Trying to avoid paying crazy ATM fees while traveling in Tunisia. Anyone found ATMs that are free for foreign cards? Would love specific banks or locations if possible.
Travelling between Tunis and Kairouan, I found the most reliable ATMs at BIAT in Medina and Attijari near the train station. Both accepted my Monzo and Wise cards fee-free. BIAT lets you withdraw 350 TND per go, and Attijari about 400 TND. These banks run 24‑hour branches, which was helpful when I had to withdraw after a late bus ride. Always decline currency conversion when prompted, and double-check the final amount before confirming.
In March I tested ATMs from UIB and Banque Zitouna in Tunis. Both took my US debit card with zero local fee. UIB capped withdrawals at 400 TND while Zitouna topped up to 500 TND. I found gas-station ATMs added a 5 TND surcharge. My advice: go to bank lobbies - avoid stand-alone kiosks. I managed to withdraw about 800 TND per day using two transactions, just in case I ran out of cash.
I used an Attijari Bank ATM in Sousse without any surcharge on my Wise card, and I pulled out 500 TND at once. The ATM allowed two withdrawals back-to-back during the same session. Never got whipped with extra fees. On the other hand, ATMs at gas stations reportedly charged 8 to 10 TND per withdrawal. My rule: always use ATMs inside BIAT, Attijari, or Banque de Tunisie branches - no surprise charges.
BIAT ATMs in Tunis worked great for me - no local fees and they accepted my UK Revolut. I could withdraw 300 TND (~£80) per transaction, usually two transfers without issues. Withdrawals from other cafes or mall ATMs often cost 5 TND on top, so stick with bank-branch machines. Attijari Bank ATMs also worked with my Monzo, though limits were a bit lower - around 250 TND. Just decline the conversion prompt and you should be paying only your bank’s usual fee, which is way less than local ATM charges.