@Cheryl
Rent now £600pm for 2 doubIe bedded flat in a block of 3. Quiet area however near shops, adequately furnished and huge terrace. I have been in same flat in barraket Essahel (south Hammamet) for 7 years. Rent increases 5% pa. I have an excellent landlord, family live on premises and they help with anything I need. I appreciate some are not so lucky.
I think when a person considers buying in Tunisia they should consider their age, how long they intend to stay, maintenance costs, problems with selling and getting money out of country etc. To me it was not worth it. I have an excellent landlord, family live on premises and help with anything I need. I have separate meters, landlord collects money from me than he pays the bills; carries the shopping, brings gas bottles etc. I do not want the hassle of owning property or the problems on sale.
I am not very mobile now so tend to use taxis. Taxi to Hammamet centre around 6-7dt. However trains, louage and buses very cheap.
I use local shops but go to the supermarket twice a month. On average groceries and household shopping around 600dt pm, often less. I don't eat out a lot so spend on groceries and do my own cooking and I love the cheap street food here!
Health insurance for ex pats is extremely expensive and often has a lot of exemptions not covered. I spent 600dt on replacing 3 teeth 2 years ago, recently ENT man charged me 70dt total for two visits with ear problems. Currently seeing an excellent Cardio/bp specialist, charges 80dt a visit including ECG. Seeing him once a month now. Meds are expensive but I don't believe insurance covers them anyway.
My bills: Internet 31.500dt pm, phone - pay as you go. Cooker and hot water on bottled gas - 10dt a refill, works out around 70dt pa. Water - 80pa. Electricity 600pa.Â
I used to eat and drink out a lot when I first moved to Tunisia, not now. I look for local places and local food so a meal out costs me between 15 and 40dt, if beer included then a bit more. I won't pay 40/50dt for a bottle of wine out that I can get for 12/13dt max at home! I don't use expensive bars, restaurants and clubs, often tourist traps. Just the odd occasion for a splurge! I suppose my entertainment montly cost, including take-aways averages less than 200dt unless I am on a day out or going somewhere special.
I do appreciate that I probably spend a lot less than some people, I prefer to live a local life rather than as a tourist.
