Djerba
SAFETY INDEX
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Neighbourhoods & Landmarks Guide
Houmit Souk It is the biggest city in the tourist Djerba’s paradise. Museums, colorful market near Place de Algerie and fantastically beautiful port are among the most attracting sites to visit. Do not miss an ancient village calling Guellala, where pottery has been made since the times of Romans. Ras Rmel An ideal place to enjoy the virginity of nature and wide presence of Flamingo. This peninsula is also called the Flamingo or Pirates Island. The area is safe both day and night. Djerbahood Confusing, but fantastic street art project. Unfortunately, it is located in the middle of a slightly dodgy town of Hara Sghira Er Riadh, where around appears to be the local trash dump. There are plenty of art scatters throughout the town, finding them is like going on a scavenger hunt! The area is safe, however, might seem dangerous, although it’s advised to explorer the area in groups. Borj Djillidj Located on the north side of the island, it is the most romantic place in the whole country for observing sunsets. Serene and quiet place to inspire, that are absolutely safe for tourists and locals.Warnings & Dangers
OVERALL RISK :
Djerba island is the safest area in the country. Tourism is the primary source of income for not only the governmental budget but private as well. So, the tourists’ security is number 1 priority.
PICKPOCKETS RISK :
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are very common. Transportation hubs, markets, the coastal area, beaches, public transport are among of the top pickpocket’s destinations.
MUGGING RISK :
Risk of kidnapping is low in the area, but high within 50 km along the Libya border. Mugging is very rare, though there are many cases reported.
SCAMS RISK :
Unfair individuals or group of them desire to take an advantage of distracted tourists. Touts of souvenirs shops might be aggressive, so refuse politely from a purchase. Take as a general rule in Tunisia to ask the price in advance, overpriced food, beverages are common. Be careful of Henna artists in market areas. Henna might provoke an allergy in 2-3 weeks, so don’t believe, that their henna is safe.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK :
Taking public buses or minibuses (“louage”) is strongly unrecommended. Bus drivers often drive at excessive speeds, have poor safety records, and do not properly maintain vehicles. Buses are usually overcrowded, and women have been harassed. Do not use a taxi that will not use the meter or claims “the meter is not working,” as these drivers will over charge unsuspecting passengers. The streetcar system, known as “Metro,” consists of five lines between downtown Tunis and nearby suburbs. Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse/phone/jewelry snatching, sexual harassment of women) is common on the Metro. Americans on official business are not authorized to use the Metro.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK :
Even well-traveled routes are subject to blowing sands that can create hazards. Travel in the desert areas of southern Tunisia presents additional challenges. Persons driving off the major paved roads are encouraged to ensure that their vehicles are appropriate for off-road driving conditions and are equipped with appropriate spares/supplies (water, food). Groups should generally travel in multiple vehicles. Desert regions are subject to extreme temperatures, from sub-freezing evenings in the winter to dangerously hot days in the summer. In addition, many areas in the southern desert regions have little or no cellular telephone service.
TERRORISM RISK :
The possibility of terrorist attacks in Tunisia has a moderate probability, however, you should watch out for suspicious activity. Terrorism is a threat throughout the world.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK :
Sexual assaults do occur occasionally. The risks of being harassed are high in all types of public transport.