I'm going to Tunisia this summer, specifically to Sousse. Now I have some general questions.
1- What's the best type of mineral water I can use there? How much does it cost?
2- What are the most nice restaurants to go? (Different types!)
3- Shall I convert Euros to Tunisian currency? Is that better? 1.) There are many different kinds of mineral water and they are all good. My favorites are Sabrine and Safia, although we also buy the others because they say it's not good to stick to only using one brand. A few of the others we use are Janet, Hayet, Fourat, Marawa, Zaourane. Those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.
A 1.5L bottle of mineral water costs .400TDN, but most people buy them is cartons of 6 (costs 2.500TDN); Just a way to not have to go to the store all the time to buy water.
A 1L bottle of coke is 1TDN, while a 1.5L bottle is 1.500TDN. Beer and alcohol prices will probably cost you about 5TDN for one bottle in a hotel, and around 3TDN in a restaurant.
Taxi rides are pretty cheap, but if you want to save on that you can always walk. A taxi ride is usually around 3 dinars depending on how far you are going and what city you will be in.
2.) Sousse has a lot of restaurants, but a lot of them are either expensive or fast food. I much prefer the restaurants here in Monastir (about a 20-30 min drive away).
There is a GREAT Italian Ice Cream parlor in the center of Sousse called Casa Del Gelato. It also serves as a caf茅 and mini restaurant.
Another restaurant that I have heard good things about but have not actually been to is 3 Dolphins. It too is in the center of Sousse, and the building is a really nice tan art-deco brick.
I'll try to ask around tonight to see what other restaurants people like.
Food prices will depend on what type of restaurant you want to go to. A fast food place will cost you about 3TDN per person if you buy a coke along with your sandwich. And actual restaurants will run you anywhere between 20-30TDN for 4 people, including drinks, and many times dessert as well.
3.) You will need to convert your money to Tunisian Dinar. Here are some things you need to know about our currency:
Here is some conversion for you:
1TDN = 拢0.39, 拢1=2.588TDN
1TDN = 鈧?.57, 鈧?=1.752TDN
1TDN = $0.77, $1=1.303TDN
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency
(Currency rates as of 07:50 GMT on 29 May 2007)
The way the money system works is this:
1 Tunisian Dinar (TDN) = 1000 millimes.
Paper money is in denominations of 30, 20, 10 and 5.
Coins are in denominations of 5 &1TDN, and 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 millimes.
English pounds, US Dollars, and Euros are all widely accepted at banks, hotels, and the change counter at the airports. There really is not one that is better than the other.
Just a quick note: Tunisia is one of the few places in the world where you will get a better exchange rate at most hotels than you will at a bank. Keep that in mind when you are changing your money.
Tunisian currency is not a fully convertible currency as of yet, so therefore it can only be purchased inside of Tunisia.
Travelers鈥?checks and credit cards are accepted at some establishments in Tunisia, mainly in urban or tourist areas. The Tunisian dinar is not yet a fully convertible currency and Tunisian law prohibits the export or import of Tunisian bank notes or coins. Tunisian law permits the export of foreign currency that was declared when entering Tunisia. Tourists are expected to make foreign exchange transactions at authorized banks or dealers and to retain receipts for dinars obtained. Under foreign currency regulations, a tourist can reconvert to foreign currency 30 percent of what has been exchanged into dinars, up to a maximum of 100 dollars. Declaring foreign currency on entering Tunisia and obtaining a receipt for dinars purchased thereafter will facilitate reconverting dinars to your original currency. Keep all receipts of monetary transactions for presentation when leaving the country.
Now that the government part is over, there are cash points (ATMs) all over Tunisia, mainly in touristicy areas, and at banks. I personally wouldn't bring travelers checks as it will take a long time for them to process it when you check out because not many people use them. Really the only place that they are valuable at is a bank.
And because Tunisia is still a developing country, most places aren't set up to accept credit cards or debit cards. You'll find that only you're major stores, such as Carefour (in Tunis), and Monoprix, and Magasin General, plus a few major restaurants are equipped to handle them. Most major hotels can handle them as well.
Or bring a credit/debit card and use it at the ATM's when you need money. There is a fee for using the ATM's though, and that varies from bank to bank. Mostly the fee is between 1,500 dinars and 2 dinars. Remember though, you also get charged a fee from your bank for having to convert your normal currency into local currency. You will have to check with your bank/credit card provider to find out how much that fee would be.
My best suggestion to you is to bring the amount of money you want to have and change it little by little when you are in Tunisia. Which ever way you go, keep only the necessary cash on you, and the rest in your hotel room.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me anytime. Traditional Tunisian meals are absolutely delicious! They are spicier than food you will find in a restaurant though, but so much more flavorful! Report It
If you do an excursion to the Isle of Djerba, there is a Restaurant called Restaurant Essoufra. Definitely go there! It is authentic Tunisian food at it's finest, and the prices are more than reasonable! It's one of my favorite restaurants! Report It
I'll be back soon to give you some restaurants in Sousse. Report It
Thanks alot for your help! Report It
Everyone has said that 3 Dolphins is one of the best places to go. They said there is another nice pizzeria not far from there but nobody could remember the name. Report It
Thanks alot Tunisianbelle, you are so kind. Report It
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