Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Tunisia: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Airport banks or exchange counters - like those in Tunis-Carthage - offer convenience but come with lower rates. Withdraw from a reputable machine like Attijari or Banque Zitouna once in town for better deals. They also avoid that pesky “Accept/Decline Conversion” markup if you choose correctly. My routine: withdraw enough to get from the airport, then hit a branch ATM for the rest of my cash needs.
I tested both options on my last trip. Took cash from an exchange booth in Tunis airport at a marked-up rate, then used a Banque de Tunisie ATM in downtown. The ATM route gave me a better conversion by nearly 5%. Airport exchanges are handy but pricey. If you want the best exchange rate in Tunisia, your best bet is decline DCC and use city ATMs after arrival.
After landing at Enfidha, I exchanged $50 at the kiosk - decent enough for transport. Later that day, I withdrew cash from a BIAT ATM in Monastir and ended up with a noticeably better rate after my card provider applied conversion. Most bank machines give close-to-market rates, whereas airport counters charge a markup. So yes, ATM withdrawals are better if you can wait a few hours.
I exchanged a bit at Tunis airport for my taxi - the rate there was about 0.30 USD per TND, which was roughly 3-4% worse than what I got later in Tunis city. I then withdrew from an Attijari Bank ATM downtown with my Wise card and the rate was better. My advice: for convenience, get a small amount at the airport, then use bank ATMs in town for the rest.