Tunisia etiquette: the dos and don’ts

By Rania Ben Salah, Tunisia host 18 October 2026 7 min read

Vibrant street scene in the Medina of Fès, Morocco, with locals and market stalls. — Photo by Moussa Idrissi on Pexels

The air in Tunis carries a specific weight this time of year. It is mid-October, and the summer heat has finally broken, leaving behind a crisp, golden light that turns the olive groves on the hills surrounding the city into shimmering silver-green canvases. As I walk through the Medina, the scent of roasting coffee mixes with the earthy aroma of drying figs and the sharp tang of new olive oil being pressed in the nearby countryside. For visitors, this season offers the most hospitable climate for exploring our culture, but it also demands a shift in pace. To truly connect with Tunisia, you must move beyond the tourist trail and understand the unspoken rules of hospitality, respect, and daily life that govern our streets, our tables, and our homes.

Greetings: The Art of Slowing Down

In Tunisia, time is not merely a schedule; it is a relationship. When you enter a shop, a home, or even a government office, do not rush straight to business. The greeting is sacred. In the Medina, men often exchange handshakes followed by a kiss on each cheek, while women may embrace warmly or place a hand over their heart. If you are unsure, offer a warm smile and a handshake, then wait for your host to lead the physical interaction.

Use formal titles until invited to do otherwise. “Monsieur” or “Madame” paired with the surname is the safest bet. If you are in the souks, you will encounter enthusiastic greetings from vendors. A polite “Shukran” (thank you) goes a long way, but remember that bargaining is a social dance, not a confrontation. Haggling over a leather bag or a ceramic tile is expected; haggling over food prices in a small eatery is considered rude. Start at about 60% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle with a smile. The goal is mutual satisfaction, not victory.

Dining: Hospitality as Currency

Tunisian cuisine is a love letter to generosity. You will be served tea, coffee, and food relentlessly. To refuse outright can be seen as rejecting friendship. Instead, accept small portions graciously. When dining, always use your right hand if you are eating with traditional breads like khobz or dishes like lablabi. Even if you are left-handed, making an effort with the right hand shows respect for local custom.

Consider the humble bowl of lablabi, a chickpea stew topped with harissa, cumin, and a soft-boiled egg, available for about 3 TND (roughly $1). It is often eaten standing up at street corners, especially in the mornings. This is not a sign of poverty, but of community; people gather here to talk. Do not look down at your phone. Engage with the person next to you. Similarly, when offered brik à l’œuf—a crispy pastry filled with tuna, parsley, and a runny egg—accept it hot and fresh. It costs around 2 TND (about $0.60) and is best enjoyed immediately.

If you dine in a mid-range restaurant, such as those near Avenue Habib Bourguiba, expect a three-course meal for two to cost roughly 65 TND ($21). Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Leaving 10% for good service is standard. In more casual settings, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is sufficient. Never tip aggressively; it can make servers uncomfortable. Remember, hospitality is our currency, but we also value dignity in work.

Dress and Public Conduct

Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country with a secular legal framework, but modesty is deeply ingrained in social expectations, particularly in the Medina and rural areas. For women, covering shoulders and knees is advisable, especially when visiting religious sites or older neighborhoods. A scarf is useful, not just for sun protection but for entering mosques where non-Muslims are generally restricted to courtyards or exterior views unless invited.

Men should avoid wearing shorts in the Medina or formal districts. A simple pair of trousers or longer shorts is appropriate. In coastal areas like La Marsa or Sidi Bou Said, beachwear is acceptable only on the sand or immediate promenade. Walking through the town centers in swimwear is frowned upon. When visiting the Ez-Zitouna Mosque area, dress conservatively out of respect for the sacred space adjacent to the bustling souks.

Public displays of affection between couples are limited. Holding hands is fine, but kissing or intimate touching in public spaces can draw disapproving stares. Respect these boundaries to ensure your visit remains comfortable for everyone involved. Also, be mindful of photography. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women in traditional dress or workers in the souks. Many locals feel uncomfortable being captured without consent. A simple question, “Can I take your photo?” usually yields a positive response if framed respectfully.

Navigating Spaces and Customs

Understanding the layout of Tunis helps you navigate its etiquette. The Medina is a labyrinth of history, founded around 698 AD. Here, noise is part of the fabric. Vendors call out, artisans hammer metal, and voices rise in conversation. Do not mistake this for aggression. It is vitality. If you get lost, do not panic. Ask a shopkeeper for directions; they will likely point you toward a landmark rather than give complex instructions.

When using public transport, such as the Métro Léger or the TGM train to La Goulette, be prepared for close quarters. Giving up your seat to elders, pregnant women, or families with children is expected. The single fare is about 1 TND ($0.3), making it an affordable way to experience daily life. However, keep your valuables secure. While violent crime is rare, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Medina or on busy buses.

Religious observance shapes the rhythm of the day. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is offensive to those fasting. Even outside Ramadan, be respectful of prayer times. If you hear the adhan (call to prayer), lower your voice slightly and pause loud conversations. Most businesses close for about an hour during the midday prayer break, so plan your visits accordingly.

Finally, embrace the concept of “Inshallah” (God willing). It is not an excuse for lateness but an acknowledgment of uncertainty. If someone says they will call you “inshallah,” they mean it, but circumstances may intervene. Patience is key. Traffic in Tunis can be chaotic, with drivers asserting dominance. As a pedestrian, assert your presence calmly but firmly. Cars rarely stop for pedestrians, so cross with confidence and awareness. Use designated crossings where possible, but know that safety is often a shared responsibility.

Tunisia rewards the curious visitor. By respecting these customs, you open doors to genuine connections. Whether you are sipping mint tea in a medina riad, walking along the Roman baths in Carthage, or hiking in Ichkeul National Park, remember that you are a guest in a land rich with history and warmth. Travel slowly, listen closely, and let the spirit of Tunis guide you.

Frequently asked questions

Is tipping expected in Tunisia?

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving 10% for good service is standard. In casual settings or for services like taxis, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is sufficient.

What should I wear in the Medina of Tunis?

Modest dress is advised. Cover shoulders and knees, especially for women. Men should avoid shorts in the Medina. Carry a scarf for religious sites. Beachwear is only for the coast, not town centers.

How do I bargain in the Tunis souks?

Bargaining is expected for goods like crafts and textiles, not for food. Start at about 60% of the asking price and negotiate with a smile. The goal is mutual satisfaction, not winning.

Can I drink alcohol in public in Tunisia?

Alcohol is available in licensed bars, hotels, and some supermarkets, but consuming it openly in public streets or non-licensed areas is frowned upon and potentially illegal. Drink responsibly in designated venues.

How do I greet people in Tunisia?

Use formal titles like 'Monsieur' or 'Madame'. Men often shake hands and kiss cheeks; women may embrace or place a hand on the heart. Always greet before discussing business.

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