Question 1

What is the "Free Tea Carpet Shop Trap" scam in Tunis?

Accepted Answer

In the medina's carpet and ceramics district, friendly locals invite tourists in for "free mint tea with no obligation." After the tea ceremony, high-pressure sales for overpriced rugs, pottery, or spices follow. A rug worth 200 TND is pushed at 1,000 TND. Leaving without buying creates social pressure and sometimes hostility. Politely decline all invitations for free tea from shopkeepers in the medina. If you want tea, order it independently at a cafe. If you do enter a shop, state clearly at the start that you are only looking and will not be buying. Leave calmly if pressure escalates.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced Medina Restaurant Tourist Trap" scam in Tunis?

Accepted Answer

Several restaurants on and near Rue Jamaa Zitouna — the main tourist drag in the Tunis medina leading from the Zitouna Mosque — operate with menus in English showing moderate prices, then present bills with added "service charges", "terrace fees", or items not ordered. In some cases, menus shown to tourists differ from the Arabic-language version. The overcharge is typically 50–100% above the menu price. Ask for the full price menu including all fees before ordering. Confirm the price of tap water separately — it is sometimes charged at mineral water rates. Request an itemised bill before paying and compare it to the menu.

Restaurant Scams in Tunis

Free Tea Carpet Shop Trap

Overpriced Medina Restaurant Tourist Trap

Experienced a scam here?