Life in Tunisia: What It’s Really Like — The Pros and Cons6 min read

If you’re thinking of living in Tunisia, we’ve put up a list of pros and cons to help you with your decision.

Life in Tunisia for Foreigners

Life in Tunisia offers expats a culturally diverse lifestyle in a country full of history.

Once home to the Empire of Carthage, the melting pot of so many other civilizations such as Ancient Romans, Vandal, Byzantine and more, modern Tunisia features lovely weather year round, dreamy beaches, local restaurants, international hotels, a growing economy, and, of course, Djerba island.

It also has a romantic feel to it, which, when combined with a vibrant Mediterranean culture, makes it a favorite ex-pat destination around the world.

Tunisia is crossroad for brilliant and diversified civilizations, the country was successively Punic, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Arab and Muslim, Ottoman, Husseinite, and French. Well, from the Carthage Empire in Carthage to the arrival of Islam in Kairouan and Mahdia, each city in this North African country has a unique story to tell.

Tunisians are known for their strong family ties, which form the basis of the social system.

They are also well known for their passion for Etmakhmikh wel Mekla (food). Tunisian cuisine is typically Mediterranean, offers a wide varieties of dishes that are so very much delicious.

Couscous, Rouz (Rice) and Makrouna (Pasta) may be found on almost every menu, no matter where you go. Street foods such as Mlewi, Chapatie, Brik, Malfouf and Tuna sandwiches can be found everywhere you go. Olive oil, citrus fruits, tomatoes and fish are among popular Tunisian exports.

Coffee is an integral aspect of Tunisian culture, and coffee shops are springing up all over the country.

Suggested Reads:

• 20 Mistakes Foreigners Make when they Arrive in Tunisia
• 7 Things You Didn’t Know about Tunisian Food
• Get Caffeinated: Become an Authentic Tunisian with One Cup!

Pros of Living in Tunisia

• In Tunisia, the majority of residential areas are relatively well-kept. When visiting Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, you’ll notice that practically all of the apartment buildings were constructed in the 1940s or 1950s
• You will be surrounded by some breathtaking views and historical sites. When you live in Tunisia, you have access to much history in a single country. The Amphitheatre of El Jem, El Ghriba Synagogue, Zaghouan Aqueduct, Roman Ruins of Bulla Regia, Dougga and the the Great Mosque of Kairouan are among the top places
• Tunisian food is both very affordable and tasty. There isn’t a better Supermarché (supermarket) or restaurant in the world than the ones in Tunisia — All is fresh. Well, even the smallest businesses in remote locations offer excellent vegetable and meat options from local producers. If you love spicy food, fresh fruits & vegetables and cheese, then your life in Tunisia is going to be a dream come true
• Life is Tunisia is affordable. Prices in Tunisia are quite cheaper than what you can see in a European or American city. You could relocate to Tunisia for a single Dinar, buy property, and restore a centuries-old mansion to its former beauty
• Educational options are easily accessible. Education is a key concern in Tunisian society. Public and Private Universities are everywhere, providing quality education. You can be confident that everyone will have access to great learning opportunities. Public schools are free to attend, and history, geography, languages and the sciences are all included in the well-rounded education system. Private schools are quite affordable and they teach if different languages. The capital city of Tunisia has also access to reputable international schools

READ ALSO:

• 10 Cultural Aspects You Need to Know Before Traveling to Tunisia
• 5 Things are Normal for Tunisians but Weird for Foreign People
• 10 Very Tunisian Proverbs to Live By
• Renting & Housing in Tunisia: All What You Need to Know

Cons of Living in Tunisia

• You’ll need to be able to talk in Tunisian Arabic or French to some extent. If you live in rural Tunisia, you’ll find that only a few people speak your language fluently. English is particularly rare to find in this country, however, it is spoken more frequently in urban areas
• Life is affordable, but still can get expensive. If you prefer the social and somehow luxury aspect of the Tunisian way of life, an apartment or Villa with minimal modern furnishings will set you back to a European city costs
• It can be challenging to find work. When you live in Tunisia, being self-employed is your best alternative for a job. If you’re looking for a formal job, you’ll find that it’s not as easy to find one here. Thousands of University students are graduating into an economy with insufficient vacant positions to accommodate everyone. Because of the high unemployment rate, you could be out of work for up to one year before finding something that can help you pay the bills
• Tunisia has a limited supply of resources. When you first relocate to Tunisia , you may find that the food is more affordable and delicious (yey), but practically everything else will be quite more expensive. Imports of gas, other types of fuel, and even electricity are driving up basic living costs. When you want to live somewhere fancy, you’ll have to pay extra in addition to higher rent, so make sure you have some money set aside so your savings don’t suffer
• Tunisia’s bureaucracy may be a nightmare. The government and oversight agencies of Tunisia function slowly. When you need to accomplish administrative tasks, bureaucracy will undoubtedly get in the way. Attempting to have anything formal done may be a time-consuming, frustrating, and ambiguous process

Suggested Reads:

• 5 Things Tunisians Will Never Say Sorry For
• Ten Things I learned from Living Alone in Tunis
• 10 Things I Wish I Know how to Explain to Tunisians

Final Thoughts

The pros and cons of living in Tunisia really depend on what you’re looking for in terms of gain from the experience.

If your ultimate goal to retire here and appreciate the region’s history,, you can live almost anywhere, regardless of your budget.

When it comes to getting a job and adopting the Tunisian lifestyle, there may be some obstacles, but very well worth it. The positives almost always overshadow whatever negatives develop.

Planning a trip to Tunisia? Check out our guide: Tunisia Travel Information.

If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Carthage Magazine, leave a comment below or head over to our Facebook page.

And if you liked this article, sign up for the monthly features newsletter. A handpicked selection of stories from Carthage Magazine, delivered to your inbox.