Export of currency from Tunisia. Alcohol and cigarettes in Tunisia
Political system
Tunisia is a presidential republic led by energetic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Geographical position
The country is located in the center of North Africa, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In the east it borders with Libya, in the west - with Algeria. The southern part of the country is the Sahara Desert. From the northernmost point, Cape Cal Bon, to Sicily - 140 kilometers.
Square
More than 164 thousand sq. Km. The length of the coast, most of which is beautiful beaches, is 1200 km.
Population
About 10 million people.
Capital
Tunisia. Population - 2 million people.
Other large cities: Sfax is the industrial center of the country, Sousse is a resort and port, Hammamet is a resort of the country.
Time
Central European time is accepted in Tunisia. Upon arrival in Tunisia, the clock hands must be rearranged, the difference with Moscow is minus 2 hours.
Climate
Moderate Mediterranean. The hottest month is August (30 ° on average), the coldest month is January (15 ° on average). Two "velvet" seasons: May-June and September-October.
Language
The official language is Arabic. French is widely spoken. In hotels and resort areas, you can communicate in German, English, Italian.
Religions
Islam, Christianity, Judaism. 95% of the population is Muslim. There are two active Russian Orthodox churches in the country. On the island of Djerba - the shrine of the Jews, the Grib synagogue (VI century BC).<.p>
Money
The Tunisian dinar is equal to 1000 millimeters. Old and new denominations of 30, 20, 10 and 5 dinars, as well as coins of 1 dinar, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 millimeters, are in circulation in the country. It is forbidden to import and export Tunisian dinars. For violation - criminal liability.
Currency exchange
You can import any amount of currency, any checks, credit cards. If you import more than 1000 US dollars and think to export more than 1000 US dollars per person, then you need to declare the currency before going through customs at a special point called "DECLARATION DEVISES". You can change dollars or other European currencies right at the hotel, at the exchange rate of the day, or at bank branches. The exchange rate is set daily by the Central Bank of Tunisia and is subject to minor fluctuations. One Tunisian dinar is equivalent to approximately US $ 0.9. When exchanging currency, it is imperative to take an exchange receipt, this will make it possible at the airport, before departure, to exchange dinars for dollars, but not more than 100 dinars, provided that the total amount of currency exchange receipts is not less than 300 dinars.
Visa
Since December 1, 2014, citizens of the Russian Federation are exempt from the need to obtain a visa to enter Tunisia, provided that their stay in Tunisia does not exceed 90 days. You can enter Tunisia with a Russian passport. Until the expiration of its validity, there must be at least 3 months from the date of receipt of the entry stamp in Tunisia.
Customs regulations
You can import personal items duty-free, alcoholic beverages up to 25 degrees - 2 liters, over 25 degrees - 1 liter, cigarettes - 20 packs. Things and items imported in marketable quantities are subject to seizure. It is strictly forbidden to import weapons and drugs, as well as counterfeit money. If you are importing a large amount of money, it is advisable to declare it before customs control. It is recommended to take cigarettes with you (although the Ministry of Health advises you to try not to smoke at least in Tunisia), 1-2 bottles of vodka, or whiskey, or gin (in Tunisia this is expensive, and there is always a reason to drink in good company), Russian souvenirs for those who will serve you (matryoshka dolls are still a curiosity in Tunisia), books for reading (easy reading, although if in Tunisia you cannot forget the problems of Russia, take detective stories and politics). And of course, everything for swimming, sunbathing, sports, and a pleasant stay. You can freely export everything that you bought in Tunisia: carpets, souvenirs, gold, silver, fruits, etc. What to buy in Tunisia, our guide will tell you. It is forbidden to take out antiques if you purchased them by hand, and not in an antique store.
Vaccinations and insurance
In Tunisia, vaccinations are optional and no one will ask for a vaccination certificate. An insurance policy is required for the entire duration of your stay in Tunisia. In case of illness, first of all call your guide, he will call a doctor. Tunisia is a country of quality medical care. You can find any kind of medicine in Tunisian pharmacies. The water can be drunk from the tap, but it is recommended to buy mineral water in plastic bottles for drinking. Fruit bought in shops must be washed well.
Transport
Traffic in Tunisia is right-hand, the roads are good. Speed on the highway - no more than 110 km / h, on others - no more than 90 km / h, in cities and towns - no more than 50 km / h.
