Pros and Cons of Moving to Tunisia

With the country scorching hot summers, cozy mild winters, welcoming locals, and lively culture, Tunisia still remain one of the best expat destinations. If you’re planning to visit this country, it would be a plus to know the pros and cons.

On the flip side, immersing yourself into another culture can be valuable for both personal and professional life. Expats living in Tunisia get the opportunity to use their work and social skills to build relationships with people across the world, and not just those from one country.

In this section, we have compiled some of the reasons why Tunisia remains the best expat destination.

Pros

1.       Entertainment & Leisure

Living in Tunisia, expats don’t have to stay cooped up indoors all year round. The mild Mediterranean climate means that it is warm enough for outdoor activities most of the time. And the extensive coastline offers plenty of beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

With that being said, you should always know that a visit to a traditional Tunisian market is always entertaining. Also, you never know what you may find when you visit a random street or neighborhood, as there are many things to explore.

2.       Food

The cuisine of Tunisia is very diverse, with influences from North African and Italian cuisines. In some of the restaurants in Tunisia, there are always a good variety of dishes for expats to choose from. Vegetarian options are also available in most places and they taste great too. At the same time, fruit and vegetables are very affordable in Tunisia and they taste great as well.

3.       Leisure

There is more to do in Tunisia, whether it’s for fun or relaxation. Not only is that, but there are many museums that expats can visit. However, museums here tend to be much more interesting than those you would find elsewhere due to the historical significance of the country. There are also many natural beauty spots that expats can visit, like the Sidi Bou Said or the legendary desert of Chott El Jerid.

4.       Job Opportunities

Tunisia has an economy which is growing at a fast rate and there are plenty of job opportunities for expats here. The Tunisian government is keen to attract foreign investments and this has resulted in the creation of many job opportunities for expats.

Skilled expats will find it very easy to find a job as there is an acute shortage of skilled workers here. That being said, there are plenty of opportunities for part time work as well, especially in places like beach resorts.

5.       Natural Resources

Tunisia has reserves of natural gas and oil, as well as a good supply of sand, limestone, and gypsum. This means that the Tunisian government is able to offer incentives to companies who are willing to invest in projects that benefit Tunisia. Since there is a high demand for these resources from all over the world, expats can start their own business with a good chance of success.

6.       Education

The education system in Tunisia is very diverse and it gives expats a lot of options when it comes to the schooling options available here. In many instances, children will start their schooling at an international school before attending university in Tunisia or abroad. The quality of the schooling systems is high and there are many good universities such as the Manouba University and the Monastir University for expats to study at.

7.       Safety

Tunisia has a low crime rate and is generally a very safe place for everyone to live in. Expats can feel safe walking around at night and there is little chance of break-ins or robberies taking place. Although there may be political instability in certain places, but it is usually safe to travel through Tunisia, and tourists who visit the country will find it very easy to get around.

Living in Tunisia as an expat can be a very enjoyable experience. But you may have to learn some new skills and once you’re able to settle into the local culture and customs, you’ll find that there is plenty to do and enjoy in the country. Moreover, the reward of living in a foreign country is always worth it and most expats will have a great time living here.

8.       Cost of Living

The cost of living can vary from region to region but overall, money goes a long way in Tunisia. The cost of living in Tunisia is very low by international standards and there are many places where expats can find good value for their money. Notwithstanding, the cities are slightly more expensive but most essential commodities are available at affordable prices.

Cons of Living in Tunisia as an Expat

Although Tunisia’s revolution in 2011 to oust Ben Ali and the overall democratization process that followed was a watershed moment for Tunisians, who now enjoy freedoms unimaginable under the former regime.

However, those very freedoms clash with the traditional values and norms of Islamic society. As such, expats moving to Tunisia as well as Tunisian locals are still stuck in a state of transition. But, until such time that the country fully overcomes these internal contradictions, Tunisia will continue to be plagued by unfortunate events like those that occurred at the Bardo Museum and Sousse Beach.

Nonetheless, the following is a list of seven (7) cons expats need to keep in mind when planning their move to Tunisia.

1.       Islam and Secularism

While the Tunisian Constitution upholds secular principles, it also enshrines Islam as the state religion. This means that non-Muslim expats will find it difficult to enjoy the same rights and privileges afforded to Muslim citizens (although not impossible). While most Tunisians are tolerant of Western ways, women in particular face many challenges when trying to advance their career or academic prospects.

2.       Emergency Laws

The Tunisian government continues to implement the state of emergency laws inherited from the old regime. These new laws give the police broad discretionary powers to detain suspects for up to twelve days without charges being filed against them. What’s even more troubling is that these new laws are not subject to judicial review.

