Plan Your Trip to Tunisia: Best of Tunisia Tourism
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Recommended Hotels in Hammamet
According to forum posts, travelers have recommended Le Royal Hotel and Resort in Hammamet for its overall excellence. Additionally, Holiday Village Manar is highlighted for its suitability for families with teenagers, offering a great water park and proximity to local amenities like bars, shops, and restaurants.
Hotels for Sports and Entertainment
Some travelers said that hotels such as Magic Life, Manar Holiday Village, and Splash World Venus Beach in Hammamet offer comprehensive day and night entertainment and sports programs. These are suggested for families looking for active vacations.
Luxury and Adult-Friendly Options in Sousse
For those seeking luxury and a more adult-oriented atmosphere, Marhaba Salem and Royal Salem in the Sousse area are frequently mentioned. These hotels are part of a large complex with extensive sports facilities and both indoor and outdoor pools, providing a high-end experience with good food being a priority.
Solo Traveler Recommendations
For solo travelers, the Carlton Hotel in Tunis comes recommended for its central location and satisfactory amenities, making it a good base for exploring the city. Dar Saida Beya in Tozeur and Djerba Erriadh in Houmt Souk are also suggested for their charm and strategic locations.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Trains and Buses
According to forum posts, regular buses connect Tunis to various cities such as Sfax, Kairouan, and Sousse. Trains are another popular option for inter-city travel, although some cities, like Kairouan, do not have a train station.
Louages
Some travelers mentioned that collective taxis, known as louages, are a fast and affordable alternative for traveling between cities. These do not require advance booking and can be found at specific stations, like Moncef Bey in Tunis.
Flights and Personal Transport
For longer distances, such as Tunis to Tozeur, flying is recommended due to the significant reduction in travel time. Travelers have also discussed hiring drivers through hotels for more personalized travel between locations, like Tozeur and Chenini.
Additional Options
In terms of day trips or shorter journeys between closer cities, such as Hammamet to Tunis or Sousse, louages are again a preferred method due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to other forms of public transport.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Currency Exchange Locations
According to forum posts, travelers can exchange currency at hotels, airports, and banks in Tunisia. Many hotels provide currency exchange services as a convenient option for guests. Airports, including Tunis Airport, have currency exchange kiosks that operate 24/7, catering to travelers arriving late at night or early in the morning.
Currency Preferences and ATM Use
Some travelers mentioned that cash is preferred in Tunisia, and while major currencies like Sterling, Euros, and US dollars are widely accepted for exchange, the Tunisian Dinar (TND) is the main currency used for transactions. ATMs are available, particularly in tourist areas, but it's advisable to check their condition and ensure they are operational before relying on them for cash withdrawals.
Exchange Rate Considerations
Travelers have called out that while hotels offer convenient exchange services, the rates are generally comparable to those offered by banks. It's recommended to exchange money as needed, as converting TND back to foreign currency can incur high fees, and leftover TND is not accepted beyond airport security.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Local Recommendations
Some travelers suggested asking local hotels for recommendations on hiring cars with drivers. Hotel staff often have contacts with reliable drivers and can provide quotes, helping to ensure a good deal.
Online Resources
According to forum posts, an organization called Tunisia Expat Assistance is recommended for arranging car rentals and drivers. They are noted for speaking English and providing good service.
Quality Considerations
Travelers have called out the importance of not just seeking the cheapest option but considering the quality of both car and driver. It is suggested to ensure that the car is a rental and not a personal vehicle for legal and quality reasons.
Driver Details
For those needing a driver for longer trips or specific journeys such as exploring southern Tunisia, forum contributors recommend negotiating terms directly with the driver, including price and duration, and confirming that the driver has appropriate insurance.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Tourist Tax Rates
According to forum posts, the tourist tax in Tunisia varies by hotel rating. For 2-star hotels and other accommodations, the tax is 4 Tunisian Dinars per night for foreigners. For 3-star hotels, it is 8 Dinars, and for 4 and 5-star hotels, 12 Dinars per night. Tunisians and visitors from Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya) pay reduced rates.
Payment and Duration
Travelers have noted that the tax must be paid for a maximum of ten consecutive nights, regardless of a longer stay. This tax is payable upon arrival at the hotel, and it is recommended to pay in Tunisian Dinar after exchanging currency at official facilities.
Exemptions and Implementations
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this tax. For package tourists, the tax increase will be applicable from 2025, while individual travelers started paying the new rates from January 2024.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Hotel Recommendations in Sousse
According to forum posts, travelers have mentioned several hotel options in Sousse suitable for various preferences and budgets. For instance, the Marhaba Salem Resort and the Marhaba Royal Salem are highlighted for their coastal locations, offering good photo opportunities, especially during special events like New Year's Eve.
Hotel Features and Accessibility
Some travelers said that hotels like the Mövenpick in Sousse offer a high-end experience with a bed-and-breakfast option, appealing to those preferring not to opt for an all-inclusive stay. Additionally, the Sousse Palace is noted for its proximity to Hotel Paris, providing convenient access for guests interested in exploring the local area or using hotel facilities for a day.
Entertainment and Celebrations
For those interested in festive celebrations, forum posts indicate that many hotels in Sousse, such as the Jaz Tour Khalef and TUI BLUE Scheherazade, host special events and parties for occasions like New Year's Eve, featuring entertainment and dining experiences.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Comparison Overview
According to forum posts, choosing between Hammamet, Sousse, or Monastir depends on what a visitor values in their travel experience. Hammamet is noted for safer environments, cozier atmospheres, and proximity to Tunis, making it ideal for those prioritizing relaxation and easy access to the capital.
Historical and Cultural Offerings
Sousse is highlighted by travelers for its historical significance, with more historic monuments compared to Hammamet, and better infrastructure. Monastir, while closer to Sousse and equipped with notable sites like the Ribat, is smaller and offers fewer cultural attractions than Sousse.
Family and Leisure Activities
For families, some travelers suggested properties like Occidental Sousse Marhaba due to its location near cultural sites and resorts. Hammamet is recommended for its quality beaches and hotel services, making it a favorite for leisure-focused travelers.
Practical Travel Considerations
Travelers have called out that both Sousse and Hammamet serve as good bases for exploring other parts of Tunisia, including nearby UNESCO sites. The transport links in these cities, including trains and the local louage system, facilitate day trips to other notable destinations like Tunis and El Jem.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transportation
According to forum posts, Tunis Carthage Airport offers bus services to the city center. The airport's website provides detailed information on transportation options.
Private Transfer Services
Some travelers mentioned services like Welcome Pickups for direct transfers from the airport to hotels in Tunis. Companies like Hoppa and Holiday Extras also facilitate airport transfers.
Communication Services
Travelers have called out the availability of an Orange counter at Tunis Carthage Airport for purchasing SIM cards, although it's unclear if this service is available 24/7.
Strike Impact
Forum users noted that during strikes, services at Tunis Carthage Airport, including flights and ground transportation, could be significantly disrupted, affecting both domestic and international travel.
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