Currency of Tunisia, money. Plastic cards, checks, exchange rate
What is the currency of Tunisia, money
The national currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar. International designation – TND, also used – TD. Dinars replaced French francs in Tunisia in 1960. One dinar equals 1000 millimes.
Banknotes and coins are in circulation. Banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 dinars of different sizes and years of issue, colored in green, blue, purple and orange, depict famous figures.
Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 millimes, 1/2, 1, 5 dinars.
Currently, aluminum coins of 1 and 2 millimes, issued in 1980 and 1983, are of numismatic interest, which, although officially in monetary circulation, are practically impossible to find.
All calculations in the country, by law, must be made only in the national currency. Nevertheless, in markets, shops, you can pay in dollars or euros, but carefully double-check the rate and method by which the cost in dinars will be converted into dollars or euros (most often in such cases you will still be at a disadvantage). In hotels, you can also pay in dollars, since almost every hotel has an exchange office.
Where to exchange currency in Tunisia?
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, exchange points at airports, hotels. The rate between different institutions differs slightly. The most favorable rate, oddly enough, is offered by hotels (exchange offices at hotels). Bank branches usually operate from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 11:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00.
It is especially recommended to keep receipts when exchanging foreign currency for local currency. The fact is that the national currency is strictly prohibited from being imported and exported from the country, so you will only be able to exchange remaining dinars for foreign currency at the airport if you have the aforementioned receipt. Moreover, you can exchange no more than 30% of the amount previously exchanged for dinars, and no more than 100 dinars (not dollars). Therefore, it is recommended not to exchange large amounts into dinars, but to exchange in small amounts as needed. You will not be able to spend the "remainder" of dinars on goods in Duty Free shops, as they do not accept dinars there.
According to Tunisian law, even small coins and banknotes, which tourists usually take as souvenirs, are prohibited from export.
Exchange rate of Tunisian currency
The exchange rate of the Tunisian currency is quite stable and not subject to sharp fluctuations.
For a quick conversion of an amount in Tunisian dinars to rubles, simply multiply the amount by 25. For example, 10 dinars*25 = 250 rubles. The current exact dinar exchange rate in rubles is indicated in the table below:
Market exchange rate (Tunisian dinar) for today ()
- 10 динар (TND) = 250,02 rubles (RUB)
- 1 US dollar (USD) = 2,92 TND
- 100 rubles (RUB) = 4,00 TND
- 1 euro (EUR) = 3,37 TND
Real currency exchange rate *
- 1 US dollar (USD) ≈ 2,86 - 2,91 TND
- 1 euro (EUR) ≈ 3,30 - 3,36 TND
* - The real exchange rate is calculated taking into account the fees charged by exchange offices and banks for the exchange. It can also be higher than the calculated one, but if you are offered an exchange rate lower than this, it's a reason to think about finding another place to exchange.
* - With the widget enabled, the exchange rate of the selected currency will be displayed in the right sidebar on every page of the site until you disable it yourself.
Plastic cards and traveler's checks
Plastic cards are widely used in Tunisia and are accepted for payment in shops, hotels, restaurants, etc. ATMs are installed in all tourist places. When withdrawing cash from ATMs, a commission of one and a half to two dinars is charged in addition to conversion fees. In general, exchanging cash is considered more profitable than withdrawing money from plastic cards. MasterCard and Visa plastic cards are common. American Express cards are less frequently accepted. There are ATMs that accept Maestro cards.
Traveler's checks American Express, Visa Interpayment, Thomas Cook Mastercard in US dollars are accepted in major cities and tourist centers.
Tips in Tunisia
Tipping in Tunisia is not obligatory, but if you liked the service, or you want to be well remembered and served especially well next time, you can leave a small amount. If you don't leave tips, no one will look at you askance or harm you, but if you thank the service staff, you will immediately feel the difference in attitude towards you and in the service. Be assured, they will remember you and your gratitude.
Tips usually amount to 10% of the order value in a restaurant if they are not automatically included in the bill. If you wish to thank for a service provided, they amount to: from 0.5 to 1 dinar – for a porter, maid, from 3 to 5 dinars – for bus drivers, guides. For even change, you can round up the taxi fare, although taxi drivers usually don't expect tips.
