How to Call Tunisia
Complete guide to dialing Tunisia (country code +216)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Tunisia? Knowing how to call Tunisia correctly ensures your calls go through smoothly every time. Whether you're calling Tunisia from the United States, Europe, or elsewhere, understanding the proper dialing format is essential to avoid connection issues and unnecessary charges. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for calling Tunisia successfully, including step-by-step dialing instructions, country and area codes, and the most common mistakes people make when placing international calls. We'll also cover important Tunisian phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, plus provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers you might need during your stay or when contacting someone in Tunisia.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Tunisia: Complete International Calling Guide
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Tunisia from abroad, follow this structure: Exit Code + 216 + Local Number (without leading zero)
Tunisia's country code is +216. The exit code varies by country—011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most European and Asian countries, or + from mobile phones.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 216 (Tunisia country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading zero
From the UK and Europe:
- Dial 00 (international exit code)
- Dial 216 (Tunisia country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading zero
From Mobile Phones (Any Country):
Simply dial + then 216, followed by the local number without leading zero.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Tunis Landline:
Local number: 71 XXX XXX
- From USA: 011-216-71-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-216-71-XXX-XXX
- From mobile: +216-71-XXX-XXX
Example 2 - Mobile Number (Orange Tunisia):
Local number: 98 XXX XXX
- From USA: 011-216-98-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-216-98-XXX-XXX
- From mobile: +216-98-XXX-XXX
Example 3 - Sfax Landline:
Local number: 74 XXX XXX
- From USA: 011-216-74-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-216-74-XXX-XXX
- From mobile: +216-74-XXX-XXX
Important Note About Leading Zeros
When dialing Tunisia internationally, always drop the leading zero from the local number. For example, if a Tunisian number is displayed as 071 XXX XXX locally, dial it as 011-216-71-XXX-XXX from the USA. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Tunisia.
Tunisian mobile numbers typically start with 9 (or 2-5 for some operators), while landlines begin with regional codes like 71 (Tunis), 73 (Sousse), or 74 (Sfax).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Tunisia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Tunisian phone numbers often appear with a leading zero domestically (e.g., 071 234 567). When dialing internationally, you must remove this zero. Dial +216 71 234 567, not +216 071 234 567.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Different countries have different exit codes. While many use 00, the US and Canada use 011. Verify your country's exit code before dialing, or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Tunisia's country code is +216. Don't mistake this for an area code or add additional digits. After +216, dial the local number directly (without the initial zero).
4. Including incorrect spacing
While spaces don't technically affect connections, following the standard format (+216 XX XXX XXX) helps avoid input errors and makes numbers easier to verify.
5. Forgetting to check the number length
Tunisian numbers are 8 digits long (after removing the leading zero). If your number has more or fewer digits, double-check before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Tunisia, phone etiquette reflects the country's blend of Arab, Mediterranean, and French influences. Understanding these customs helps build respectful communication.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with "Salam" (peace) or "Bonjour" in French. Take time for pleasantries before diving into your main topic. Rushing immediately to business is considered impolite.
Formality Levels
Use formal titles and last names in business contexts, especially when calling elders or professionals. Personal calls allow more casualness, but maintain respect initially until the other person sets a relaxed tone.
Timing Your Calls
Avoid calling during prayer times, particularly Friday midday prayers. The best calling windows are mid-morning (10 AM-noon) and late afternoon (4-7 PM). Evening calls after 9 PM should be reserved for close friends and family. During Ramadan, avoid calling during fasting hours.
Business vs. Personal
Business calls typically happen during standard work hours. Personal calls often occur in evenings when families gather. Tunisians appreciate relationship-building, so even business calls may include personal questions about family and health.
Voice Messages
Leaving clear, concise voice messages is acceptable. State your name, purpose, and callback number slowly.
Cultural Considerations
Tunisians value personal connections, so patience with longer conversations demonstrates respect. Speaking in a moderate, friendly tone shows good manners. If someone doesn't answer, wait a few hours before calling again rather than repeatedly trying immediately.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers in Tunisia:
- Police: 197
- Ambulance (SAMU): 190
- Fire Department: 198
- National Guard: 193
- Civil Protection: 198
- Tourist Police: (+216) 71 754 000
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Tunisia. Services operate 24/7, though English-speaking operators may not always be immediately available. French and Arabic are the primary languages used by emergency services.
For tourist-related emergencies or assistance in tourist areas, the Tourist Police can provide multilingual support. When calling from a mobile phone, you may need to unlock your screen first, but no credit is required. It's advisable to have your location details ready, as GPS tracking may not be immediately available in all areas.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 12: National directory assistance for local phone numbers and addresses
- 120: International directory assistance
International Calling
- 17: International operator for assisted calls and billing inquiries
Tourist Services
- 1298: National tourist helpline (multilingual support for visitors)
- ONTT Tourist Office: +216 71 341 077
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for citizen services. Major embassies are located in Tunis, including US (+216 71 107 000), UK (+216 71 108 700), and Canadian (+216 71 104 000) missions.
Other Useful Numbers
- 1837: Tunisie Telecom customer service
- 13: Time and weather information
- 150: Consumer protection hotline
- Airport information: +216 71 755 000 (Tunis-Carthage)
Always verify current numbers before traveling, as services may change.
Tips for Calling Tunisia
When calling Tunisia, factor in their UTC+1 time zone (no daylight saving time observed). To reach someone during standard business hours (typically 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday), calculate the time difference from your location accordingly.
For business calls, always schedule appointments in advance. Tunisians appreciate professionalism and punctuality, so confirm your call time via email beforehand. Avoid calling during Friday prayers (around midday) and throughout Ramadan, when business hours shift significantly—often 9 AM to 3 PM.
Key holidays to avoid include New Year's Day, Independence Day (March 20), and Eid celebrations, which follow the lunar calendar. Additionally, many businesses close or operate reduced hours during August for summer holidays.
For optimal call quality, use a reliable VoIP service or international calling plan. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, as you may encounter varying English proficiency levels. If possible, have key points written down or follow up with written confirmation. Consider that mobile networks generally offer better connectivity than landlines in Tunisia. Peak business hours are typically mid-morning (10-11 AM local time), avoiding lunch breaks around 1-2 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Tunisia is +216. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Tunisia from anywhere in the world.
To call Tunisia from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US/Canada), then 216 (Tunisia's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number. For example: +216 XX XXX XXX.
Tunisia uses 8-digit phone numbers without a leading zero, so there's no zero to drop. Simply dial +216 followed directly by the 8-digit local number to complete your call.
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In Tunisia, dial 190 for police, 198 for ambulance/medical emergencies, and 197 for fire services. These emergency numbers are free to call from any phone within Tunisia.
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