Douz, Tunisia 🇹🇳
#1506
33.45711, 9.024982
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Douz is a town located in southern Tunisia, known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara.' It is famous for its lush palm groves and proximity to the Sahara Desert. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with improvements in some areas; fiber optics are being slowly introduced. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The local currency is Tunisian Dinar (TND). As of November 2024, 1 TND is approximately equal to 0.33 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz with Type C sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange and Ooredoo, providing good coverage and competitive prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in major establishments, ensuring ease of transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation ranges from traditional guesthouses to hotels; Airbnb is also available for short-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash transactions are predominant in the local market. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short-term rentals starting at around 40 TND per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and hostels are available starting from approximately 30 TND per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Douz lacks dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes offer places to work remotely. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Sahara offers a quiet atmosphere with wifi and local snacks. |
| 💼 Networking Events | No regular networking events; meetups occur occasionally through social media channels. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings are minimal; occasionally organized through local social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Traditional taxis are available; ride-hailing apps are not widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are very limited; many locals prefer walking. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 100 km away in Mahdia, approximately 1.5 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tunisair operates regional flights from Douz via the nearest airport in Tozeur. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights largely operate through Tunis-Carthage International Airport, around 500 km from Douz. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 3 connects Douz to major cities like Tozeur and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Douz does not have a train station; buses are the primary mode of long-distance transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes available; local buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for travel to nearby towns; however, they can be infrequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital de Douz provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; local hotels might offer yoga classes occasionally. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness facilities are available in larger hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are provided by local hotels; standalone laundromats are sparse. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery options are limited; local restaurants often provide takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Makroud,' a semolina pastry filled with dates, popular in Douz. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available but may be limited; fresh produce markets are abundant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local pastry shops serve traditional sweets; 'Pâtisserie Moncef' is popular. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and souks are affordable for spices and local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; local businesses may have social media pages for ordering. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No formal grocery delivery services; local markets are the go-to for supplies. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; local cafes may have live music on occasion. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Tunisia has limited beer options; 'Celtia' is a well-known local brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine options; local wine is available in markets. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food includes 'Brik,' a popular local pastry; stalls operate mainly during the evenings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited international options; native cuisine dominates local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Douz Museum showcases local culture, crafts, and traditions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local art is displayed in various cafes and cultural centers; no major museums are present. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Armich Oasis is a historical site worth visiting for its unique date palms. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mosque of Douz, with fine architecture, is a local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Douz International Festival of the Sahara happens annually in December, featuring cultural performances. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features traditional markets and spots where artisans showcase their work. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Open-air performances are organized during festivals; no traditional theaters exist. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Douz Souk is known for its carpets, jewelry, and spices, ideal for souvenir shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is often tied to cultural festivals with live performances during events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; more traditional forms of art are prevalent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes are sometimes offered by restaurants focusing on Tunisian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries are minimal; local artisans often showcase their work in souks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The traditional houses of Douz feature unique architectural styles reflective of desert living. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The palm tree landscape is fundamental to Douz's identity, historically tied to the local economy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Chott el Jerid is a vast salt flat nearby, perfect for adventure and photography. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jebel Chambi National Park is the closest national park, known for its hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths through palm groves and desert trails cater to outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at the edge of the Sahara offer breathtaking sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Ksar Ouled Soltane is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open areas in the desert allow for bonfires during organized camping trips. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices offer package delivery; larger courier services are available in Tozeur. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic tech repair services are available in town; specialized services are mostly in larger cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in some community centers and hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited formal language classes; private lessons available through local tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | A small municipal library exists; cafes serve as popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events are organized occasionally at local centers and cultural venues. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Video gaming is popular among youth; local cafes sometimes provide gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos or gaming halls in Douz; entertainment mostly revolves around cafes and local gatherings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 TND per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000 TND) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 TND per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 TND) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 TND per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 TND) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 TND per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 TND) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 TND per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 TND) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 TND per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000 TND) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on territorial income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, controlled foreign company rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 1% for first-time home buyers. |