The Land of El-Jem, The Byrsa Hill

& The Antonine Baths

Information on Relocating to Tunisia

·        The capital city of Tunisia is Tunis with about 2 million people. The political centre is also in Tunis where the President resides. Tunisia is a Republic.

·        Languages: The languages spoken are Arabic (official). French is the second language, Italian is spoken in major cities, and English and German mainly in tourist resorts.. The TV programs are in their original language. Satellite TV is available.

·        Population: The population is about 9.9 million people - 98% are Arab, 1% European, 1% Jewish and other.

·        Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Tunis.

·        Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

·        Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 1000 to US$ 2500 for an apartment and US$ 2500 to US$ 3500 monthly and higher for a house. The local currency is Tunisian Dinar (TD).

·        Schools: We have the American and the French school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

·        Transportation: A suburban train line (TGM) links Tunis with the northern suburbs. Tunis and Sousse also have a modern and convenient tram system (métro léger). Taxi: Within Tunis and other cities, city taxis are numbered and have meters. The price on the meter is what you should pay. There is a 50 per cent surcharge on night fares. Bicycle: Bicycles and motorcycles are available for hire in most major towns and do not require a license.

·        Bank: The banks are open from Monday-Friday 7.30 am - 11.30 am (summer). Monday-Thursday 8.00 am - 11. 00 am and 2.00 pm - 4.15 pm, Friday 8.00 am - 11.00 am and 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm (winter).

·        Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Saturday 8.00 am - 12.00 and 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm (summer). Monday-Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm (winter).

·        Climate: In the north there is a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. In the south there is a typical desert condition, with extreme temperatures.

·        Culture: In Tunisia, the theatre season lasts from October to June when local and foreign (especially French) companies put on productions and concerts. There are numerous cinemas in the larger cities. There are nightclubs in the major tourist resorts and at most beach hotels, as well as in the big city hotels. Belly dancing is a common cabaret feature and lively local bands often play traditional music.

·        Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; January (date varies)-Eid al-Idha (Feast of the Sacrifice); January/February (date varies)-Hegire (Islamic New Year); March 20th-Independence Day; March 21st-Youth Day; April 9th-Martyr's Day; April (date varies)-Mouled (Prophet's Anniversary); May 1st-Labour Day; July 25th-Republic Day; August 13th-Women's Day; October/November (dates vary)-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan); November 7th-New Era Day.