Car for rent
In Tunisia, you can drive a car with a Russian driver's license. If you want to rent a car, contact your guide: he will advise the car rental company and help you draw up a contract. Driving rules are the same as in Russia. Local inspectors (police, gendarmes) are strict and incorruptible people. Checking documents on the roads is a common thing, be sure to stop and present your documents. Please be very polite with the police in Tunisia. In case of violation of the rules, admit that you are a Russian tourist, that you did not want to violate, then you will be scolded and released without punishment. If you drink, do not drive, the punishment will be very severe. By renting a car, you can safely travel throughout the country, but it is not recommended to go to the desert in one car and without a guide: you can get lost, get stuck on a bad road, then you cannot avoid disaster. There are two types of taxis in Tunisia. Inside the cities there are yellow taxis, the fare is 300 millimeters per kilometer. Between cities - taxi luage, the most popular form of transport in Tunisia: for 5 dinars you can travel from Hammamet to the capital (70 km). One inconvenience - Luage taxis go from station to station, then you have to take the yellow taxi again. There is a "grand taxi", which can be ordered for an individual trip to another city, the cost of a trip from Hammamet to Tunisia and back, with a parking lot for 2-4 hours - 80-100 dinars.
Public transport
There are buses in the cities, in the capital there is an overground metro. You can also travel from city to city by train. It is best to fly to the island of Djerba by a local airline (one hour flight from the capital Tunis Carthage airport).
Electricity
220 volts, 50 Hz. The plugs are European type with two round thick pins. It is useful to take a universal adapter with you.
Communication
The first impressions of Russians who set foot on the land of ancient Carthage are a feeling of calmness and hospitality, contemplation of the blue sky, white hotels immersed in greenery, yellow sand beaches, azure sea. If you are fluent in any European language, that is very good. If you have taken a phrasebook with you - very good. If not, it doesn't matter: in Tunisian hotels, the staff is gradually mastering the Russian language. Although it is enough to know a few French words, such as merci - thank you, s "il vous plait - please, pardon - sorry, bonjour - good afternoon, au revoir - goodbye, and you can already explain yourself. Add a smile and pleasant communication to you provided.
Behavior rules
In Tunisia, a Muslim country, there are rules of conduct for a tourist, which are natural for a cultured person and the observance of which does not require effort:
- In resort areas, tourists dress lightly, preferring comfortable shorts.
- Calmly walk around the person if he is kneeling and praying.
- Do not stare at women in burqas. And don't take pictures without their permission.
- Do not take pictures:
- objects with the state flag,
- presidential apartments,
- police officers.
- Do not drink outside from beer cans or wine bottles.
- Do not speak loudly or make noisy scenes in the streets and in hotels.
- In hotels and shops, it is customary to say hello, even if you don't know each other. You can greet a stranger or a stranger in any language. You will be understood and also answered with a greeting.
Our advice:
- Do not take money and valuables to the beach. Take some small change to buy drinks. You go swimming, and your purse and things will be unattended. And they can be "played" by "merchants" of souvenirs and fruits, which, unfortunately, sometimes appear on the beach.
- Do not exchange currency on the beach. You can be deceived by someone who has "dexterous hands".
- Don't buy fruit on the beach. They are very expensive here and can be poorly cleaned. There are beach bars.
- When leaving the beach, collect all the trash in a bag and carry it to the nearest trash can.
The sun
Try to stay in the shade between 11 and 15 noon. The sun is deceiving, you can get a burn in just 30 minutes. Therefore, try to sunbathe gradually, sunbathe in the morning and in the afternoon. We advise you to definitely use a variety of sun creams, each hotel has a large selection.
Swimming
Be careful: if you have swum far from the coast, then at low tide the sea current, imperceptible to you, can take you far out into the open sea. Do not swim beyond the protective yellow buoys. Also remember that a sea bike, surfboard, catamaran or speedboat may run into you behind the buoys.
Ramadan
This is the month of Muslim fasting, a special time of the year, during which the rhythm of life of Tunisians completely changes. Indeed, during Ramadan in the daytime, a Muslim should not eat, drink or smoke.
Tourist advice: during Ramadan, it is advisable to refrain from smoking, eating and drinking on the streets of cities, in the company of Tunisians, even if they will offer you a cup of coffee. For your part, do not invite Tunisians to smoke, drink wine or beer, and especially refrain from offering spirits to Tunisians. Of course, in resorts, in hotels, in cities, you can calmly have breakfast and lunch at any time convenient for you and you will be politely served by a waiter who observes the fast.
