Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Staying connected with family and friends abroad is part of daily life for many Tunisians. Between video calls, instant messages, calls to landlines or mobile numbers, not to mention money transfers or sending packages, the arsenal of solutions is vast. But not all are equal in terms of cost, quality, or security.
With rapidly improving connectivity, an increasingly rich digital offering, and better-adapted international services, Tunisia today offers a fairly favorable environment for staying in touch, provided you choose your tools wisely and understand how they work.
A Solid Foundation: Connectivity in Tunisia
Before discussing apps or VoIP, it’s important to gauge the digital environment one operates in. In Tunisia, virtually the entire population is now covered by mobile networks and a large majority has access to the internet.
In 2025, there are approximately 15.7 million active mobile lines for a population close to 12.3 million inhabitants, meaning more than one subscription per person. “Broadband” connections (3G, 4G, 5G) account for nearly 80% of mobile lines, showing that most users can utilize data-intensive services like video or VoIP calls.
Approximately 10.5 million people are connected to the internet, representing nearly 85% of the population.
This context is reinforced by major investments in international infrastructure: new submarine cables (Ifriqiya/PEACE, Medusa), preparation for 5G, rapid adoption of IPv6 (about 20% adoption within one year). The result: international communications are increasingly routed through broadband internet rather than traditional telephony.
Messaging Apps, the First Reflex for Tunisians
When it comes to “giving news” or “seeing family” abroad, Tunisians overwhelmingly turn to messaging apps and social networks. Usage figures show how much these tools structure social connections.
In 2025, there are approximately 7.8 million active social media identities (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.), representing over 63% of the population. Facebook and Messenger dominate by a large margin, followed by Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Telegram. As for communication apps on Android in Tunisia, the most used are Messenger, WhatsApp, Truecaller, Snapchat, and Telegram.
WhatsApp, the Pillar of Family Communications
WhatsApp is omnipresent. Meta’s application claims over 3 billion users globally and remains the most popular messaging app in most countries. Tunisia is no exception.
With WhatsApp, you can:
– send text messages, photos, videos, and voice notes for free,
– make individual or group audio or video calls (up to 32 participants in a video conference),
– create family or neighborhood groups for ongoing discussions,
– share your location, post ephemeral statuses, etc.
Personal communications are end-to-end encrypted, protecting the content of exchanges. However, the associated metadata is leveraged by the Meta ecosystem.
In terms of data consumption, a video call of about 10 minutes uses around 50 MB. A “low data usage” mode exists, but a 10-minute call can then reach about 74 MB depending on quality. For intensive use from Tunisia, it’s better to favor Wi-Fi whenever possible, especially for long family discussions.
Messenger, the Natural Extension of Facebook
Messenger, also owned by Meta, is among the top communication apps in Tunisia. It allows chatting with Facebook contacts without necessarily knowing their phone number, an advantage in large families or dispersed friend networks.
Messenger offers:
– instant messaging, audio and video calls,
– sending files up to 100 MB,
– high-definition photos, shared albums,
– stories, groups, broadcast channels,
– integration with an AI assistant (Meta AI) in some regions.
For many Tunisians, Messenger is also a convenient bridge to the diaspora: people settled in Europe or North America often have an active Facebook account, which simplifies making contact.
Telegram, Signal, and Others: The Question of Privacy
Alongside the WhatsApp/Messenger duo, other apps are gaining traction, especially among users concerned about privacy or performance.
Telegram claims over one billion users worldwide.
Signal, on the other hand, pushes privacy protection much further. Open source, with no commercial data collection, the app is built around default end-to-end encryption. You can limit data consumption, choose to use only Wi-Fi for calls, and make group video calls (up to 50 participants). The main drawback for a Tunisian wanting to reach family abroad is its low penetration rate compared to WhatsApp: the entire family must be ready to switch.
In practice, to stay in touch with loved ones from Tunisia, a combination is common: WhatsApp for daily use (family groups, quick announcements), Messenger or Instagram for some friends, Telegram for larger groups or communities, and sometimes Signal for sensitive exchanges.
