -
Jordan 116 Prices about 2.1× as high as in Tunisia
Common questions about prices in Tunisia
Is Tunisia expensive to visit?
Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 44% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Tunisia scores 56, the 13th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.
How much does a day in Tunisia cost, without flights and hotel?
Roughly TND 40 (about $13) a day at fair prices, or TND 122 (about $41) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (TND 10–30 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.
Do you tip in Tunisia, and how much?
Tip 10% in Tunisian restaurants if service isn't included; taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare, and hammam workers typically expect 2–5 TND for their services.
What currency does Tunisia use?
The Tunisian dinar (TND). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 2.966 TND. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in TND.
How much is a meal and a beer in Tunisia?
A restaurant main course is TND 15–35 (about $5 – $12) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge TND 50–100. A street food meal runs TND 3–8. A local beer is TND 3–6 (about $1 – $2), or TND 8–15 in tourist bars.
How much money should I bring to Tunisia?
Budget roughly TND 40 (about $13) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about TND 122 (about $41) at tourist prices. Add TND 10–30 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.
What is the emergency number in Tunisia?
If you are not sure who you need, call 197, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 190, fire brigade 198.
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.
- Prices
- 29 items: 12 verified, 16 estimates, and 1 rough estimate
- Checked
- to
- Exchange rate
- 1 USD = 2.966 TND,
- Fuel prices
- Cities
- Tunis, Sousse, Djerba, and Hammamet
- Page updated
What the labels mean
- Verified
- Checked against recent local sources.
- Estimate
- Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
- Rough estimate
- Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
- Fair price
- What locals typically pay.
- Tourist-trap price
- What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
- Markup
- The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
- TruePrice Index
- Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.
How to cite
TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/
Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at contact@truepriceapp.com and I will check it.
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