SFAX - FAQ`S
To get to Sfax, Tunisia, you can consider the following transportation options:
By Air: The closest airport to Sfax is Thyna International Airport (SFA). You can check for international flights that connect to Thyna International Airport, and then take a taxi or public transportation from the airport to Sfax.
By Train: Sfax is well-connected by train to most major Tunisian cities. The main station, 2 Gare de Sfax is located just north of the city center. Trains go south to Gabes for the Ksour district or sites where Star Wars was filmed, or north to El Djem, Sousse or Tunis.
By Bus: Buses are also a convenient option for traveling to Sfax. There are two bus stations in Sfax. Soretras, which is the regional bus company, and may not offer A/C buses, is on Rue Commondant Bejaoui, a few blocks past the central market.
SNTRI Bus station, which offers long-distance buses, may be marked incorrectly on some travel guide maps. It is not across from the regional bus station, but is roughly 0.2 miles to the south, over the train tracks. It is probably best to take a taxi there, especially in the summer. The bus station is in the same building as the Tunisair office.
By Boat: Sfax is the gateway to the Kerkennah Islands, 12 miles off the coast. Sonotrak has up to eight daily departures. The 4 Ferry terminal is located on 5 Ave Mohamed Hédi Khefacha.
By Louage: The louage is a minibus of about 9 passengers. The 3 Louage station is located beyond the western end of Avenue Bourguiba, about 1 mile from the railway station. The louage driver will wait until the bus is full, which may mean an hour or more at quiet times, or to infrequent destinations. A wait for a ride to Tunis, El Djem or Sousse should not take too long, but if you are in a hurry and there is only one or two seats left, offer to pay for an extra seat or two.
There are several modes of transportation available to move around such as taxis, buses, and louages (shared taxis/vans). Taxis are the most convenient and fastest way to get around the city, but they are also the most expensive. Buses are cheaper alternative, but they tend to be crowded and have limited routes. Louages are another option, they are shared taxis/vans that follow set routes and are affordable, but they can be slightly uncomfortable if you are traveling long distances. Overall, taxis are the most recommended mode of transportation when traveling within Sfax.
Is Sfax a safe city?Overall Sfax is considered a safe city for visitors with a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities. However, as always, exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when visiting tourist areas and crowded places. Visitors should also be aware that pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas.
What is the currency of Tunisia?
Tunisian Dinar (TND; the symbol DT is also used commonly within Tunisia). Notes are in denominations of TND 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5 millimes. Coins are in the denominations of TND 1, 5, 10 dinars, as well as 5, 10, 20, 50 and 500 millimes.
You can exchange money at the airport or at your hotel. There are several ATMs, but some seem to struggle with international cards. When you change money over you will be given a printed receipt of the transaction, keep this as when you leave the country you can change your money back. It will not be accepted unless you provide a receipt of a transaction. ATM receipts are not a valid receipt to change dinars to foreign currency.
ATMs are widely available in tourist resorts. Most ATMs are linked to the Visa network through a few, also accept Maestro. It is important to always have a small emergency cash fund at hand when traveling in Tunisia for the times when the ATM rejects your card, or simply doesn't work, which can easily happen, especially once you're away from the coastal resort areas.
Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but large amounts should be declared and the amount exported must not exceed that declared upon arrival.
Tipping is not required, but waiters and taxi drivers are usually tipped a few coins; waiters in tourist restaurants are accustomed to 10%.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?The best time to visit Sfax is between March and May, and again from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. During this period. the temperature ranges between 68 to mid-80s F, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer months (June to August) can get quite hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees F, while the winter (December to February) can be cool and rainy. If you are planning to visit Sfax during the summer or winter, it's important to pack accordingly.
What is the language in Tunisia?French and Arabic are the official languages of Tunisia. Most people in the city speak French well. English is scarcely spoken and while the younger generation has a better grasp of the language, we suggest you learn a few French phrases and pick up an English-French guidebook or phone app and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the food like?Sfax is famous for its spicy and flavorful cuisine. Some typical foods include Lablabi, a popular breakfast food in Sfax made of chickpeas, bread, harissa (hot chili sauce), and cumin. Ojja is a spicy mix of tomatoes, eggs, merguez sausage, and chili peppers. Brik is a crispy pastry filled with tuna, egg, and harissa. The traditional Tunisian dish, Couscous, is made of Semolina grains, served with vegetables, meat and spicy broth. Fricasse, a sandwich made of a fried dough filled with tuna, egg, and harissa, is very common as well. Also be sure to try the Chakchouka, a spicy and savory dish made of bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggs.
Is Sfax an expensive destination for tourists?Compared to other popular tourist destinations in Tunisia, Sfax is generally considered to be less expensive. However, prices can vary depending on the season you're visiting and the type of activities and accommodations you choose. Generally speaking, you can find affordable lodging, transportation, and dining options in Sfax.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?If you have an urgent medical issue, consider calling the local emergency number (190 in Tunisia) for immediate assistance.