International Calls to Mobiles and Landlines: VoIP or Traditional Telephony?
Not everyone has a recent smartphone or stable internet access. In many families, some members still use a simple mobile phone or a landline, particularly in certain regions or among older people. To reach them, you must call a “regular” number.
Two main approaches exist from Tunisia:
– go through a telecom operator (Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, Orange, or an MVNO like Lycamobile) with sometimes high international rates,
– use Voice over IP (VoIP) services that convert voice into data and route it over the internet, often at a lower cost.
Consumer-Oriented VoIP Services
Several applications allow making calls abroad, even to numbers that don’t have a smartphone or internet.
Among the services specifically mentioned for international calls to Tunisia or from Tunisia abroad, we notably find:
– BOSS Revolution,
– KeepCalling.com,
– Talk360,
– mytello,
– Yolla,
– Localphone,
– DialAnyone.
These services generally work on the same principle: you must first create an account, then credit a prepaid balance (pay-as-you-go). Finally, to make a call, dial the foreign (or Tunisian) number in international format.
The table below gives an idea of the order of magnitude for some rates to Tunisia, useful for comparison when a loved one is in the country and you are calling from abroad (but the mechanisms and price levels remain comparable for calls in the other direction, depending on destinations):
| Service | Tunisia Destination Type | Indicative Rate per Minute* | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOSS Revolution | Landline | $0.60/min | $10 ≈ 17 min, bonus minute promos, $2 credit offered at signup (US/Canada) |
| BOSS Revolution | Mobile | $0.715/min | $10 ≈ 14 min, works with Ooredoo, Orange, Tunisie Telecom |
| KeepCalling.com | To Tunisia (US) | from $0.815/min | Prepaid credit, digital calling card |
| mytello | Landline & Mobile | approx. 6 min for $5, 13 min for $10, 32 min for $25 | Savings up to 90% claimed, $0.05 connection fee per call, billed by started minute |
| Yolla | Mobile | from $0.77/min | Non-expiring credit, referral bonuses |
| Yolla | Landline | from $0.88/min | International SMS possible |
| Localphone | International (general) | from $0.003/min | Top-up from $1, monthly subscription options |
| DialAnyone | To Tunisia | from $0.0063/credit | WebRTC in browser, 25 credits offered at registration |
Indicative rates for calls to Tunisia, provided in the data. They vary by country of origin, operator, and current offers.
For a Tunisian wanting to regularly call loved ones abroad, the logic is similar: these platforms offer rates much lower than traditional international calls, provided you have a decent internet connection. BOSS Revolution, mytello, Yolla, or Localphone, for example, allow purchasing minutes targeted by country with a flexible prepaid model.
Practical Operation and Credit Management
Most of these services have refined the user experience to resemble that of a digital prepaid card. You create an account via the app or website, then top up your balance by credit card, PayPal, sometimes mobile operator billing (through Google Play or App Store), or even cash at partner retail points.
A few examples:
– BOSS Revolution allows buying credit directly in the app, on the website, or at retailers, with a $2 bonus at signup for US/Canada users.
– KeepCalling.com works like a virtual calling card: you recharge via the app or website (card, PayPal), with a minimum of about $5.
– mytello accepts cards, PayPal, and other payment methods, displays remaining credit in real-time, and offers auto-recharge when the balance is low.
– Yolla offers multiple options (bank card, PayPal, operator billing, Alipay, UnionPay), with a non-expiring balance and a referral system providing up to $50 in free credit.
These solutions are ideal for a Tunisian residing in an area with stable internet connection who wants to call Tunisia frequently. They are also relevant in the opposite direction for a resident in Tunisia needing to regularly call loved ones in the United States, Europe, or other countries.
Call Quality, Options, and Security
Reputable services emphasize audio quality (HD voice, routing via dedicated infrastructure) and security. DialAnyone, for example, highlights advanced WebRTC technology for high-definition calls directly in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, without app installation. mytello explains that connections are secured by SSL and personal data is not sold to third parties.
