Foreign women, especially those travelling alone or without male companions, are seen as existing outside the protective family structure.
This freedom is sometimes equated with promiscuity. Unwanted attention, from constant stares to actual sexual harassment, is not uncommon for women travelling without male companions, and especially for those travelling solo. Physical assault is rare, but does happen. If you are assaulted, try to contact your embassy or consulate first before going to the police: although they will probably be courteous and helpful, the experience could be intimidating.
A wedding ring may help you avoid unwanted attention. Ignore cat-calls, sexist remarks and insults. Dressing modestly — covering at least your shoulders, upper arms and legs — makes a difference, especially in rural areas. What local women are wearing is a reasonable guide to prevailing attitudes. The beach gigolo scene known as bezness exists in coastal resorts. Although plenty of foreign women do have genuine relationships with Tunisian men, the goals of many of the men attempting to charm their way into resort bedrooms may be cash or a visa as well as sex.
It can be advisable to sit next to other women on buses and louages though this is not always possible , or in the back seat of taxis, and to avoid staying in cheap hotels, especially those in medinas. Bars and nightclubs are best avoided by solo women. Tampons are usually found in supermarkets and pharmacies.
