Are you going to Tunisia? Before you leave, take the time to familiarize yourself with the dinar, the Tunisian currency, which you will use for all your daily expenses. Understanding how it works, from coins to banknotes, will help you to handle your money smartly. Understanding these aspects will help you avoid unpleasant surprises related to fees or exchange rates.
In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know about the currency in Tunisia, how to pay, exchange and withdraw money.
What is the currency in Tunisia?
The currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar, issued by the Central Bank of Tunisia:
- Its symbol is: DT
- Its abbreviation is TND (Tunisian Dinar)
- 1 dinar can be divided into 1000 millimes
Check the up-to-date British pound to Tunisian dinar conversion rate with Western Union.
Note: in the display of prices in Tunisia, the three digits after the period or the decimal point represent the millimes of dinars. For example, if the price is 5,250 TND, it corresponds to 5 dinars and 250 millimes.
What are the coins and banknotes of the Tunisian currency?
The Tunisian currency is made up of various coins and banknotes, ranging from 10 millimes to 50 dinars:
- Tunisian coins: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 millimes, 1, 2 and 5 dinars
- Tunisian banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinars
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With Western Union, you can send money to Tunisia in just a few clicks at a great rate.
How do I pay in Tunisia?
In Tunisia, there are two main means of payment: cash and bank card. Paying in Tunisian currencies in cash is the most common solution in the country, while debit and credit card is convenient in major cities and tourist areas.
Pay with cash
Despite the advance of debit and credit cards, cash remains the most convenient means of payment in Tunisia. All purchases can be paid for in Tunisian dinar, including everyday transactions (taxis, petrol, coffees, market shopping, souks, tips, small souvenirs, etc.).
So always remember to have enough Tunisian money, Tunisian dinar, on you. If you go further from big cities, cash becomes indispensable, as card acceptance is lower in rural areas. When you have large banknotes, it is beneficial to use them in supermarkets or shopping malls and receive change, to pay with small denominations later. This makes it easier to render and avoid situations where the merchant does not have enough change.
Pay by credit card (credit or debit)
As in Morocco or Egypt, debit and credit cards are increasingly used in Tunisia, but remain limited to large cities and tourist areas, such as Djerba or Tunis. Guests usually can pay by Visa, Mastercard or AMEX in tourist hotels and restaurants, shopping malls and luxury boutiques.
Outside these areas, you may have difficulty paying with your credit card. It is therefore practial to carry enough dinars in cash with you.
Be careful, check the fees for any card purchase, as some merchants charge a commission on top of your bank’s payment fees. It is also recommended to have two bank cards with you, from two different networks, in case one is refused or incurs too high fees.
Before your departure to Tunisia, remember to indicate the dates of your stay at your bank, to avoid having your card blocked on the spot. Also remember to raise the payment and withdrawal limit, to ensure that you can always pay for your purchases.
Can I pay in British pounds in Tunisia?
Generally, not, but it might be possible to pay directly in British pounds in tourist areas in Tunisia, including hotels, tour operators or luxury establishments in Djerba or Tunis. Outside these areas, you will almost never be able to pay for your purchases in British pounds, and you will have to pay in Tunisian dinar.
Generally, it is not advantageous to pay in British pounds in Tunisia, as the exchange rate applied might be unfavourable, the merchant taking a margin, and the exchange will be returned in Tunisian currency, which increases the risk of fraud or mistakes.
Where to exchange money in Tunisia?
You can exchange your money in Tunisia:
- In the exchange offices, many of which are in the cities (especially to exchange your currency in Djerba or Tunis)
- At exchange offices at the airport and ports
- In the banks
- In high-end hotels
Tunisia provides many exchange points to get Tunisian money. However, it is in banks and exchange agencies located in the city that might have better rates. Exchange rates at hotels or airports might be less attractive but can be very convenient to get Tunisian currency when you arrive.
No matter where you are exchanging your money in Tunisia, keep these best practices in mind:
- Compare the exchange rates offered around you, as each rate is determined by the institution.
- Check for hidden commissions and fixed or variable fees.
- Never exchange money on the street in Tunisia, at the risk of fraud or theft.
- You can send money for cash pickup ahead of your travel with Western Union. This way you can pick a moment with a favourable exchange rate to make the transaction and collect Tunisian dinar at any Western Union location in Tunisia as soon as you arrive.
Note that the Tunisian dinar is not a convertible currency, which means you won’t be able to exchange it for British pounds once you return to the UK.
Enjoy great exchange rates with Western Union. Send Tunisian dinars to yourself and pick them up in Tunisa. You benefit from our safe, fast, and reliable service.
Where can I withdraw money in Tunisia?
You can withdraw money in Tunisia from ATMs, which is a convenient way to get Tunisian currency. Cash machines are very common in large cities and tourist areas but are rarer outside of it.
Usually, you can withdraw money from banks, airports, hotels, shopping malls, etc. Banks, such as Attijari Bank, Banque Zitouna, Al Baraka Bank, Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT), Banque de Tunisie or Citi Bank, usually offer safe and reliable ATMs to withdraw money in Tunisia, compatible with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Note: each cash withdrawal in Tunisia involves a commission from the local bank and possible fees from your bank in the UK (withdrawal fees and commissions on exchange rates).
FAQ
You can bring the equivalent of 20,000 Tunisian dinars (about 5,100 British pounds as of 1st of April 2026) in foreign currency to Tunisia, without the need to declare them. Beyond this amount, you must declare them to customs. When leaving Tunisia, you will need to declare the export of currency worth more than 3,000 Tunisian dinars (approximately 770 British pounds as of 1st of April 2026).
Note: Western Union does not guarantee the accuracy and relevancy of this information. This is for general information and does not replace legal advice. Always check official sources before bringing larger amounts of money to a different country.
Easily convert GBP to TND with Western Union.
With Western Union, you can easily send money to Tunisia from the UK:
- Online in a few clicks, via our website,
- With our mobile app,
- In person, by visiting one of our agent locations.
Your recipient will be able to receive the money in cash or in their account (via their Tunisian IBAN).
This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, information may change over time. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified legal or professional advisor and refer to official sources.