Many additional features facilitate use, especially for a Tunisian user who doesn’t want to change all their habits:
– displaying your real number as the caller ID,
– three-way conference calls (mytello),
– international SMS (Yolla, Localphone),
– access via local numbers to avoid using the app, sometimes included for free if your plan covers calls to local landlines.
The advantage of VoIP becomes even clearer when compared with traditional costs. International analyses estimate that enterprise VoIP solutions can reduce international phone bills by over 50% compared to traditional landlines.
VoIP for Pros and Dispersed Families
Beyond consumer applications, enterprise-oriented VoIP solutions (JustCall, Global Call Forwarding, RingCentral, Zoom Phone, etc.) can also be useful for Tunisian families or freelancers juggling personal life and international professional activity.
JustCall and the Logic of Local Numbers
JustCall, for example, allows obtaining local numbers in over 70 countries, including Tunisia. A Tunisian entrepreneur can thus:
– have a Tunisian number to be reachable from abroad at the cost of a local call,
– or conversely, obtain a French, Canadian, or German number for their clients and family there.
From any connected device (smartphone, computer, tablet), they can make and receive calls on these numbers as if they were on-site. It’s also a way to keep a “Tunisian number” reachable from the country, even while living on the other side of the world.
Tunisian expatriate
JustCall subscriptions include advanced features (call recording, statistics, CRM integration, SMS and MMS, intelligent auto-answer, configurable working hours) but they remain most relevant for professional uses (sales teams, customer support). They can, however, serve to maintain a stable number for the family, regardless of changes in residence.
International VoIP: What to Watch Out For?
Whether you choose JustCall, Global Call Forwarding, RingCentral, Zoom Phone, or others, several criteria are decisive:
To choose a VoIP service well, check its geographic coverage (available local numbers), call quality (Tier 1 carriers, nearby data centers, high uptime), pricing (unlimited plans or pay-per-use), security measures (encryption, GDPR compliance), and ease of use (clear interface, 24/7 support, well-designed applications).
For most families, these solutions will be useful mainly in two cases: if one of the relatives runs an international business, or if a very dispersed family wants a “central” number that everyone can call at a local rate.
Keeping the Bond Beyond Voice: Money Transfers and Packages
Staying in touch isn’t just about talking or writing: it’s also about financially supporting loved ones, sending gifts, documents, sometimes medication. Here again, Tunisia plays a particular role, being both a recipient country and, increasingly, a sender of remittances.
Money Transfers: An Affective and Economic Bond
Remittances from Tunisians abroad represent a significant share of the national economy. They accounted for about 4.7% of GDP in 2021 and regularly exceed tourism revenue or certain foreign investments. In 2022, over the first ten months, inflows reached 7.15 billion dinars, up 13.5% from the previous year.
At the household level, studies show that approximately 2% of Tunisian households rely heavily on remittances from relatives abroad, and 14% rely on them partially. In reality, behind these figures lie personal stories: that of Mohsen, for example, who lives between Hammamet and Tunis and whose only income comes from the monthly support sent by his siblings in France and Canada.
For a Tunisian living in the country wanting to support a relative abroad, or vice versa, several options exist:
– traditional services like Western Union or MoneyGram,
– 100% online platforms like WorldRemit, Wise, OFX, Xe, Skrill,
– transfers via traditional bank (often more expensive),
– digital wallets and hybrid solutions.
Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit: How They Work To or From Tunisia?
Western Union has a global network of pickup points, including in Tunisia. Money sent can be available in a few minutes, subject to agency hours and regulatory checks. The recipient must generally be at least 13 years old and present valid identification.
MoneyGram offers several money reception options: cash pickup, deposit into a bank account, or, in some countries, direct credit to a mobile wallet.
WorldRemit, on the other hand, operates entirely online: the customer creates an account, verifies their identity via an SMS code and by uploading a document, then enters their relative’s details (full name, phone, sometimes email). Payment is made by card or bank account. In most cases, transfers arrive within minutes.
