Shopping in Tunisia. What to bring from Tunisia

What to buy in Tunisia

Every tourist vacationing in Tunisia inevitably asks the question: "What to bring from Tunisia as a gift? What Tunisian souvenirs can surprise family and friends?"

The range of goods presented in Tunisia is diverse and mainly consists of locally produced goods. In shops, stores, and markets, you can buy everything from everyday goods to souvenirs. Brand-name items here are not much cheaper than in their "homeland," and they are only found in the capital – Tunis city.

Among the popular souvenirs from Tunisia, we can highlight: traditional carpets, metalwork, clay products, hookahs, leather goods, gold and silver items, spices.

Authentic Tunisian carpets of excellent quality can be bought everywhere, but undoubtedly, the center of carpet weaving is Kairouan city. Carpets are mostly handmade from wool and silk using natural dyes. Thanks to the highest quality, such a carpet will serve you for a long time. It can be washed repeatedly and the colors will not fade at all. When buying a genuine carpet, note that it must have a quality certificate, which is attached to the back of the carpet with a seal. Carpet prices range from a few hundred to several thousand US dollars, depending on size and material.

Leather goods are quite popular among tourists due to good craftsmanship. Leather goods can be purchased both in stores specializing in such goods and in markets. However, in the market they are significantly cheaper, but there is a high chance of running into a counterfeit or poor-quality product. Therefore, it is recommended to buy leather goods in large or specialized stores that provide a quality guarantee for the goods sold. The range of leather goods is vast – bags of various styles, colors, and sizes, belts, flip-flops, wallets, purses, clothing items. A bag, on average, can be bought from $40, flip-flops – from $15-20.

Ceramic products are represented by plates and bowls of different shapes and sizes, cups in the shape of a camel, lamps, wall tiles, etc. The color palette and patterns on the products will not leave you indifferent; you'll immediately want to buy something. Lamps cost approximately from $4.

Copper plates and other utensils, with patterns or inscriptions engraved in your presence, are excellent mementos of the trip.

Gold and silver items: earrings, bracelets, chains, pendants, rings, etc. jewelry are in demand among tourists due to high quality and exquisite forms of decoration. However, it's worth repeating that it's better to buy such items in large stores where you will be provided with a guarantee of quality and authenticity of the product.

For hookah lovers, it's a "paradise" here. Hookahs of different shapes, colors, and sizes can be bought everywhere, but it's worth checking with the seller: whether the specimen you have chosen is decorative, otherwise you won't be able to use it. It is also recommended to buy hookah tobacco on the spot.

There is simply a "plenty" of souvenir products in Tunisia. The eyes run wide. We will note the most popular and interesting ones.

Souvenirs from Tunisia, reminding residents and tourists of its history associated with the Carthage period – figurines of warriors, busts of generals, Carthaginian columns.

A special interest among tourists is the so-called "sand rose" - a natural formation resembling a stone flower. The price ranges from 1 to 3 dinars (currency of Tunisia).

Among symbolic souvenirs, it's worth noting a symbol in the shape of a hand, also called the "Hand of Fatima" or "Khamsa." Locals consider it a means of protection from the evil eye and damage and carry it with them as a keychain or pendant.

Among souvenirs reflecting the African essence, there are: drums, the body of which is made of clay and covered with leather on top (depending on size, they cost from 10 dinars). Pictures and plates with layered colored sand inside, depicting, for example, a camel walking in the desert or an oasis, or camel figurines made from various materials. Various African masks.

Be sure to treat your loved ones to real dates and oriental sweets, don't forget about olive oil. Dates, on average, cost about 5 dinars per kg, and olive oil – about 10-15 dinars per liter. Tunisia has a favorable climate for growing grapes, so good grape wine is produced here. The best wine is considered to be Magon (a bottle from 10-15 dinars).

Where to buy in Tunisia

You can buy everything in Tunisia in numerous shops, stores, markets, and fairs.

In resort cities, there are large state-owned supermarkets Monoprix and General, where you can buy everything you need, from food to clothing and household chemicals. The General chain is more well-known, and the reason is that only here you can buy alcohol. Supermarket opening hours vary depending on the season: in winter from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 18:45, in summer from 7:30 to 15:00.

In addition, there are a huge number of small shops and stalls belonging to private individuals, also selling food and various everyday goods. Opening hours are generally as follows: in winter - from 9:00 to 19:00, break from 12:00 to 15:00, closed on weekends (Friday, Sunday) and holidays; in summer from 8:00 to 20:00, break from 12:00 to 16:00. During Ramadan (beginning of fasting) – from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 19:00 to 21:00. In Tunis city, there is a huge supermarket with the same name - Tunis, which also offers a wide range of goods (household appliances, clothing, shoes, children's goods and toys, perfumes, and much more) and food.

Hotel shops sell essential goods, but it should be noted that prices here are quite inflated, although they operate without breaks and late into the evening.

One of the national characteristics of Tunisia are fair days, held in some large cities in the mornings (from 7:00 to 13:00). They feature goods from local producers (souvenirs, clothing, agricultural products). Among the most well-known: in Kairouan, Houmt Souk (Djerba Island) - on Mondays; in Ajim (Djerba Island) - on Wednesdays; in Hammamet, Houmt Souk (Djerba Island) - on Thursdays; in Midoun (Djerba Island), Mahdia, Nabeul, Sfax, Monastir - on Fridays; in Monastir - on Saturdays; in Sfax, Sousse - on Sundays.

Particularly noteworthy is Shopping in the Medina (otherwise the Old City or Arab quarter). The Medina exists in all significant Tunisian cities and is a large area surrounded by a stone wall, inside which there are many shops and stores, as well as craft workshops producing traditional local goods: metalwork, silver and gold items, ceramics, and more. This exciting walk through narrow streets with old buildings in Arabic style with traditional houses – menzels, with the characteristic bustle of traders of various goods, will not leave you indifferent. The Medina is rightfully considered one of the main attractions of any large city in the state.

Useful tips

• Bargaining is an integral attribute of the Tunisian market. After all, it's customary here. They don't bargain only in large shopping centers and where fixed prices are set. With good bargaining, the price can be reduced by 50-80%. Moreover, the price apparently does not depend on the place of sale of the goods or its quality, but on the seller's mood.
• Expensive goods are better to buy in stores, as quality control of products is carried out here. Yes, and it will be easier to exchange goods if defects are found than when purchasing them in the market or in a small shop.
• When making expensive purchases, it is recommended to keep receipts, which may be required when going through customs control upon departure from the country.
• Quality and inexpensive souvenirs are sold at the Bardo Museum near the capital.

Happy shopping in Tunisia!