URGENT: travelling general queries. TUNISIA specific ones

Hmm_Messiah

Hi we booked a last minute holiday to TUNISIA this saturday one week, in MAmmamet - and I have a few questions. I've not flown in years but can get over that anxiety (here's hoping) but have some real questions

One.
Thing is I've just seen advice on an online guide to get Polio, Hep A vaccines "highlly recommended" plus a few others.

I don't think there is enough time for these to be effective (as far as I know polio vaccine makes u "contagious" for a few days)

Any one any experience of Tunisia ? How important would you say the shots are ?

TWO.
Also any idea how widespread atms are ? some sites say thery are around others report seeing none. Should we bring cash ? where would we exchange for T dinar ? one site says you CANNOT exchange at the airport.

THREE
I've been sick the past weeks with abdo pain, was on a course of antibiotics, doc suggesting might be somethignlike diverticulitis. thing is pain is still there each day, to varying degree. WOuld I be safest not travelling ? Any one any experience of healthcare in Tunisia? I want to go - but keep questioning how good an idea. I can't even see how its possible to get home for less than 1500.00 e

FOUR
FInally, if I do get to go, any hints etc from people who have been there ?

(am going to doctor this afternoon - but know in end of day will be up to me )

Grem

You dont need any vaccinations for Tunisia. My parents/brother/sister have all been there, my parents go nearly every year and none of them have ever gotten vaccinations OR contracted any life threatening illness due to lack of having them.

I imagine healthcare in Tunisia would not be as good a standard as here, and expensive if you did require it. I'm not sure if insurance would cover the costs of it, seeing as you know there is something wrong with you prior to travelling.

Contact your bank and they can order in the currency for you. Take some currency and use your credit card too.

babaduck

1. You don't need vaccinations if you're going to a tourist area - and I'm pretty sure it's HAMMAMET you're going to & not Mammamet!:D

2. There are some ATM's in tourist areas but don't depend on them. Bring Euro or Sterling cash/travellers cheques & exchange in the hotel or at local bureau de changes

3. You can't change Dinars back to Euros/Sterling at the airport

4. The Tunisian Dinar is a "closed currency" so you are forbidden from bringing it in or out of the country... therefore you can't preorder it from your bank & bring it with you

Hmm_Messiah

thanks

basically now guessing how much euro to , bring.



I'm guessing can use the credit card if stuck

ScouseMouse

I was there last year and it is fine. The big hotels have atms in the lobbys and the people are very friendly. It is a muslim country though but is reasonably up to date. They make their own brandy and stuff but it is all made on figs. I got a dose of food poisoning from an ice cream sundae in a pavement cafe so watch out.

Be wary though. If you are sick now and you get sick out there any holiday insurance could use this to refuse any claim.


You are not allowed to leave the country with any local currency so security may take it off you. When i got to the security check at the airport, i called over a cleaner and gave it to her. Her face lit up, it was probably worth half a days pay to her but just a few euro to me.


Enjoy yourself

Dellas

I was there last May and I loved it. Try to visit Hammamet Yasmine which is a modern more up market resort 12 KM north. They have lovely hotels and a theme park and a nice marina and shopping Bazaar. It was really nice. Change Euro's into Dinars only as you need them and at the hotel reception. Its not worth changing them back as you loose too much. I changed 100 euro when i arrived then more as and when i needed it .

I didnt get injections and you dont need to either. Take a trip to Carthage if your interested in ancient ruins etc.....