Living in Tozeur as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Tunisian visas can be granted before entering the country or acquired upon arrival. Tourist visa applicants must provide evidence of accommodation and sustainable return transportation as well as proof of an existing travel insurance policy. Short-term work visas and long-term work/study permits, however, require significantly more detailed documentation, including references from your potential future employer or academic institution.

Language resources

Berber, Arabic, and French are prominent languages spoken in Tozeur, with Berber and Arabic being the two most prevalent. Learning Berber or Arabic is highly recommended since knowledge of French will almost certainly not be as widely spoken within the community as in urban areas.

Housing

Accommodations in Tozeur are incredibly affordable, ranging from shared rooms to multi-bedroom apartments. Costs of shared accommodations range from 250 to 300 Tunisian dinars (approximately 90–100 USD) per month, while one-bedroom apartments range from 600 to 700 Tunisian dinars (around 215–250 USD) per month. Multi-bedroom apartments range from 1,000 to 1,500 Tunisian dinars (around 350–550 USD) per month.

Groceries

Food prices in Tozeur are lower than in urban areas such as Tunis. Bread, fruits, and vegetables can be forever found at the Medina's souks. At most 50 Tunisian dinars (approximately 18 USD) per week is a typical amount for groceries. Supermarkets in Tozeur routinely far surpass this sum, making shopping at souks more economical.

Transportation

Tozeur's taxis and buses are affordable, and transportation expenses primarily consist of buying a bus pass or engaging the services of a taxi driver. Monthly bus passes are offered at 20 Tunisian dinars (approximately 7 USD), with taxi fares costing roughly 10 Tunisian dinars (3.50 USD) per medium distance.

Tozeur has a hot Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and scorching summers. In January, the average temperature is 14°C (57°F), and in July, it reaches an average high of 35°C (95°F). The summer months are particularly dry, and sandstorms are frequent. In contrast, winters bring occasional rain, with the rainiest month being February.

Tozeur, being part of Tunisia's agricultural heartland, presents a thriving job market, mainly in farming, manufacturing, and services related to tourism. The city's location, near the border with Algeria, also makes it an attractive destination for international businesses.

Expats living in Tozeur can expect quality healthcare services. The region's hospital system is nationally subsidized and provides mostly free services. It consists of three hospitals, a public one and two private ones. The Hassan Bourguiba Hospital and the Mohamed Chrich Hospital offer a wide range of medical specialties, including orthopedics, cardiology, and ophthalmology.

Public transportation in Tozeur is easily accessible, with multiple routes that connect to other surrounding towns. Taxis are prominent in Tozeur, with fares affordable by western standards. Seicentesimo, a state-owned bus company, provides regular routes daily within and outside the city. Other alternatives include motor-taxis, mini-vans, and mopeds. Transit schedules and fares are widely available online and at ticket booths.

Tozeur is a relatively safe area, but it is recommended that expats remain vigilant about their possessions in crowded public places, particularly when in unfamiliar areas. Trailblazing through unmarked alleyways in the medina at night is strongly discouraged as well.