Food
The cuisine in the hotels is European, although very tasty Tunisian dishes will always be served, which we advise you to try: couscous (meat, stewed vegetables, couscous groats) from lamb or with fish, brik (cheburek is a pancake with an egg and tuna baked inside), Fatma's fingers (pancakes with meat), shorba (soup with vegetables and veal or lamb, reminiscent of kharcho), mergez (reminiscent of kebab), tagin - a kind of omelet with chicken or meat and cheese, etc. We advise you to try Tunisian olives and olives and, of course, arissa, a red pepper cooked with garlic and served as a spice. Be sure to try the strong Turkish coffee and the famous mint tea with pine nuts. This tea is especially tasty in Sidi Bou Said (a suburb of Tunisia). The guesthouse usually does not include soft drinks, nor strong drinks, except for some all-inclusive hotels, where wine is included in the menu. You can order these drinks for a fee. You can pay immediately in cash in dinars, or you can put your room number on the check and sign the check. And then, before leaving the hotel, pay for what is called "extra": drinks in the restaurant and bar, laundry, ironing, telephone, etc.
Restaurants
In Hammamet there are several restaurants with good food, especially fish: restaurants "TRI BARANA", the best restaurant in 1996, "BEL VU" translates as a BEAUTIFUL VIEW and it really offers a beautiful view of the Hammamet Bay and the Spanish fortress, "FESTIVAL", Chinese restaurant "Imperial". Remember to say that you came from Monsieur Nicolas. And good service is provided to you along with a 10% discount. For beer lovers, we advise you to visit a place called BRAUHOUSE in the center of Hammamet, where you will be served velvety and light beer of our own production.
The drinks
Tunisian wines are consistently awarded at international competitions. We recommend such red wines as "CARTAGE", "O MORNAGUE", "MAGON", "VIE MAGON", "PINO", gray wine "COTE DE TEBURBA", white wine "BLAN DE BLANC", "UNI BLANC". Try fig vodka "BUKHA", because it was from her that such famous words as plump, booze entered the Russian language. You will undoubtedly like the famous TIBARIN liqueur made of dates and herbs, the recipe for which was lost in ancient Rome. And in hot weather it is very good to taste the Tunisian beer "CELTIA", pleasant to the taste, intoxicating (according to the recipe of German Celtic brewers).
Shopping in Tunisia
The best place to shop is the oriental bazaars, which sell everything: leather and olive wood, gold and silver, copper and bronze, carpets and dresses, shoes and antiques. At the market, bazaar, in the shop of an artisan, you can and should bargain. Remember that the first price that the trader calls may differ from the price you agree on by 5-10 times! So a tip: stick to the price you would buy a souvenir for. But in shops and stores where prices are indicated (this applies to all modern boutiques in the capital, most stores in Hammamet, Nabele, Sousse), you should not bargain: the product and its price are in front of you, you decide yes or no.
Shop opening hours
Every day, except Sunday, from 9 am to 7 pm. Lunch break is usually from 12.00 to 14.00.
Holidays and weekends
The day off is Sunday. Banks and some shops are closed. Sunday at the same time is a big market day (in Tunisia, Sousse and other cities). Saturday is a short working day. Each city has its own market day, our guide will tell you about this (in Hammamet - on Thursdays, in Nabele - on Fridays, etc.).
sights
What is worth seeing? In Tunisia, the capital of the country: The Medieval Medina (in the center of the capital) with the Great Zitouna Mosque and the Oriental Bazaar. Note the Tunisian coinage. The Bardo Museum, which houses the world's largest exhibition of mosaic paintings from Ancient Rome. The museum is open daily (except Mondays) from 9.00 to 16.00. Photographing permission - 1 dinar. Of particular interest is Carthage, a Punic city founded in 814 BC, the capital of the Carthaginian state, destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC. Archaeologists have unearthed one of the quarters of Carthage, in which, according to legend, the great commander Hannibal was born. You can visit the imposing ruins of buildings of Roman Carthage (1st century BC - 5th century AD): an amphitheater for 50 thousand spectators, a thermal bath of the Emperor Antoninus. The baths were built between 146 and 162 in a delightful location by the sea. They were the largest in the Roman Empire after the Trajan baths in Rome. The aristocracy of Carthage met here for relaxation, bathing and business conversations. Next to the baths is the summer palace of the beys - today the residence of the President of Tunisia (the summer residence is located in Hammamet). Taking pictures of the palace is prohibited. All excavations in Carthage are open daily from 9.00 to 17.00, in the summer until 19.00. Photographing permission is one dinar. Be sure to see Sidi Bou Said - a blue and white suburb of Tunisia, a meeting place for artists, poets and writers. It was visited by Gumilev, Guy de Maupassant, Simone de Bouvoir, Chateaubriand, and many other famous personalities. A unique view of the Gulf of Tunis. Visit one of Sidi Bou Said's cafes and taste the famous mint tea with nuts. In Hammamet and Nabeul, of interest are: Hammamet - Medina (museum of the bride) and the Spanish fortress on the very seashore.
