What is the Currency in Tunisia?

What is the Currency in Tunisia?

If you're travelling to Tunisia—whether for a beach holiday in Hammamet, exploring ancient ruins in Carthage, or visiting the bustling markets of Tunis—it’s essential to know how the currency works. This guide is tailored for UK travellers and covers Tunisia’s official currency, where to exchange money, and how best to handle your spending while abroad.

What currency does Tunisia use?

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar, abbreviated as TND and commonly represented by the symbol د.ت. All transactions in Tunisia—whether at hotels, shops, restaurants or transport services—are conducted in dinars.

How is the Tunisian dinar structured?

The dinar is divided into 1,000 millimes. You’ll come across both coins and banknotes in circulation. Common denominations include:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars

• Coins: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 dinars, plus millime coins such as 10, 20, 50, and 100

As of the time of writing, £1 is worth approximately 3.8–4.0 TND, but this can vary. Always check current exchange rates before you travel or make conversions.

Can you use British pounds or euros in Tunisia?

No. Tunisia has a closed currency, meaning the dinar is not traded internationally and foreign currencies are not accepted for regular purchases. You cannot legally bring dinars into or out of the country in large amounts.

All payments must be made in TND, and you’ll need to exchange money upon arrival or withdraw it locally.

Should you bring cash or use cards in Tunisia?

Tunisia operates largely as a cash-based economy, especially in local markets, taxis, and small restaurants. Larger hotels and some tourist-focused establishments may accept debit or credit cards (mainly Visa or Mastercard), but card acceptance is far less widespread than in the UK or Europe.

It is strongly recommended to bring cash (GBP or EUR) and exchange it once in Tunisia, or withdraw dinars from ATMs if your card is accepted abroad.

Where to exchange money in Tunisia

Currency exchange is straightforward and regulated by the Central Bank of Tunisia. You can exchange pounds or euros at:

• Banks

• Currency exchange bureaus

• Hotels (often with slightly less favourable rates)

• ATMs (for cash withdrawals in dinars)

Always keep your currency exchange receipt—this may be required if you wish to convert any leftover dinars back into pounds before leaving.

Tips for handling money in Tunisia

• Exchange money upon arrival—dinars are not available in the UK

• Carry small denominations for local purchases and tipping

• Avoid exchanging money with unofficial vendors to prevent scams

• ATMs are common in cities and resort areas, but may charge fees

• Keep receipts if you plan to exchange dinars back to foreign currency before departure

Common mistakes to avoid

A common error is assuming you can get Tunisian dinars in the UK—you can’t. It's a closed currency, and bringing in or taking out large amounts is prohibited. Another mistake is relying entirely on cards, which can be unreliable, especially in rural or smaller towns.

Lastly, don’t accept unofficial exchange offers in markets or on the street. Only use licensed and reputable exchange services.

In summary

Tunisia uses the Tunisian Dinar (TND), and it's a closed currency that must be exchanged locally. While some cards are accepted in larger establishments, cash is essential for most everyday transactions. UK travellers should exchange money upon arrival, carry small denominations, and keep receipts if planning to convert leftover currency before departure.