IX. Business Travel


Business Customs

Tunisia is an open western-oriented society that prides itself in
being a bridge between the European and the Arab worlds.
Although the official language is Arabic, French is the second
language, and in fact serves as the common business language.
Many Tunisians also speak Italian and German and a growing number
are familiar with English.


Visas and Travel Advisories

American business travellers may obtain an airport visa upon
arrival.  Stays longer than four months require a visa extension
and/or a residency and work permit available from the Ministry of
Interior and Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, respectively.
Applications for residency permits are made through the local
police station.


Business Infrastructure

Tunisia has an excellent business infrastructure.  The main
container port at Rades/Tunis handles the majority of incoming
and outgoing traffic.  Sfax, Tunisia's second largest city and a
large commercial center, is also capable of handling container
traffic.  The road network is well developed and was recently
improved with the opening in March 1994 of the final link in the
Tunis-Sousse highway.  Tunisia is embarking on a major
telecommunications upgrade that has already brought marked
improvements to service and quality.  Expatriate housing is
comfortable but rents have increased recently.  Houses in the
Tunis neighborhoods of Mutuelleville, Notre Dame, Carthage, Sidi
Bou Said, La Marsa, and Gammarth compare favorably with many
suburban U.S. communities.


Medical Considerations

Medical and dental services are good to excellent in the major
cities.  Tunis has several large, well-equipped private clinics.

With the exception of specialized care, most illnesses can be
treated locally.  Food standards are good and the water in the
coastal area is drinkable.  For those who wish, bottled water is
cheap and easily available.