Kairouan, Tunisia 🇹🇳
#1503
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kairouan is one of the most important cities in Tunisia, known for its rich Islamic heritage and historical significance. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 TND ≈ 0.33 USD. The local currency is Tunisian Dinar (TND). You can use ATMs widely across the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, and Orange, offering affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as Banque de Tunisie and international options like Revolut are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and budget hotels. Expect around 120 TND per night for a decent hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately; credit cards are accepted in larger establishments but cash is preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Dar el Ghriba starts around 50 TND/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Medina of Kairouan, close to the Great Mosque and local markets. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the city center offers a blend of amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Kairouan offers a quiet environment with ample facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Koufni provides a great atmosphere with Wi-Fi and power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | While specific events are rare, local expatriate groups on Facebook occasionally organize meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check the Kairouan Expats Facebook group for community gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in town and is a reliable option for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals can be found near the Medina, with charges around 10 TND for a full day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Monastir, about 60 km away, approximately 1 hour by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nouvelair operates regional flights to popular destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tunisair connects Kairouan to major European cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Kairouan to Tunis and other key cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kairouan train station provides services to various parts of Tunisia. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares within the city are around 1 TND. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to Tunis and Sousse, with tickets costing around 5 TND. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kairouan Regional Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and wellness options are limited but check local community centers for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Gym Kairouan offers basic workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Kairouan offers laundry services starting at 20 TND. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Kairouan, offering various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Couscous Kairouani is a must-try; it's a local specialty with rich flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian couscous and various salads are available at most restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Maison des Douceurs offers delightful pastries and traditional Tunisian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market (souq) offers fresh produce and street food at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia serves as a popular e-commerce platform for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer delivery, such as Carrefour. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kairouan is quiet at night; few bars exist, but local cafes often have evening activities. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Tunisian beer is available in local markets, with brands like Celtia and Samba. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine can be sampled at select restaurants and cafes. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant, with options like brik and shawarma available. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta from local restaurants cater to Western tastes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Aghlabid Basins are top historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Islamic Art offers insights into the region's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kairouan boasts several mosques and ancient architecture reflecting its heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Don't miss the Mosque of Sidi Sahbi, known for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Mawlid al-Nabi celebrations feature religious gatherings and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Medina for its traditional crafts and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited but check local listings for cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The souq provides a vibrant atmosphere and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music is celebrated during festivals and local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is emerging in Kairouan, primarily focused in the Medina. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes can be arranged locally to learn traditional Tunisian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artisans can be found in the Medina selling their crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The medina features several beautifully preserved buildings worth exploring. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kairouan is known as the 'City of a Thousand Mosques'. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby areas like the Chott el Jerid offer unique landscapes and salt flats. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bouhertma National Park is a short drive away, offering hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths around the city and along the outskirts for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hills around Kairouan provide beautiful overlooks of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Chott el Jerid is a great place for birdwatching during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas outside the city where bonfires are allowed. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services include Post-tunisie for mail and package deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops in the Medina offer phone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language schools offer classes in Arabic and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There are limited libraries; consider cafes for a study-friendly environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers promote local gatherings and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes are available but gaming lounges are rare. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent in Kairouan due to local laws. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 TND per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 90,000 TND) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 TND per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 75,000 TND) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 TND per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 120,000 TND) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,600 TND per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 96,000 TND) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 TND per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000 TND) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 TND per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000 TND) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates with a maximum of 35%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations surrounding foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income under certain conditions. |