3.       Corruption

Tunisia remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world. It has slipped eleven positions within two years on Transparency International’s global corruption index, placing 66th among 168 nations. This plies that lack of transparency and accountability within government agencies and corporations is a huge challenge for foreign investors and local businesses alike.

4.       Security

Tunisia still lacks the police and security forces needed to ensure public safety today. This was clearly demonstrated during the Bardo Museum attack, where Tunisian police failed to prevent gunmen from entering the museum complex.   Additionally, there were no security personnel posted at Sousse Beach Resort either, and that’s a fatal mistake that cost innocent lives.

5.       Economy

Tunisia’s economy has been one of the slowest growing in North Africa. Moreover, tourism is its lifeblood, but it is responsible for only 1.5% of the country’s GDP. The majority of Tunisians live off a meager economy that centers mainly on agriculture and state subsidies.

Cost of Living in Tunisia as of 2021

Best Places Suitable for Expats in Tunisia

·         Tunis

The capital Tunis has the highest population density at 17,871 people per square kilometer. The political heart of Tunisia is here with multiple ministries based here. The economy is facing challenges though with unemployment, especially amongst graduates, at 16%. The governorate covers an area of 300 km².

·         Sousse

Located 90 kilometers from Tunis, this coastal resort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere.

·         Monastir

The city is located in north east Tunisia, about 70 kilometers from Sousse. It has a population of nearly 100,000 people. Not only is that, but it’s home to some popular tourist attractions including the Ribat of Monastir (ancient Islamic fortification), which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, and the Archaeological Museum of Monastir located within an ancient mosque.

·         Gafsa

With a population of more than 160,000 people, this city is located in the northwest of Tunisia and is known for its phosphate mines, popular among visitors for watching how phosphates are extracted.

·         El Kef

This city with a population of more than 100,000 people is located 330 kilometers southwest of Tunis. And is home to numerous monuments such as the Great Mosque of Sidi Mahrez, which was an important spiritual center for Muslims during the spread of Islam in Africa.

·         Sfax

Sfax is known to be a coastal city with a population of more than 210,000 people that has been known since antiquity for its beautiful medina and fascinating souqs.

·         Bizerte

One of the most important cities in Tunisia located at North West, about 120 kilometers from Tunis with a population of more than 150,000 inhabitants. The city is located next to Lake Bizerte (Bizerte Sea), which has made it an attractive tourist destination for many people in addition to its rich history and places of interest.

Conclusion

There are many reasons to relocate to Tunisia as of today. Since it’s renowned as a beach destination because of soft sandy Mediterranean beaches, the benefits of living in this country cannot be overemphasized. Nonetheless, refer to this ultimate guide to know more about living in Tunisia as an expat.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Living in Tunisia is different for everyone. While some people come to Tunisia to retire, others come here on vacation and end up staying their entire lives. The difficulty of living in Tunisia depends largely on what country you originally hail from. Are you ready to relocate to Tunisia? You need to read more!

Expats living in Tunisia might find it more difficult if they originally came from somewhere like France or the US than someone who originally lived somewhere like Japan or South Korea. Tunisia is a nominally Muslim country, although people are friendly towards other citizens no matter their religion.

However, women living in cities typically dress quite modestly, but it’s perfectly acceptable for women to wear tank tops and shorts. This attire may need to cover half of their buttocks when they go out to the beach or go swimming. That’s why it’s best to avoid wearing clothing that overtly shows religious affiliation (e.g. a Christian cross) as it may cause some backlash.

Moreover, this is purely cultural and not legally enforced in any way. Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in Tunisia as an expat? Well, worry less as you’ve landed on the right platform. Substantial developments have been in moving the country forward. Would you love to explore it?

If that sounds like a yes, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Tunisia as an expat. Not only is that, but we have compiled this article to explain living in Tunisia as an expat, the interesting facts, ultimate guides, and more. Continue reading to get the details.

What to Know about Living in Tunisia as an Expatriate

Before we walk you through the pros and cons of living in Tunisia, it’s quite essential that you know all it takes to live here. Since the country is practically dominated by the Muslims, there are many things to consider as an expat. Well, not to worry, below are the things to know about living in Tunisia as an expat.

·         Housing and Accommodation

Housing for expats is often far more expensive than it would be back home. There are also regulations that limit what can be built to preserve the Tunisian architectural style. More so, this limits how much housing can be created to accommodate the growing population.

For this reason, expats living in Tunisia will often have to look outside the cities in order to find affordable housing that meets their needs. In spite of that, the best option for most expats is a villa that comes with a garden and is at least partially self-sufficient.

·         Transportation

Tunisia has an extensive network of highways, although most people choose to drive on them very little. However, the government has begun to construct more and more highways as the number of cars on Tunisian roads rises. But it will take decades before they can be considered a first-world standard.