Photo © Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos / flickr.com
Top 20: What to bring from Tunisia as a gift - photos and prices
In the article we tell you what you can bring from Tunisia as a gift. We share photos and information on prices for souvenirs from Tunisia in 2020. At the end of the article, we tell you how to shop for gifts and souvenirs in Tunisia.
Standard souvenirs
Photo © Wally Argus / flickr.com
- Magnet- from 1 dinar
- Postcards- from 1 dinar for 10 pieces
- Small wallets- 3-4 dinars
- Mosaic paintings- 10-15 dinars
- Multi-colored doors- 10 dinars
- Leather paintings- from 8-15 dinars
Unusual souvenirs from Tunisia
For those who do not know what to bring original from Tunisia, we suggest paying attention to the following souvenirs.
Blown glass products
Photo © jay greinsky /flickr.com
Blown glass products can be brought from Tunisia as a gift to family, friends and colleagues. In Tunisia, blown glass is used to create various interior decorations: vases, figurines, dishes, lamps, etc. If you have a desire to watch the process of production of blown glass souvenirs, go to the Sadika studio.
Reasons to buy: original souvenir
Where is the best place to buy: Cape Bon, Carthage, Tunisia and its surroundings
Souvenir cost: from 3 - 5 dinars (from 69-116 rubles). The lamp can be bought for about 49 dinars
Photo © Riyadh Al Balushi flickr.com
Another great gift from Tunisia is pottery. All ceramic dishes are painted with original patterns. As a rule, tourists bring plates, jugs, and clay cups.
Reasons to buy: low price, high quality
Where is the best place to buy: Nabe, Gellala (Djerba)
Souvenir cost: from 12 dinars (from 277 rubles)
Photo © Fif '/flickr.com
The desert rose is an exotic souvenir that tourists from Tunisia bring as a gift to their loved ones as a symbol of unfading love. Sand roses are a mineral that forms in sand. Outwardly, it resembles chocolate roses on a cake.
Roses are sold in different sizes and colors. Mostly sandy beige in color, but there are black and white (depending on the sand in which they were formed).
Reasons to buy: romantic and exotic souvenir, low price
Souvenir price: from 1-3 dinars
Photo © Tjeerd Wiersma /flickr.com
Darbuka is a percussion musical instrument that many tourists bring from Tunisia as a decorative decoration for their home or as a gift to friends and acquaintances. Darbuka is a drum with a wooden, clay or metal body. Darbuk's body is shaped like a goblet, it is covered with leather and brightly painted.
Reasons to buy: interesting home decoration, musical gift
Souvenir price: from 25-37 dinars
Calligraphic paintings
Another original gift from Tunisia is paintings. We are talking about paintings, where various landscapes, portraits of people, animals, buildings, etc. are depicted using skillful calligraphic skills. As a rule, the lines in the paintings belong to ancient Arabic poems.
You can purchase both ready-made paintings and custom-made paintings with your own lines.
Reasons to buy: original decoration and gift, craft work
Souvenir price: from 37 dinars
Carpets
Photo © wnhsl (www.flickr.com)
It is believed that Tunisian carpets are not inferior to the famous Persian carpets. Carpets in Tunisia are made by hand, using natural materials and dyes. Wool and silk are used as materials.
Tourists bring carpets from Tunisia, despite the high prices, since such carpets do not lose their presentable appearance for a long time: they do not fade when washed and do not wear out for a long time.
Reasons to buy: long lasting souvenir and gift
Where is the best place to buy: To be sure of the quality of the carpet, buy in stores where they are ready to provide the appropriate quality certificate. The quality mark is attached in the form of a seal on the seamy side of the carpet. You can buy a carpet in any big city in Tunisia on the Medina (a large shopping area). It is believed that the best carpets are made in Kairouan.
Carpet cost: The price of a carpet in Tunisia depends on the size, the complexity of the pattern and the materials used. The run-up in prices starts from several hundred dollars.
Natural cosmetic
Tunisia boasts a large selection of cosmetics and perfumes. If you do not know what to bring from cosmetics for yourself (or as a gift for loved ones), pay attention to the list below.
