Hammamet information

Transfer

Trains to Tunis, Sousse and El Djem leave several times a day from nearby Bir Bou Regba station.On the other hand,you will undoubtedly find taxis cheap and plentiful and  taxi drivers very helpful to drive you to your destination.

Care and health

Consult your doctor for up to date information regarding health issues.Therefore  the use  of bottled water is recommended.

Food and drink

Tunisian food been influenced by the influx of different inhabitants over the years and as a consequence of different food traditions is a  mixture of Mediterranean (French, Spanish & Italian) and traditional Tunisian recipes, although the Jewish community contributed enormously to enriching Tunisian gastronomy as well. International cuisine is also  available in Tunisia in a variety of restaurants. The use of olive oil and spices at  the appropriate quantities is a characteristic of the Tunisian cuisine and  all authentic Tunisian  recipes use natural products as well as  simple ingredients of a high quality. These simple ingredients are used to make refined dishes.  Emphasis is given  on fresh  ingredients securing a healthy way of eating . In restaurants customers will always be served fresh bread and  olives  which is a hot chilli dip, made of crushed, dried red peppers, garlic and spices. This is also the main stay of many Tunisian dishes as delicious as it can get!

To start with you may choose from a variety of starters available in Tunisia and amongst other food, fresh seafood is always readily available. It is prepared in different ways – grilled, fried or served with a sauce.

Typical starters include ‘brik à l’oeuf’, which is a lightly cooked egg wrapped in an envelope of filo pastry, sometimes with an extra ingredient such as prawns or tuna. Tradition has it that  it can only be eaten with the hands – the challenge is to eat it without getting egg on your face! ‘Mechouia’ is another favoured starter, which includes diced onions, red peppers and tomatoes mixed with olive oil, garnished with tuna and hard-boiled eggs and served as a salad.

Couscous is the national dish and is served with vegetables, lamb, poultry or fish. The couscous is steamed and served covered in a sauce. Another  traditional food  ‘Agneau à la gargoulette’   is a delicious lamb stew slowly cooked in an earthenware jar over a charcoal fire. Grilled fish is also favoured due to the great abundance of fresh fish available on a daily basis.When it comes to deserts  you will find  fresh fruit or sweet pastries and custards as well as the delicious  ‘Baklava’  a  honeyed pastry of unforgettable taste. There are also a number of regional specialities, such as fish soup ‘à la sfaxienne’ or rice ‘à la djerbienne’.

Wine

Tunisia  annually produces between 300 – 350,000 hectolitres of wine . Approximately 70% of this is classified as Appellation d ’Origine Controlée (AOC), 20% of these wines are classed as premier Cru wines. Tunisian wine is widely exported throughout the world.

Popular red wines are Vieux Magon, Chateau St Augustin and Sélian, while popular whites include Chateau St Augustin and Ugni Blanc. Rosé wines, such  as Cote ux de Carthage and Chateau Mornag are also popular. Also two traditional liqueurs are very popular in  Tunisia: Thibourine and Boukha for the amateurs of the kind  and not only! As far as beer goes , Celtia is the refreshingly light local beer but you will find  International beers  also available in Tunisia.

Customs Office

Free import allowance includes 200 cigarettes, 1litre bottle of alcoholic beverage, and a reasonable amount of perfume. There are duty free shops on arrival in Tunisia.

Newspaper and magazine

You will find available at your disposal  three French daily newspapers, Le Temps, La Presse and Le Renouveau. Other international papers can be found in the main cities one day after publication.

Radio and television

Government-run radio and TV stations transmit programmes mostly in Arabic, French and English. Most hotels have satellite TV with programmes in English .

Climate

Tunisia ‘s climate is a mixture  of a Mediterranean and an African climate. The climate of northern Tunisia is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August can reach 35°C+, with up to twelve hours of sunshine per day. The Southern Tunisia is even hotter, with temperatures reaching 45°C . During the winter there are approximately 5 – 6 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures are in the region of 18 – 20°C , providing you with the chance to experience a full summer period almost throughout the whole year. As far as the desert region goes you  will find it  always be a few degrees warmer

Visa and passport

A full passport  is required for EU citizens for stays up to 6 months. Other nationalities should check with the Tunisian Embassy (020 7584 8117) at least three weeks before  their departure.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Dinar and it can only be obtained in Tunisia. The exchange rate is fixed and is approximately 2 dinars to £1 Sterling. Cash or travellers cheques are readily exchangeable in banks,  as well as in  hotels and bureau de change. Receipts need to be kept to change leftover dinars back. You will find a wide range of  ATMs  available in major cities and credit cards are widely accepted in order to make your transactions much easier.

Time

Tunisia is one hour ahead of the UK though there is no time difference during   summertime.

Dress code

Tunisians have a generally relaxed attitude and casual clothing is popular.

Voltage

UK electrical appliances will work but need a two-pin continental adapter. Tunisia works on the European standard 220 volts (the same as the UK and Republic of Ireland).

Religion

 A percentage of 98% of the population are Muslims, the remaining 2% are Jews, Christians and other denominations.

Tunisian Tourism Office Abroad

GREAT BRITAIN
London
London
Tunisian National Tourist Office
77-A Wigmore Street
London W1 H9 LJ