Living in Tunis
Tunisia has managed to remain under the radar for most study abroad students until now. But, we are trying to change that. Tunis is a beautiful city, with a relaxed pace of life, delightful Mediterranean diet, and friendly people who will be happy to help you practice your language skills. It is also safe, and women from around the world will feel quite relaxed wearing what they would at home here.
Living costs in Tunisia are cheaper than in most other Arabic-speaking and French-speaking countries you are likely to visit. This means that your money will go further and you can make the most of your time here; whether around the capital city or traveling throughout the country from the Mediterranean beaches to the dunes of the Sahara.
Accommodation is widely available to suit a variety of budgets, preferences, and living circumstances; Taa Marbouta can help point you in the right direction for accommodation. Cars can easily be hired with international or foreign driving licences but the cost can be quite high; you can check with us for recommendations about car-hire companies. You can easily get around Tunis using taxis, collective taxis, and the metro, although we suggest using apps like Bolt if you are just arriving as this will make your life a lot easier.
Tunisia is mostly a cash-based economy and so you will generally not need to use credit and debit cards apart from for ATM withdrawals and at more upmarket shops and malls. ATMs are present all over the capital and throughout the country, although try not to run out of cash as machines sometimes will not accept certain cards.Some major supermarkets, such as Carrefour, will accept international bank cards.
Tunisia is a safe country for the most part, despite the ongoing challenges faced by neighbouring Libya. There are some closed military zones several hours south of Tunis, such as the Jabal Chaambi region, where there has been terrorist activity in recent years. However, the capital itself is safe and the Taa Marbouta Language Centre is next door to the Presidential Palace and so could not be in a more secure place. In spite of the awkward ongoing political situation in Tunisia, life continues to go on as normal, although many Tunisians are finding the economic situation to be very challenging.
Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread are all widely available and usually organic, whether you are buying from the local supermarket or a stand or shop on the street corner. Other processed foods are also available. Fast food is everywhere in Tunisia and it’s cheap and tasty.