Natural and aromatic oils
Photo © monicore / pixabay.com
Natural oils such as argan oil, prickly pear cactus, caraway seeds and shea (shea) oils can be brought from Tunisia. Natural oils can be purchased in pure form or as part of cosmetics. For example, in Tunisia, natural oils are actively used in the manufacture of creams, shampoos, natural soaps and essences.
Reasons to buy: Skin care with oils can prolong skin youthfulness. Natural oils can soften the skin and enrich it with vitamins. They can be used for daily skin and body care. Natural oils are also used for nail, scalp and hair care. The oils can be added to a variety of homemade masks or creams. Among other things, natural oils have a natural sun protection factor (can be used before and after tanning).
Where is the best place to buy: it is better to buy oil in specialized stores, pharmacies or thalassotherapy centers
Oil cost: from 7 dinars for 250 ml., aromatic oils from 4 dinars. A 50 ml bottle of Argan Oil can be purchased for 30-50 dinars.
Photo © silviarita /pixabay.com
Tourists also often bring olive soap from Tunisia as a gift and souvenir. Soap is sold everywhere, the choice is large: soaps of different sizes, colors and smells.
Reasons to buy: Olive oil soap moisturizes the skin and gives it elasticity, enriches the skin with vitamins A and E. Soap is suitable for all skin types. Olive soap can be used as a makeup remover. When used with sea salt, it perfectly exfoliates and polishes the skin.
Where is the best place to buy: Large selection of inexpensive natural soaps and various bathroom accessories presented in the Hammamat markets.
Soap cost: from 2.5 dinars per 100 g
Tfal clay cosmetics
Tfal is a volcanic marine clay that is used as masks for the body and face.
Reasons to buy: Clay is suitable for caring for any type of skin, so you can safely buy and give it to anyone. Tfal masks enrich the skin of the face, body and head with microelements, smooth wrinkles, normalize the work of the sebaceous glands, preventing excessive sebum secretion. Clay Tfal has anti-inflammatory properties.
Price: The price for clay depends on the size of the package and the manufacturer's firm. For example, a small can of Chema Ghassoul Argile minerale costs about 9 dinars. Shampoo containing such clay costs from 5 dinars per 1 liter.
Also, the following cosmetics are brought from Tunisia
Cosmetics in Tunisia | Dinar | Ruble |
Cactus based face cream | from 3-5 | from 69-116 |
Day / night cream | 10 | 231 |
Shampoo (with henna, tint, mud) | from 3-5 | from 69-116 |
Black mud shampoo / balm (100 ml) | from 3-5 | from 69-116 |
Locally produced sunscreens | 3 | 69 |
Massage oil (with rose / geranium) | from 5 | from 116 |
Dried seaweed (125 g) | 10 | 231 |
Sea sponges | from 2 | from 46 |
Food (dates, sweets, salted lemons)
Dates Deglet Nur
In Tunisia, you can find the Deglet Nur variety of dates, which is grown in the southwest of the country. Dates are very often brought by tourists from Tunisia for themselves or as a gift to friends and family. Such a sweet souvenir can be stored for a long time, so it will not be difficult to bring them to Russia.
Reasons to buy: a sweet and healthy souvenir. Dates enrich the body with fiber, normalize digestion, contain vitamins, salts and minerals the body needs.
Where is the best place to buy: Dates are cheaper in local bazaars than in supermarkets and tourist centers.
Date value: 3-5 dinars per 1 kg at local markets, supermarkets and tourist shops, dates cost 8-12 dinars per 1 kg.
Sweets from Tunisia
Photo © Bit Boy / www.flickr.com
You can also bring sweet souvenirs from Tunisia, such as baklava, halva, makrud, honey with nuts, nuts in sugar, etc.
Tunisian Macrud biscuits made from semolina dough. The pulp of dates, nuts (almonds or walnuts), dried rose petals or figs are added as a filling.
Also, tourists often bring Tunisian halva... In Tunisia, halva is represented by a large assortment. The most popular halva brands are La Gazelle, Papillon and Shehrazad. There is no fundamental difference between the brands, so you can safely buy the products of any of them.
As well as, from Tunisia, tourists often buy baklava... Baklava is prepared from thin filo dough with the addition of sweet syrup or honey. Walnuts or pistachios are added as a filling.
Reasons to buy: sweet and exotic souvenir
Where is the best place to buy: According to the reviews of tourists, it is better to buy Tunisian sweets in the Masmoudi and Zarrouk pastry shops. They are located in Sfax and Tunis.