Wise and OFX focus more on international bank transfers, with exchange rates closer to the mid-market rate and more transparent fees. They are particularly useful for larger amounts, for example to finance studies or a property purchase, but they remain relevant for occasional support as well.
The following table illustrates possible differences between types of providers (examples from a generic comparison):
| Provider Type | Indicative Exchange Rate (1 TND → USD) | Typical Fees* | Main Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bank | ≈ 0.30 | $15 + 1% of amount | Perception of security, long-term relationship |
| Online Service “A” | ≈ 0.33 | $5 up to $500 | Better rate, limited fixed fees |
| Online Service “B” | ≈ 0.32 | $4.99 | Compromise between rate and fees |
| Skrill / XE (examples given) | ≈ 0.31 / 0.3076 | Variable | Well-known, multi-currency, fast |
The exact amounts vary by sending country, currency, payment method, and regulations.
For a Tunisian resident, individual transfers abroad are generally capped at approximately $10,000 per transaction. The sender must present identification and provide accurate beneficiary information.
Costs and Best Practices
The average cost of sending to Tunisia is estimated by the World Bank at about 8.7% of the amount, which remains high. By comparing providers and playing with:
– the payment method (card, account, cash),
– the sending currency,
– the desired speed (delivery from a few minutes to several days),
one can often significantly reduce the bill. The idea is to look at the final amount received by your relative, not just the displayed fees.
To limit unpleasant surprises:
– always check the applied exchange rate,
– carefully review the beneficiary’s details,
– keep all supporting documents,
– avoid, as much as possible, sending cash via informal intermediaries, which inflates total costs and poses security problems.
In stories collected, some users explain sometimes paying up to 10% in fees on a transfer, like Abir, a Tunisian woman working in Romania who sends money to her mother several times a year.
Sending Letters and Packages: The Role of La Poste Tunisienne and Private Carriers
Traditional mail continues to have its importance, especially for official documents, printed photos, or physical gifts.
Number of clients, individuals, and businesses, served by La Poste Tunisienne.
For Tunisians receiving mail from abroad, other players come into play: Aramex, DHL, FedEx, UPS, intermediaries like MyUS (consolidating US purchases), or services like Colissimo Domicile International for shipments from Europe.
In practice, a package or letter from Europe or the United States will generally take between 3 and 10 business days to reach Tunisia, depending on the chosen service. Costs vary greatly: express shipping of a one-kilogram item from the UK can cost around thirty pounds sterling via a shared air service, or over £60 with a premium express like DHL.
Staying in touch via mail also requires knowing customs restrictions: some items are strictly prohibited (weapons, certain medicines, chemicals, etc.), others limited or subject to authorization (tobacco, bank cards, valuables). To avoid blockages and delays, it’s wise to refer to official lists and correctly fill out customs forms (CN23, commercial invoices, certificates of origin).
Managing Time Differences for More Serene Calls
Once the tools are chosen (WhatsApp, VoIP, regular phone), one often underestimated point remains: the time difference. Tunisia does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which simplifies life… but only on the surface. In reality, the countries where your relatives live may change their clocks twice a year.
For reference, Tunisia is generally: a destination prized for its rich history and diverse culture.
Comparison of time zone differences between France and other regions of the world.
France is 4.5 hours behind India.
France is about 5 hours ahead of the US East Coast (ET) during winter time.
France is between 5 and 8 hours ahead of the different US time zones, depending on the time of year.
To schedule a call with a relative in India, the most comfortable windows are, for example, between 9 AM and 1 PM in Tunisia, which corresponds to 1:30 PM–6 PM in India. With a contact on the North American East Coast, a meeting between 2 PM and 6 PM in Tunis will fall between 9 AM and 1 PM in New York.
In a family context, it can be useful to: strengthen bonds between members, promote communication, share responsibilities, actively listen to each person’s needs, and encourage empathy and understanding.
