Tunisia Travel Scams Guide - Stay Safe

🚕

Unmetered Taxi Rides

Meter Refusal and Overcharging

common

In Tunisia, taxi drivers often refuse to use the meter, especially at airports or train stations, and quote inflated fixed prices. For example, a ride from Tunis-Carthage Airport to the city center should cost around 10-15 TND, but drivers might demand 30-50 TND or more by claiming the meter is broken or by taking detours through traffic-heavy areas like Avenue Habib Bourguiba. They target tourists by speaking English and offering 'special deals' for foreigners.

How to Avoid This Scam

Always insist on using the meter; if refused, walk away and hail another taxi or use a licensed app like Bolt.
Agree on the exact fare in TND before entering, based on local rates like 1 TND per kilometer in urban areas, and have small bills ready to avoid change scams.
Opt for official yellow taxis with visible licenses at stands, and avoid unmarked vehicles, especially at night in busy hubs like Tunis medina.

Carpet Shop Invitations

common

In Tunisian souks and markets, friendly locals invite tourists for 'free' tea or mint tea in carpet shops, then pressure them to buy overpriced handmade rugs or pottery. For instance, a rug worth 200 TND might be pushed for 1000 TND, with stories about family heirlooms or cultural significance to guilt tourists into purchasing in places like the medina's alleyways.

How to Avoid This Scam

Politely decline invitations for tea from strangers in souks, as it's a common tactic; if you enter, set a clear budget and avoid emotional appeals.
Research fair prices in TND beforehand, like 50-200 TND for small rugs, and use cash only for exact amounts to prevent overcharging.
Shop with a licensed guide or in reputable stores with fixed prices, and be aware of cultural norms where bargaining is expected but can turn aggressive.

👮‍♂️

Fake Police Encounters

Bribe Demands from Impersonators

occasional

Scammers posing as plainclothes police in tourist areas like Tunis or Sousse approach foreigners, claiming to check documents or wallets for counterfeit money, then demand bribes in TND or euros. For example, they might accuse you of having fake currency and ask for 50-100 TND to 'resolve' it on the spot, often in less crowded streets near the medina.

How to Avoid This Scam

Only deal with uniformed police and insist on going to a official station if questioned; carry a copy of your passport and hotel business card.
If approached, ask for official identification and note local phrases like 'Montrez-moi votre carte' (Show me your ID) to assert yourself.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use ATMs inside banks and keep euros exchanged at official bureaus to minimize vulnerability.

🛍️

Medina Vendor Pressure

Aggressive Souvenir Sales

common

In Tunis's medina, particularly around the Zitouna Mosque and narrow alleys, vendors aggressively sell overpriced souvenirs like olive wood carvings or spices, starting bids at 50 TND for items worth 10 TND. They use tactics like blocking paths or creating crowds to pressure tourists into quick purchases.

How to Avoid This Scam

Bargain firmly but walk away if pressured; know that local customs allow haggling, but set a personal limit based on TND values from nearby official shops.
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds in the medina and stick to main paths near landmarks like the souk El Attarine.
Travel in groups and use a reputable local guide from the Tunis tourism office to navigate and identify genuine vendors.

🗺️

Fake Tour Guides at Sites

Unlicensed Guide Demands

occasional

At sites like the Bardo Museum in Tunis, unlicensed guides offer 'free' tours and then demand 50-100 TND at the end, often fabricating stories about ancient artifacts to build trust before escalating demands.

How to Avoid This Scam

Only hire guides with official badges from the National Institute of Heritage; official tours cost around 20-30 TND and can be booked in advance.
Use audio guides or apps for self-tours at the Bardo Museum to avoid interactions, and learn basic Arabic phrases like 'La shukran' (No thank you) for refusals.
Report suspicious guides to site security, as this is common in high-traffic areas near Tunis's cultural sites.

🏖️

Beach Service Overcharges

Exaggerated Watersport Fees

common

In Sousse's Ribat beach areas, vendors rent sunbeds or offer jet ski rides at inflated prices, like charging 50 TND for a 30-minute ride that should cost 20 TND, by claiming equipment fees or using worn-out gear to justify costs.

How to Avoid This Scam

Check prices at hotel desks first; standard rates for beach activities in Sousse are around 10-20 TND, and book through licensed operators.
Inspect equipment before agreeing and pay with exact change in TND to avoid 'short change' tactics in crowded beach zones.
Stick to public beaches with lifeguards and avoid isolated vendors, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer.

🏛️

Archaeological Site Extortion

Unauthorized Entry Fees

occasional

At Carthage's ruins, such as the Antonine Baths, individuals pose as site staff and demand extra fees beyond the official 10 TND entry, claiming it's for 'special access' or photography permits, targeting tour groups in less monitored areas.

How to Avoid This Scam

Buy tickets only at official booths and keep your receipt as proof; the site entrance is clearly marked with government signage.
Join organized tours from Tunis that include Carthage to ensure legitimate guides, and be cautious of anyone approaching outside the main gates.
Use the official Carthage museum app for maps and information, avoiding unsolicited offers in historical zones.