At the peak of North Africa, on the Mediterranean Sea, you can locate the small country of Tunisia. Its nearby neighbors include Lybia and Algeria. Its major exports include a growing phosphate and tourism industry. The currency is the dinar. It consists of 1,000 milim. Its symbol is TND.
History
Tunisia’s coinage dates back to the times of the Phoenician traders. They set up a base at with became Carthage by 814 B.C. The coins from the 5th century B. C. were silver. The Carthaginians added gold and electrum currency in the 4th century B.C. These traditionally featured the head of their Goddess, Tanit as well as a horse and a palm tree.
During the Punic Wars, another source of coins came from a minor revolt of some mercenaries. They minted coins for their own usage. There were also restamped and new issues during this period. The Romans, however, eradicated all Carthaginian currency, replacing it with denarii, the official coin of the realm. Some local issued continued until the rule of Tiberius (AD 14-37). The Romans even established an official mint, temporarily, in Carthage from 296-313.
The Vandals changed the distribution of Roman coins in Tunisia in the 5th and 6th centuries. They issued coins imitating Roman Imperial Coins. Later Vandal kings added touches reflecting the Tunisian aspect. The following Byzantine rule in the 6th and 7th centuries pumped out their coinage from the mint at Carthage.
By 698, the Arabs controlled all of Tunisia. Islam had rules small pockets issuing copies of Byzantinian coins or, eventually, small, thin flans with Latin inscriptions at the Carthaginian mint. The coins of 714, however, were Arabic with inscriptions in this language. In the following year, the coins fell into the standards of the Umayyad Caliphs.
The Aghlabids and Berbers continued to produce coins in Tunisia under their rule. New mints opened and inscriptions changed. The truly distinctive designs did not arrive until Caliph al-Mansur issued coins with the inscriptions arranged in concentric circles. Successive rulers, including Zirids and other Berber groups, continued to manufacture from various mints.
Under the al-Muwahhids, 2 new coin types made an appearance. The first type consisted of gold coins, thin and broad with inscriptions in a square frame. The second were small, square coins of silver. Both originated in Tunis. Both became popular across continents becoming imitated by the French, the Spanish and the Italians.
The coinage in Tunisia ended with the arrival of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans began to issue their currency. Machine production began in 1839 lasting until 1861. The regime, however, ended in 1881 when the French took over. The new designs of around 1891 came in French denominations with French inscriptions from the Paris mint. In 1918, the coins became more elaborate but the monetary system remained the same.
Tunisia gained independence in 1956. It became a Republic in 1957. The new coins were not French but millim and dinar. They initially featured an olive tree and wreath on the lower denominations with a decorated border on the higher coins. Today, you can find coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 milim as well as ½, 1 and 5 dinar. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 30 dinar.
Obtaining Tunisian Dinars
You can exchange your own money for dinars at the authorized dealers including banks. Retain the receipts for your records. You can also access your money at ATMs. You can locate them in any town that has a bank. They are also available in the tourist sectors.
Protecting Your Currency
Crime in Tunisia consists of the petty kind. Scams, theft and pickpocketing may occur. Take the usual precautions to ensure the safety of your valuables.
Using Your Tunisian Dinars
The dinar is the legal currency of Tunisia. You can use it effectively in the souks in the country’s medinas. Bargaining makes more sense when you have the cash in-hand. Opt for a variety of different handicrafts. Birdcages or carpets, woodcarvings or precious jewelry - you can find it all in a souk. Opt for the yellowish green pottery from Jerba or the blue-white from Nabeul. There is also earth-colored pottery from Sedjane. You can select gifts of brass or copper trays, leatherwork or Berber jewelry. Bowls, plates, vases or even bracelets of carved, fragrant, olive wood is another option of many in Tunisia.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Weather is always a factor in the timing of any visit. A trek across the Sahara, for example, should not take place during the summer months.
- Exercise caution if you have to go near the Algerian border.
- Respect the Muslim culture and traditions of the country. Dress modestly and behave discreetly.
- Driving in Tunisia can be a wild experience with many ignoring such things as traffic rules and regulations. Do not drive at night.
- If you plan a trek into the Sahara, you must provide authorities of your intent. They will need your itinerary. Only undertake such a trek under the guidance of a qualified and experienced guide.
- Wander the cobbled streets of Sidi Bou Said inhaling the scent of the bougainvillea.
- Take the causeway to the island and beaches of Jerba
- If you are a fan of Star Wars, you must visit the location site at Matamata. Here, you can see the Berber underground huts and troglodyte pit homes.
- Be sure to take in the wonders of the Bardo Museum just outside Tunis.
- In Tunis, go to the Grand Mosque, the medina and the Carthage Museum.
- There are also plenty of ancient ruins to visit including the old Roman city of Bulla Regia with its underground villas and the baths, temples and theaters of Dougga.
- You can also go to visit the Roman Colosseum at el-Jem.
Overview
Tunisia
is an exotic country of sand and sea on the Mediterranean coast of
North Africa. Its past owes much to the Carthaginians and the Romans.
For travel information, see www.tourismtunisia.com.
Currency Summary
Current currency: Dinars
1,000 milim equal 1 dinar
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 milim; ½, 1 and 5 dinar
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20 and 30 dinar