These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Tunisia, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Πώς λειτουργεί: The most common issue in Tunis is a driver who will not start the meter, claims it is broken, or names a high flat fare once he hears you are a tourist, leaving you to pay several times the real price, especially from the airport.
Πώς να το αποφύγετε: Politely insist on the meter (compteur) before setting off; if the driver refuses, get out and flag another. Better still, use a ride-hailing app like Bolt, which fixes the price in advance and removes any argument.
Fake guides and 'friendly locals'
Πώς λειτουργεί: In the medina a well-dressed man may greet you warmly, claim to remember you from your hotel, and offer to show a 'special festival', viewpoint or workshop, then steer you to a shop or demand a large tip.
Πώς να το αποφύγετε: Be polite but firm; you do not need an unsolicited guide to walk the medina. Decline the 'this way' offers, keep to the main souk streets, and hire only a licensed guide through your hotel or a reputable agency if you want one.
Carpet shop tea and hard sell
Πώς λειτουργεί: A friendly local invites you up to a rooftop 'for the view' or into a shop for 'free' mint tea, then you face a relentless hard sell on carpets or ceramics, with a rug worth a little pushed for many times its value.
Πώς να το αποφύγετε: It is fine to accept tea and browse, but decide your budget first and be ready to say no clearly and repeatedly. Never feel obliged to buy because of the tea, and expect to pay far below the first price if you do haggle.
Fake plainclothes 'police' check
Πώς λειτουργεί: Someone in ordinary clothes claims to be police in a tourist area, asks to check your passport or wallet for 'counterfeit notes', then tries to pocket cash or demand an on-the-spot fine.
Πώς να το αποφύγετε: Real officers wear uniform and will not need to handle your cash. Keep your wallet closed, offer to walk to a police station or your hotel, and do not hand over money or documents to anyone approaching you in the street.
Cafe and terrace overcharging
Πώς λειτουργεί: At some tourist-facing cafes, especially scenic terraces in Sidi Bou Said, a mint tea or snack ordered without checking the price appears on the bill at two or three times the normal rate.
Πώς να το αποφύγετε: Ask for a printed menu with prices before ordering, or confirm the price of each item. Prices at ordinary local cafes are tiny, so a surprising bill is a sign you were charged a tourist rate, not the real one.