The cost of sweets: Tunisian sweets can be purchased from 25 dinars per 1 kg. Halva 185g - 4.5 dinars, 400g - 6.5 dinars.
Photo © Lenore Edman / flickr.com
Salted lemons are another unusual edible souvenir from Tunisia that pleasantly surprises. This delicacy is sold almost everywhere, so it will not be difficult to find it in Tunisia. Tourists try to bring salted lemons from Tunisia because they have an original taste.
Reasons to buy: unusual souvenir, exotic delicacy
Where is the best place to buy: on any Medina from pickle sellers
Lemons cost: 1 kg from 3 dinars
Harissa
Photo © Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos /flickr.com
For lovers of spicy dishes from Tunisia, you can bring a spicy pasty Harissa sauce as a souvenir. The sauce is made with chili peppers, garlic, olive oil and various spices. Harissa in Tunisia is sold as a dry mix, powder or canned.
It is best to purchase the sauce ready-made in the form of canned food. Mixtures and powders must be diluted with oil and infused. One of the most popular sauce brands is Le Phare du Cap Bon.
Reasons to buy: unusual souvenir, exotic delicacy, inexpensive gift
Where is the best place to buy: Large selection of Harissa at low prices can be found in Carrefour and MG stores.
Harissa Price: 0.5 to 1 dinar for a small can of 135 g.
Photo © John Seb Barber / flickr.com
Olive oil is often imported from Tunisia, as Tunisian oil is of good quality and can be bought cheaper than in Russia. Pay attention to the labels, they must be labeled "Extra Virgin" or "Cold First Press". Better to buy oil with acidity< 1%. Самое распространённое оливковое масло в Тунисе бренда Ruspina.
Reasons to buy: cheaper than in Russia, high-quality products
Where is the best place to buy: It is better to buy in supermarkets and stores, since the stores follow the storage conditions and the quality is guaranteed by the label. You can buy olive oil in the markets, but you need to understand that there is no guarantee that you will buy a high quality product. You will not be able to get poisoned, since olive oil is stored for a long time and without preservatives.
Price: 1 liter of olive oil in Tunisia can be purchased for 10 dinars.
Olive Oil Reminder
Photo © site
Alcohol
There are French vineyards in the country. The technology of wine production in Tunisia was also borrowed from the French. Therefore, you can safely bring local vintage wines from Tunisia. Pay attention to the wines "Magon", "Muscat de Kelibia" and "Chateau Morgan Rose".
- Pink - Cote de Carthage, Gris de Tunisie and Chateau Mornag;
- Reds - Haut Mornag, Selian, Vieux Magon.
- White wines - Muscat de Kelibia, Thibar, Ugni Blanc, Blanc de Blanc
Photo © Eli Christman /flickr.com
In addition to wine in Tunisia, you can buy local moonshine based on figs - Bukha... A drink with a citrus aroma and an alcoholic strength of about 40 degrees.
They bring from Tunisia date liqueur "Thibarine" and citrus liqueur "Cedratine"... Thibarine is drunk with cola, and Cedratine with coffee.
You can also bring a tincture of herbs and orange peels - Cedratine... Sedratin drink has a strength of 36-40 degrees.
Note : since Tunisia is a Muslim country on Friday, the sale and drinking of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Reasons to buy: high quality alcohol, memory of Tunisia
Where to buy: You can buy alcohol in Tunisia in specialized shops "General shops" (open from 10:00 to 16:00). Also available in malls like Carrefour and in supermarkets like Monoprix. In ordinary stores, alcohol is not sold.
Alcohol cost: A small bottle of wine 0.35-0.5 from Tunisia can be brought for 7-20 dinars. Liqueur Tibarine in Tunisia is sold from 10 dinars. Sedratin can be bought for about 18 dinars.
Tunisian jewelry
Photo © JD Lasica (www.flickr.com)
As a gift from Tunisia, you can bring spectacular and stylish jewelry made of gold and silver... It should be noted that in Tunisia, the greatest importance is given to the quality of the metal, and not to precious stones. In the manufacture of jewelry, non-precious stones, cubic zirconia or diamonds are used.
Jewelers prefer to make gold jewelry from 750 assay value. Since jewelry is made of high-grade gold, jewelry prices are advised. Silver jewelry is mainly represented by the Berber style (spectacular and massive jewelry).
An expensive souvenir is jewelry with corals or pearls... The price of such jewelry depends on the color and method of processing the product.
