Currency & Payment

Tunisia uses the Tunisian dinar (TND, DT), divided into 1,000 millimes. The dinar is a closed currency: it may not legally be taken out of or brought into the country, so you exchange money locally and use up your cash before you leave. Cash is still widely used, especially in markets and rural areas.

Bring euros or US dollars and change them locally at banks, authorised airport counters or hotel exchange desks; rates are broadly regulated. Keep your exchange receipts, as you may need one to reconvert leftover dinars when you leave. Since the dinar cannot leave the country, it is simplest to change only what you expect to spend.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger shops and restaurants in Tunis and the main tourist areas. Away from those places, in souks (markets), small cafes and rural towns, cash is essential. It is wise to carry enough dinars for daily spending and not rely on cards outside the cities.

ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas and are a convenient way to get dinars, though machines can occasionally be out of cash or offline. Watch out for foreign-card fees and always decline home-currency conversion (DCC) for a better rate. Withdraw in towns before heading into rural areas where ATMs are scarce.

Mobile and contactless payment is limited in Tunisia and used far less than cash. Some hotels and modern shops in Tunis may take contactless cards, but you should not rely on phone-based wallets for everyday spending. Plan to pay in cash for most transactions, especially outside the capital.

Tipping in Tunisia is common but modest and not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated in cafes and restaurants, and a small tip for hotel staff, guides and drivers is customary. Small denominations of cash are handy for tips, as service is not always included.

Tunisia is generally an affordable destination, with local street food, transport and market goods costing little, while tourist hotels and imported items are pricier. In souks, bargaining is expected for goods, so agree a price before you buy. Prices vary between the capital, resort areas and smaller towns.

Tunisia operates a VAT (TVA) refund scheme for non-resident visitors on eligible goods bought at participating shops above a minimum amount. Ask the shop for the tax-free paperwork at purchase, then have it validated by customs when you leave the country. Conditions, minimum spend and processing fees apply, so confirm the current rules.