For now, most people will still have to drive on smaller roads that are riddled with potholes and traffic congestion during peak hours. Public transportation exists in Tunisia, but it’s not common for expats to use buses or trains. This is because; they are typically used by poor people who can’t afford their own cars rather than foreigners.

·         Making Money and Earning a Living

Many expats work for international companies that have set up Tunisian offices due to the cheap cost of living compared with western countries. In fact, some will also work for Tunisian companies, though they’re often restricted to positions requiring a perfect mastery of the local language (Arabic).

Aside from this fact, there is still an income tax in Tunisia, but it’s considerably lower than what most expats would pay in their home country. Moreover, freelancers can enjoy a good time while living in the country as an expat.

·         Taxes and Cost of Living in Tunisia

The cost of living in Tunisia is extremely low compared with most countries in the modern world. Foodstuffs are plentiful, and thanks to Tunisia’s close proximity to mainland Europe it’s easy for people living here to import high quality goods from all over the world at low prices.

The local currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), although many expats will bring the bulk of their earnings back home instead. Meanwhile, the dinar is pegged to the value of the Euro, so it tends to be very strong within Tunisia but weak compared with other currencies.

·         Making Friends and Meeting People

Due to its location on the northern coast of Africa, Tunisian culture has been heavily influenced by Arab traditions and practices. Though this may seem intimidating, there are a wide range of opportunities for expats willing to make an effort.

Moreover, expats living in Tunisia should try to participate in as many Tunisian customs as possible. From sitting on the floor of cafes and going to weddings to embracing Muslim traditions like fasting during Ramadan or attending mosque on Fridays. And it’s also important to learn the basics of the local language as soon as possible.

·         Health and Safety

Health care isn’t free in Tunisia, but it’s made affordable for most Tunisians by the government. Expats living here shouldn’t have any problems getting access to high quality medical treatment at an affordable price, provided they have a valid insurance policy and the right paperwork.

On the other hand, there is a risk of malaria in Tunisia, so it’s important to take precautions against mosquito bites and get regular vaccinations before visiting.

·         Education and Schooling

Most expat families make the decision to send their children to local schools. These schools are typically expensive, but they offer the benefit of allowing the children to become fluent in Arabic while learning about Tunisian history and culture.

Some expat parents send their children to international schools (usually French) instead, which also teaches them French while giving them a more international education than that available locally. Higher level education is difficult for foreign students, and most universities require either Tunisian citizenship or a long-term visa in order to be admitted.

In addition, the best option for foreign students is typically postgraduate studies, where they already have an established background within their field of study. Besides, all university instruction is carried out in Arabic – the exception being higher level international institutions like the University of Carthage.

A Brief History about Tunisia

The history of Tunisia begins about 5,000 years ago when various nomadic Berber tribes settled in the fertile land along the coast and in the nearby mountains. Over time, these tribes began to form city-states and small kingdoms ruled by a number of different dynasties.

Among these were the Carthaginians, who established an empire that controlled most of North Africa. In 146 BC, Tunisia was conquered by Rome and organized into a province known as Africa Proconsulare. Besides, in the 5th century, most of Tunisia was conquered by the Vandals and they established a kingdom here that lasted for nearly two centuries.

The Byzantines ruled Tunisia from the late 6th century until approximately 640, when control passed to the Umayyad Arabs. The Arab conquest created a diaspora of Arab peoples across North Africa, and Tunisia evolved into a vital crossroads between the east and west.

In the early 8th century, Tunis was ruled by an autonomous dynasty of Berbers known as the Aghlabids. By 800 AD they controlled most of modern-day Tunisia and parts of eastern Algeria. The next few centuries were a time of great prosperity in Tunisia, and it became a center of learning and culture.

In the 11th century, Tunisia was invaded by Banu Hilal Arab tribes from Egypt. These Arabs lost control of Tunis to the Almohads of Morocco in the early 12th century, but they regained power here less than two decades later. Over the next 100 years, Tunisia was seized and ruled by various dynasties including the Almohads, Hafsids, Abdalwadid and Zirid.

Furthermore, modern Tunisia was established in the late 19th century when France invaded and colonized the country. The French granted Tunisia its independence in 1956 but retained control of several key areas such as military and foreign affairs. Habib Bourguiba was the first president to be democratically elected after independence, and he ruled Tunisia for three decades.

The overthrow of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 ushered in a new era in Tunisian politics marked by democratic reforms, free elections, and the establishment of a constitutional government. Since then, efforts have been made to resolve the country’s problems with violent extremists and to address issues like unemployment, economic reform, and government transparency.