Special attention should be paid decoration Shab... The unusual Shab jewelry is created using amber. Upon contact with the warmth of the human body, ambergris begins to smell pleasant (the decoration emits a soft fragrant aroma).
Photo © shankar s. (Www.flickr.com)Ordinary jewelry is also popular. As a gift you can bring jewelry with the Hamsa amulet... The amulet has other names - Hand of the Lord, Hand of Fatima, Hand of Five. The amulet itself is a symmetrical palm with two thumbs facing down. A stone or pattern from the evil eye is placed in the center of the decoration.
It is believed that such jewelry is presented as a wish of prosperity and success. You can buy Hamsa in the form of a pendant on a bracelet, a pendant, earrings and a necklace. The cost depends on the size and material of the decoration.
Reasons to bring: high quality jewelry, high standard metal
Where to buy: Jewelry is best bought in specialized stores. Refrain from buying gold in Medina, except Medina in Tunis.
The cost of jewelry in Tunisia: Gold items can be purchased from 61 dinars. Pink coral beads are sold from 1225 dinars. Simple jewelry with the Hamsa amulet can be purchased from 2 dinars.
Tunisian fabrics, clothing and footwear
Linen
Photo © Chris Hunkeler /flickr.comLinen in Tunisia can be bought of high quality. Such materials are used for clothing designed for hot climates. For example, in Tunisia, men wear a spacious mid-calf shirt, in Jubba.
Reasons to buy
Where is the best place to buy: in Hammamet. The flax store "Fella" is famous for its quality items.
Cost of fabrics in Tunisia: Linen - from 25 dinars per 1 m of fabric. Pants can be bought from 15 dinars, dresses and tunics from 6 dinars, shirts and blouses from 7 dinars.
Silk
Photo © Josbert Lonnee / flickr.com
You can also bring silk from Tunisia. Here they sell it of good quality. Tourists most often buy silk scarves, stoles and bedspreads.
Reasons to buy: high quality and natural material
Where to buy: a large selection is presented in Mahdia
Cost of fabrics in Tunisia: meter of silk can be purchased from 25 dinars. Neck scarves can be bought from 10 dinars, small bags from 15 dinars, bedspreads from 20 dinars, stole from 15 dinars, silk shoes are sold from 10 dinars.
Photo © Mike Prince /flickr.com
You can bring high-quality leather clothes and shoes from Tunisia. The choice of leather goods in Tunisia is large.
Reasons to buy: reasonable prices, high quality leather
Where is the best place to buy: if you want a 100% guarantee, then it is better to buy in specialized stores that are ready to provide quality certificates.
Price for leather goods: The cost of products depends on the type of leather and processing technology. There is a big run-up in prices for leather bags: a bag can be bought for 10-80 dinars.
- Camel skin bags cost about 20 dinars,
- Leather suitcase can be purchased from 55 dinars,
- Leather belts for 10-15 dinars,
- Leather slippers can be purchased for about 27-37 dinars,
- Leather sandals sell for about 61 dinars.
Hookah
Photo © emahmuzlu (pixabay.com)
You can bring a Hookah from Tunisia as a gift. A medium-sized hookah can be purchased for 25 dinars. When buying a hookah in Tunisia, remember that not all hookahs are meant for smoking. Some hookahs serve as a purely decorative decoration for the home.
Photo © myfreeworld.ru
Friends! Yesterday we already discussed in detail what can (or cannot) be imported into Tunisia. Let us now analyze the opposite situation.
Tunisia's customs regulations are described in the Code - “Code des Douanes de la Tunisie” in the latest edition of 2008 and its annexes - about 20 explanatory documents that came into force in 2009. These pieces of legislation can be downloaded from the official website of the Portail de la Douane Tunisienne (“Tunisian Customs Portal”). (Yout)
(VK)(FB)
ITEMS FORBIDDEN TO EXPORT.
The list is very similar to the list of things that cannot be brought into Tunisia. This is:
- Narcotic substances, other than medicines for personal use. In this case, a certificate from a medical institution should be on hand. It is better to prepare the certificate at home. The details of the registration should be inquired in advance at the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia. If you need a medicine during your stay in Tunisia, then contact the Russian Embassy.
- Pornography in any form. Please note that Tunisians even understand topless photos by this concept. Of course, customs officers will not enter the contents of a personal phone or laptop, but you should be careful with calendars, postcards and the like.
- Any items of historical or cultural value. Theoretically, any pebble can fall under suspicion, because you could have captured it from the excavations of Dugga, Oudna or Carthage, or maybe you recaptured a piece of the amphitheater in El Jem. There were unpleasant situations when Tunisian customs officers found fault with seemingly harmless pebbles, with tourists, it is better not to risk it.
