Getting around Tunisia: transport and apps

On the road

• Road surfaces are reasonable, but large potholes open up after rain.
• Speed bumps appear in towns without warning or markings. They are the single most common way a hire car is damaged here.
• Do not drive at night outside towns. Unlit roads and livestock on the carriageway are the reason.
• Driving standards are poor, with right of way and traffic signals treated as advice.
• The drink-drive limit is stricter than England's and the penalties are severe.
• Carry an International Driving Permit alongside your own licence.

Louages

• The louage is a shared long-distance taxi and it is how the country actually moves between towns. They leave when full rather than to a timetable, from their own stations.
• Fares are fixed and posted, so this is not a negotiation.

Trains

• SNCFT runs the rail network, useful along the coast between Tunis, Sousse and Sfax. It is slow and cheap.

Strikes

• Strikes in transport and public services happen, and can hit rail, sea, air and city transport at short notice. Build slack around a departure day.