Expat guide to life in Tunisia, travel tips, advice & more
 

Tunisia

Tunisia

If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Tunisia, please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in the region. We also have useful information on the country the local embassies and much more...


Tunisia

Expat Clubs


There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Tunisia and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.



International Schools 


British International School of Tunis

The British International School of Tunis (sometimes shortened to BIST) is a primary school providing an engaging, inspirational and rounded education for children aged 3 to 10, following the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Our pupils are encouraged to develop the academic skills and personal resources that will enable them to live fulfilling lives wherever they may find themselves, while engaging with the cultural diversity of our unique location for a truly international perspective. We welcome pupils from the entire region, including local families and those from further afield. Our learning environment is supportive and challenging, meeting the highest standards as recognised by the Council of British International Schools and the British Government’s inspection of overseas schools.

Curriculum: British

Address: 49 rue du Parc, 2036 La Soukra

Tel: (216) 71 865 682

Fax: (216) 71 865 694

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bistunis.com

 

American Cooperative School of Tunis

ACST follows the American educational system PreK to 10 and the IB Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12. Many teachers are recruited from the United States. The curriculum is based on the AERO (American Education Reaching Out) standards in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, World Languages, Visual Arts, and Technology.  ESL, Library, Academic Support, and Physical Education use national or state standards.

Curriculum: US

Address: BP 150 Cite Taeib M'hiri, Laouina 2045

Tel: (216) 71 760 905

Fax: (216) 71 761 412

Website: www.acst.net

 

International School of Carthage

Over 1600 students from different nationalities have chosen to enroll in the SAI. The values ​​of our success-oriented school, citizenship and development of each student make a citizen to become aware of their talents and abilities. Teaching Arabic has a place of honor by a time strengthened. Indeed during the Arabic course, students learn not only the mechanics of language, but he discovered literature and civilization of their ancestors. We want proud of himself, his origins and his country. The International School of Carthage also emphasizes the learning of foreign languages. From the CE2, an international section in English welcomes students with a great capacity for work and an interest in different cultures. ISC provides its students all means to grow socially and intellectually by providing coaching and comforts while they are at school.

Curriculum: International

Address: Jardins de Carthage, Ain Zaghouan 2046 Tunis

Tel: (216) 71 777 722

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.iscarthage.com

Local News in English


Tunisia Live

Tunisia Live is a team of young, independent journalists bringing Tunisia's story to the world. Founded just after the 2011 revolution, we present culture, current events, and personal experiences to our audience through articles, photos, and videos. We value objectivity and balance, and provide an outlet for voices and ideas from every walk of Tunisian life.

www.tunisia-live.net

 

Tunis Times

The Tunis Times is an online Tunisia news outlet conducted entirely in English that founded by a dedicated group of individuals with the aspiration of informing audiences of on the ground happenings in Tunisia. We understand the great lack of an English-speaking news aggregator and we are here, in humble attempt, to try to bridge this gap. We are working tirelessly – day and night – to deliver the most relevant materials, while we strive for our readers be the first informed.

www.thetunistimes.com



Country Information 


Location: Africa

Capital City: Tunis

Currency: Tunisian Dinar

Language: Arabic

Calling Code: +216

Internet TLD: .tn

Electricity: 230V 50Hz

 

Embassy Information


Find your local embassy in Tunisia at... 

www.embassy-worldwide.com 



Residents Visa and Work Permit information


Expats looking to move to Tunisa should obtain Carte de Sejour or Residence Permit. Your Tunisian Carte de Sejour is an important document that you need to obtain if you are in Tunisia for an uninterrupted stay of more than four months.  The Carte de Sejour is your basic identification card, like a driving license in the US.  It takes the place of your passport.  While in Tunisia, you should leave your passport in a safe place to avoid losing it.  In its place, carry your Carte de Sejour and a photocopy of the first page of your passport.

Apply for the Carte de Sejour within three months after your arrival.  If you are a US citizen, you can legally come to Tunisia without a visa and stay for up to four months.  However, if you stay in Tunisia for longer than four months without a Carte de Sejour you become an illegal alien.  If you go to the airport to take a flight out of Tunisia, they will stop you at the passport control and deny you permission to leave until you have paid a fine for overstaying.  This can be expensive and unpleasant.

 

Required documents:
  • Copies of pages from your passport
  • Rental contract
  • Attestation of employment from CEMAT
  • Copy of the CEMAT/Ministry of Education Cooperation Agreement
  • Passport
  • 3 photos
  • Ten Dinar fiscal stamp

Accommodation


Tunisa is divided into neighbourhoods with its own benefits and downsides. We list some of the popular areas for expats below.



Carthage

Carthage is made up of huge villas and a number of apartments. There are plenty of trees and most expats who live here are working for embassies. Public transport is available and taxis cost around 8 Dinar going to the city centre.

 

Le Berges du Lac

Le Berges du Lac is the latest development in Tunis and is divided into two sections, Lac 1 and Lac 2. There are many restaurants, cafes and stores in the area and most buildings are less than a decade old. Public transport is limited so your alternative is taxis and private transport.

 

Lafayette and Downtown

Lafayette is located in the heart of the city and is made up mainly of colonial-era apartment buildings. The area offers a great experience for those looking to live in the urban lifestyle. There are many students and young professional in the area where cafes and bars are available. Public transport is available anywhere.

 

There are other areas available like La Marsa, Menzah, Nasr and Sdi Bou Said. Once you have selected which area you would like to stay, you should start looking at listings and contact landlords. Feel free to check out classified ads for Tunisia at www.tunisie-annonce.com.



Driving License


Tunisia drives on the right on the right and you are permitted to drive using your International Driving License. The road standards are good with occasional potholes towards the south of the country. There is a two-lane toll road running in the north from Bizerte towards Tunis and south to Sfax. There is hardly any congestion if you are travelling from the East to West of the country. You should slow down when approaching police and they are very helpful and polite. If you are planning to travel in the desert areas of southern Tunisia, only travel with a group of multiple cars. There is limited phone coverage as well. It’s best if you also register your travel to the Tunisian National Guard.



Healthcare


Most expats in Tunisia prefer to use private healthcare facilities mainly due to a more advanced standard. The Ministry of Health strictly monitors all public and private healthcare institutions thus medical standards are equivalent to anywhere in Europe. Tunisian doctors are very competent and can speak fluent French. Some of the private healthcare covers insurance.

 

Saint Augustin Clinic

Saint Augustin private hospital is a care establishment belongs to Tunis Prelacy. The clinic has a multidisciplinary medical team at patients’ disposal to offer them the best medical services. The establishment is situated in the vicinity of Tunis downtown, abreast of Belvédère, surrounded by a verdant park, favourable to the relax and private life.

Address: 17 Rue Abou Hanifa, Mutuelleville - 1082 - Tunis

Tel: (216) 71 783 033

Fax: (216) 71 791 093

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.clinique-saint-augustin.com

 

Insurance Companies



Cigna Global Health Options

Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.

Website: www.cignaglobal.com