- Henna in any form. It is prohibited for both export and import into the country. This prohibition arose long ago, when people tried to smuggle drugs under the guise of henna. New chemical detectors now rule out this possibility, but the ban remains. (Yout) (VK)(FB)
- Palm tree and products from it. Attention! Dates and coconuts can be exported, but a spoon made of date palm wood is no longer possible. If you decide to buy something wooden in Tunisia, then buy products from olive wood, the texture of the wood of which is very colorful, you cannot confuse it with anything.
- Any counterfeit.
- Plants and animals listed in the Red Book.
- Any explosives.
Alcohol, cigarettes and perfumes.
The Tunisian Customs Code speaks evasively with the phrases “reasonable amount” or “for non-commercial use” regarding the quantities allowed for export. There is no translation of these phrases into the language of numbers, guess yourself.
With regard to cigarettes and tobacco, you can use the recommendations of the IATA (International Air Carriers Association), they recommend trying to export no more than 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or up to 400 grams of loose tobacco (snuff, chewing or pipe).
Even IATA has no recommendations for the export of alcohol. As a reminder, you can import up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages into Russia duty-free. Tunisian customs officers with 3 liters release without problems, we have not yet seen cases of claims. The same goes for perfume.
Removal of money:
The export of Tunisian dinars from the country is strictly prohibited, this applies to coins, dinar banknotes, and even millim coins (local kopecks).
There is no limit, it is forbidden! Some guides spread information about some permitted minimum - 10 or 14 dinars, but this is fiction. Customs officers will gladly confiscate any coins and banknotes. The remaining Tunisian dinars can be exchanged at the airport. In foreign currency, it is allowed to export an amount equivalent to 5,000 dinars or less. If you export more, then the currency had to be declared at the entrance to the country, and the corresponding stamp had to be in the passport. No stamp? So export is prohibited. (I personally carried Tunisian coins in my luggage, just as a souvenir. The main thing is not to put it on display).
Olive oil and other gifts.
The situation is similar, there are no exact recommendations. Here you can only be guided by the experience of tourists and your own logic.
Valuable items.
If you have purchased something valuable in Tunisia - carpets, gold items and the like, then stock up on a check as proof of the legality of the purchase. It is also highly recommended to stock up on a check for any item that may be suspected of cultural value - any minted items, Tunisian ceramics and similar souvenirs. Remember that it is better to play it safe once again than to explain yourself to Tunisian customs and miss your flight home.
Palm tree and products from it. Attention! Dates and coconuts can be exported, but a spoon made of date palm wood is no longer possible. Our advice, if you decide on something wooden, then buy products from olive wood, the texture of the wood of which is very colorful, you cannot confuse it with anything.
Any counterfeit.
Plants and animals listed in the Red Book.
Any explosives.
Alcohol, cigarettes and perfumes
The Tunisian Customs Code speaks evasively with the phrases “reasonable amount” or “for non-commercial use” regarding the quantities allowed for export. There is no translation of these phrases into the language of numbers, guess yourself.
Regarding cigarettes and tobacco, you can use the recommendations of the IATA (International Air Carriers Association), they recommend trying to export no more than 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or up to 400 grams of loose tobacco (snuff, chewing or pipe).
It is difficult to say what is the point in exporting tobacco from Tunisia. The country is not famous for high-quality pipe or hookah tobacco, MARS (in the photo on the left) and CRISTAL do not shine with quality and taste. In addition, there are comparatively low prices at DutyFree at airports in Tunisia.
For example, in 2016 at the airport store on, a block of 20 packs of Marlboro (made in USA) cost $ 30, and a block of 60 packs cost $ 75. It's hard to remember where else there are such low prices in DutyFree. Recall that each adult passenger can import up to 200 cigarettes to Russia, and this limit is more profitable to use for high-quality DutyFree tobacco.
Even IATA has no recommendations for the export of alcohol. As a reminder, you can import up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages into Russia duty-free. Tunisian customs officers with 3 liters release without problems, we have not yet seen cases of claims. Our advice: take out up to 3 liters.
Removal of money
In foreign currency, it is allowed to export an amount equivalent to 5,000 dinars or less. If you export more, then the currency had to be declared at the entrance to the country, and the corresponding stamp had to be in the passport. No stamp? So export is prohibited.
Olive oil and other gifts
Olive oil - up to 2 liters per person.