Money and duty free for Tunisia
Currency and Money
Currency information
Tunisian Dinar (TND; the symbol DT is also used commonly within Tunisia) = 1,000 millimes. Notes are in denominations of TND 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5 millimes. Coins are in denominations of TND 1, 5, 10 dinars, as well as 5, 10, 20, 50 and 500 millimes. The 10 and 5 millimes coins are not commonly used but are still legal tender. Please note that it is a criminal offence to import or export dinar.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards using the Visa network are accepted as payment in most larger tourist-orientated stores, and many midrange and luxury hotels, as well as at most car hire agencies and established travel agencies. Mastercard is also accepted but may sometimes have issues with authorization. American Express and Diners Club are only accepted in a few places in tourist areas and shouldn't be relied upon.
ATM
ATMs are widely available in tourist resorts and in most towns. Most ATMs are linked to the Visa network though a few, such as ATMs connected to the Bank of Tunisia, also accept Maestro. It is important to always have a small emergency cash fund at hand while travelling in Tunisia for the times when the ATM rejects your card, or simply doesn't work, which can be a quite frequent occurrence, especially once you're away from the coastal resort areas.
Travellers cheques
Officially travellers cheques should be able to be cashed at any bank or bureau de exchange. In reality, many banks (except larger branches in cities and tourist areas) will refuse to exchange them. You will be charged commission on every exchange. If you do want to take travellers cheques the most convenient currencies are Euros and US Dollars. Travellers cheques are only accepted in some hotels.
Banking hours
Banks open from 0830-1100 in summers, and from 0830-1100 and 1400-1600 in winters. During Ramadan (the Islamic holy month of fasting), banks open for shorter hours.
Currency restrictions
Currency exchange
You can exchange foreign currency at banks, bureau de exchanges, and at post offices. Exchange rates are fixed so there should not be any difference in the rate you are offered wherever you choose to exchange. Bring your passport along as it will usually be required if you want to change money. The easiest currencies to exchange are British Pounds, Euro and US Dollars.
Tunisia duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Tunisia without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• 1L of alcoholic drinks over 25% volume or 2L of alcoholic drinks less than 25% volume.
Please note: Customs declarations should be made electronically.
Banned Imports
Prohibited items include local currency, firearms (other than authorised hunting weapons), explosives, narcotics, counterfeit goods, used clothing (other than for personal use), palm trees and branches, henna, dangerous dogs, and anything considered harmful to good morals, health, public safety or state security.
Restricted items include professional audiovisual material, some telecommunications equipment, plants and animals, hunting rifles, and weighing and measuring instruments.
Banned Exports
Local currency, antiquities and artworks, firearms (other than authorised hunting rifles), explosives, narcotics, counterfeit goods, endangered species, and anything considered harmful to good morals, health, public safety or state security.
