Tunis, Tunisia Report of what it's like to live there - 05/10/25
Personal Experiences from Tunis, Tunisia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I have also lived in Vietnam.
2. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
For embassy staff the housing is pretty nice, nothing too glamorous but has all the essentials and more. The furthest embassy community is in Gammarth which is about 45 minutes away with traffic, 15 minutes without.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Low prices compared to the United States for most common goods such as pasta, bread, couscous, some fruits and vegetables. Anything not grown or manufactured in Tunisia will be expensive. Beef is expensive. Pork is available in 2 shops in Tunis both near the Embassy but is INCREDIBLY expensive. Think $20-30 USD for a kilo of ground pork. Dairy products can also be expensive depending on availability.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Any specialty ingredients or spices, Asian foods, flour and brown sugar. Regular salt and pepper are also hard to find for some reason.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are two Japanese restaurants, one Chinese restaurant, a couple of Korean places, and some (very bad) Thai food. A lot of pizza and burger places. I have cooked at home a lot more since being here as there is not much variety.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really. The usual cockroaches and house spiders.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The Embassy has pouch and DPO. Local postal service does not do home delivery as theft is quite common so you will need to pick up any packages from a post office.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Inexpensive. I have a housekeeper and gardener.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
There are lots of stray dogs around and it is a high rabies country so I don't use walking as form of transportation unless the destination is close by. The dogs, lack of sidewalks, and erratic driving make running and biking difficult as well but I know people who do it. Definately not accessible.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of gyms around but I haven't used them.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Mostly cash based society but the main grocery stores and an increasing amount of independent stores take card. Lot's of ATMs around and I haven't heard of any ATM scams.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is super helpful as many people don't speak English. Most people under 30 speak some and in La Marsa, Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said you can get away with mostly English. If you go outside of major cities many people only speak Arabic.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, immense difficulty. I would say it has the typical infrastructure of a developing country with poorly maintained sidewalks and no ADA-type requirements.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation is crowded and known for pick-pockets, it's highly discouraged for the Embassy community. Taxis are common and there are Uber-equivalents for those of us who are bad at French.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Very few charging stations so gas car is recommended. I have an SUV and love it but tiny European cars are common here. There are lots of giant trucks so size isn't really a concern. I haven't heard of people stealing cars but breaking into cars is very common. You'll see lot's of glass piles on the ground.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I wouldn't say high speed but it's enough for me to watch Netflix without interruption. I had the Embassy commissary install it before my arrival.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I use Google Fi.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
I would strongly recommend against bringing your dogs here. The stray population is very large and you will need to be vigilant no matter how wealthy of an area you live in, even gated communities do a poor job at keeping them out. I walk with a stick and pepper spray and have had countless run-ins with aggressive strays.
Indoor cats will have a better life. There are some good vets and cheap prices, but they don't have the specialties or quality that there is in the U.S.
No quarantine and very easy to get in. Not easy to get out as you will need a titer.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most work virtually with a job back in the U.S. or at the Embassy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Mostly with the school or the commissary board.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual at work. Tunisian women dress well.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Break-ins are common and there is an anti-american sentiment but nothing too crazy.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Tunisia is experiencing brain drain as many professionals leave for better wages in Europe. I have only visited a dentist who was decent, but didn't have the equipment I'm used to in the U.S.
Anyone with serious issues is medevac-ed
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
It depends on the day. Some people burn trash which messes up the air for days afterward.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winter is mild, summer is HOT.
Expat Life:
1. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Single men yes (but I heard there's a lot of schemes to drug men and take their money), single women no.
2. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I don't think it's a problem. There are some people who don't like Americans but most are nice to individuals.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, there is a bit of an underground scene but being gay is very illegal.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is a large sub-saharan African population who are discriminated against. Gender equality is better than many other places but not quite there yet.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Loved my trip south and the proximity to Europe.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The French Military Cemetery is probably the best maintained free place in the country.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Great time to buy olive-wood decor and utensils, olive oil gifts for family, and mosaic art.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Proximity to Europe, great in-country travel, lots to do in the city, close to the beach, day passes at hotel spas.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It's a great place, but I would not take my dog.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
olive oil and winter coat.