To maintain the bond with distant loved ones, set up a “world clock” on your smartphone to quickly see their local time. Create a dedicated messaging group to suggest call slots and gather everyone’s availability. Finally, schedule recurring calls via a shared calendar (like Google Calendar) always using the time zone of the farthest person to avoid confusion.
Tools like World Time Buddy or Every Time Zone, even if designed for professionals, make these trade-offs very concrete. The idea is to avoid situations where you call someone in the middle of the night by mistake, or are surprised by no answer when it’s business hours on the other side of the world.
Communicating Well Online with Family, Without Misunderstandings
Digital brings people closer, but it can also create misunderstandings, especially in a country like Tunisia where values of respect for elders, dignity (“wajh”), and hospitality (“karam”) remain strong.
In Tunisian families, many implicit rules continue to apply even on WhatsApp or Messenger:
Adopt a respectful tone, especially with parents or grandparents, using appropriate polite phrases and avoiding abrupt informal address if that is not the custom. Prefer private messages to discuss potential problems or criticisms, rather than doing so publicly in a family group. Keep in mind that humor, emojis, or GIFs can be interpreted differently across generations and sensitivities.
To limit tensions:
– clearly explain the context in important messages rather than using only emojis,
– avoid overly long and vague voice notes,
– give a heads-up before starting a video call (a simple “Can I call you?” in the chat can avoid disturbing).
In a culture where family holds a central place and elders are highly respected, these small attentions strengthen the bond instead of damaging it.
Managing Data Consumption During Calls
Even though 3G/4G coverage is broad and speeds rather decent, not everyone has unlimited plans. Yet video calls can quickly eat up gigabytes.
Figures from general analyses on video conferencing apps provide some benchmarks:
– a 10-minute video call on WhatsApp consumes about 50 MB,
– an hour of video conferencing on Zoom can go up to 1.2 GB in high definition,
– solutions like Microsoft Teams can consume around 225 MB per hour in standard quality.
For a Tunisian wanting to talk for a long time with a relative abroad without exceeding their data plan, a few habits are useful:
To reduce data consumption during your video calls, favor Wi‑Fi at home or the office for long conversations. Disable video if it’s not essential, especially when on the go. Lower the video quality when the app allows it and choose more data-efficient apps, like FaceCall or Signal, which include “low data” modes. Finally, schedule calls for times when the network is less congested, which improves communication quality and avoids repetitions.
In a country where the smartphone has become the primary connection tool for most adults, these optimizations allow staying reachable all month without surprises on the bill.
In Summary: Building Your Own “Toolbox” to Stay Close
Staying in touch with loved ones from Tunisia, or with loved ones still in Tunisia when living abroad, today relies on a combination of complementary building blocks:
A guide to practical solutions for maintaining the bond, providing financial support, and managing logistics remotely.
Use encrypted messengers (WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Signal) for family groups, photos, and daily video calls.
Consumer VoIP (BOSS Revolution, mytello, etc.) allows calling landlines and mobiles at a lower cost, especially to lines without internet.
For very dispersed families or entrepreneurs, advanced VoIP solutions (JustCall, Global Call Forwarding) offer local numbers in multiple countries.
Financially support family via specialized services (Western Union, Wise, etc.) while carefully comparing rates and fees.
For physical gifts and documents, use La Poste Tunisienne, RAPID‑POSTE, or international carriers.
Adopt simple communication rules and use time zone management tools to avoid misunderstandings and untimely calls.
With a solid telecom infrastructure, constantly increasing speeds, and massive smartphone adoption (nearly 10 million users according to 2022 figures), Tunisia is well-positioned for these tools to work properly. It remains for each family, for each couple separated by borders, to choose the combination that best suits their habits, budget, and each person’s technical level.
For many Tunisians, calls, messages, and money transfers are not just technical services. They are “dollars wrapped in love,” but also words, faces, and voices that allow keeping alive this essential bond with those who matter, wherever they are in the world.
Remittances Specialist
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
