Fair prices in Tunisia — what things really cost

The airport is only about 8 km from the centre, so a metered taxi should be cheap. Insist the driver runs the meter (compteur); many will quote an inflated flat fare to arrivals. If the meter is 'broken', take another cab or use a ride-hailing app for a fixed price.

Yellow city taxis are plentiful and very cheap when metered, with short central hops costing only a dinar or two. Always confirm the meter is running from the start, carry small change, and note a small legitimate surcharge applies at night and on the TGM zones.

A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant is good value, especially fresh fish on the coast. Busy local places beat tourist-facing ones, and a printed menu with prices protects you. A modest tip of a dinar or two for good service is appreciated.

A steaming bowl of lablabi (chickpea soup over torn bread with harissa, egg and olive oil) is a cheap, filling local breakfast or lunch, especially in winter. Simple medina eateries serve the best versions for very little; add harissa to taste, as it is fierce.

A brik, a thin pastry parcel with egg, tuna, parsley and capers deep-fried until crisp, is a classic street snack for small change. Eat it fresh and hot, and mind the runny yolk. It is a Tunisian rite of passage worth trying early.

Sweet green tea with mint, often topped with pine nuts or almonds, is the everyday social drink and costs little at a normal cafe. A terrace in Sidi Bou Said costs more than a medina stall, but both are normal. Ask the price first at tourist spots to avoid an inflated bill.