Staying Connected with Loved Ones from Tunisia

Published on November 11, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In a world where communication technologies evolve at lightning speed, staying connected with loved ones can become a real challenge, especially when abroad.

In Tunisia, a country rich in traditions and openness to the world, maintaining this vital connection is easier than ever thanks to a variety of means, both digital and traditional.

Whether through instant messaging apps, low-cost international calls, or even more classic methods like postal mail, there are countless ways to bridge the distance that separates us from those we love.

This article presents the most effective solutions for keeping your loved ones within reach, allowing you to share every important moment of your life with them, while discovering the specifics of each communication method from this beautiful country that is Tunisia.

Best Internet Providers in Tunisia

Main Internet Service Providers in Tunisia:

• Tunisie Telecom: historic operator, leader in national coverage, particularly effective in rural areas.
• Ooredoo Tunisia: strong in urban areas, known for connection speed.
• Orange Tunisia: recognized for service stability and reduced latency, especially for video and streaming.
• Topnet: subsidiary of Tunisie Telecom, fixed-line market leader for download speed.
• Hexabyte: effective for DNS resolution, established private player.
• NETY: new player (since 2023), specialized in fiber optics and local high-speed internet, particularly in inland regions.

Types of Connections Offered

Connection Type	Main Providers	Advantages	Disadvantages
ADSL	Tunisie Telecom, Topnet, Hexabyte, NETY	Wide coverage, accessible everywhere	Limited speeds (especially in remote areas), possible instability
Fiber Optics	Tunisie Telecom, NETY, Orange	Very high speed, stability, low latency	Availability limited to major cities
4G/5G Mobile	Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, Orange	Mobility, quick deployment, good urban coverage	Dependent on coverage, variable speed, rapid data plan consumption
eSIM/Mobile Data	Ooredoo, Orange, international providers (Holafly, Ubigi, Airalo)	Easy activation, no physical SIM	Limited data offers, higher cost per GB

Offer Comparison (Price, Speed, Customer Service)

Provider	Monthly Price (Approximate)	Average Download Speed	Customer Service	Specific Features
Tunisie Telecom	2 to 15 €	32.4 Mbps (mobile)	Extensive agency network, historic	Rural coverage, expanding fiber
Ooredoo	2 to 15 €	16.1 Mbps (mobile)	Efficient digital service	Rapid urban progression
Orange Tunisia	2 to 15 €	21.4 Mbps (mobile)	Responsive, stable	Low latency, streaming experience
Topnet	10 to 30 € (fixed)	ADSL/fiber leader	Dedicated support	Best download speed (fixed)
Hexabyte	10 to 30 € (fixed)	Good DNS, stable	Specialized technical service	Fast DNS resolution
NETY	n/a (new)	Fiber/ADSL	Personalized service	FTTH/FTTB fiber, proximity

Prices vary depending on data volume, technology, and promotions.

Technology Advantages and Disadvantages

• ADSL:
  • Advantages: accessibility, sufficient for simple browsing and video conferencing.
  • Disadvantages: limited speed (congested in evenings), instability in remote areas.
• Fiber Optics:
  • Advantages: high speeds (up to 1 Gbps), stability, low latency (ideal for remote work/streaming).
  • Disadvantages: progressive deployment, mainly in large cities.
• 4G/5G:
  • Advantages: mobility, quick installation, good urban coverage.
  • Disadvantages: rapid data plan consumption, variable speed depending on area and congestion.
• eSIM/International Mobile Data:
  • Advantages: instant activation, useful for short stays.
  • Disadvantages: limited volume, high cost for intensive use.

Recent Developments & Adaptation to New Needs

• Progressive extension of the fiber optic network in major cities and some regional hubs, to meet high-speed demand related to remote work and widespread video conferencing.
• Improvement of mobile speeds (4G/5G) and extension of coverage, to enable smoother connectivity on the go and in previously underserved areas.
• Arrival of new players like NETY, focusing on proximity and service quality, particularly for professionals and inland regions.
• Deployment of specific offers for students and remote workers, with abundant or unlimited data plans, and seasonal promotions.

Network Quality and Regional Coverage

• Tunisie Telecom: most extensive coverage, including rural and remote areas.
• Ooredoo and Orange: better speeds and stability in urban areas, growing coverage.
• Topnet, Hexabyte, NETY: coverage dependent on national network, often targeting large cities and high-density areas.

Operator Strengths Summary

Operator	Main Strengths
Tunisie Telecom	National coverage, mobile speed, fiber
Ooredoo	Urban speed, data offers, progression
Orange Tunisia	Stability, low latency, multimedia experience
Topnet	Fixed speed, reliability
Hexabyte	Fast DNS, specialized offers
NETY	Proximity, fiber in regions, innovation

Key Takeaways:

For rural areas or national coverage needs, prioritize Tunisie Telecom. For urban multimedia usage, Orange Tunisia stands out for its stability and low latency. Ooredoo is progressing rapidly and offers attractive deals in cities. The fiber deployment and arrival of new players like NETY are energizing the market, better meeting remote work and international connectivity needs.

Which Communication Apps to Adopt?

Application	Key Features	Main Advantages	Availability	Security & Restrictions
WhatsApp	– Free calls and messages – Photo, video, document sending – HD video calls – Groups up to 1024 members – Disappearing statuses	– Simple interface – End-to-end encryption – Very popular in Tunisia – Low data consumption	iOS, Android, Web, PC	Strong encryption, few local restrictions
Messenger	– Instant messages – Free audio/video calls – File sharing – Reactions and stickers – Integrated games	– Integration with Facebook – Video call quality – Fun features	iOS, Android, Web, PC	Messages not end-to-end encrypted by default
Telegram	– Free messages and calls – Groups up to 200,000 members – Large file sending (up to 2 GB) – Public channels – Video calls	– Speed – Privacy with secret chats – Advanced features	iOS, Android, Web, PC	Optional encryption (secret chats), open access
Viber	– Free calls and messages – Video calls – Photo, video, voice note sending – Group discussions – Various stickers	– Default encryption – Low-cost international calls – User-friendly interface	iOS, Android, Web, PC	Strong security, few restrictions
Truecaller	– Call identification – Spam call blocking – Integrated messaging	– Protection against spam – Popular for filtering calls	iOS, Android	Data collection to monitor

Key Features and Advantages for Staying Connected with Loved Ones:

• Free calls and messages: All these apps allow communication without additional costs via Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• Multimedia file sharing: Ability to send photos, videos, documents, voice messages, and contacts.
• Video call quality: WhatsApp, Messenger and Viber offer very good quality, even with average connection.
• Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces, quick installation and easy setup, suitable for all user profiles.

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

• iOS (iPhone and iPad)
• Android (smartphones and tablets)
• Web version (for WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger and Viber)
• Desktop applications (for WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Viber)

Security Considerations and Restrictions:

• WhatsApp: End-to-end encryption enabled by default.
• Telegram: End-to-end encryption only in “secret chats”.
• Messenger: End-to-end encryption available only in secret conversations, but not by default.
• Viber: Encryption enabled by default.
• Truecaller: Be aware of personal data collection during use.

None of these apps are subject to major blocking in Tunisia, but it’s recommended to keep apps updated to benefit from the latest protections.

Practical Tips for Optimal Use in Tunisia:

• Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp and Telegram to strengthen your account security.
• Update regularly the apps to enjoy the latest features and security patches.
• Optimize data consumption: Use data saver mode available on WhatsApp and Messenger if you have a limited plan.
• Backup your conversations: WhatsApp allows backup on Google Drive or iCloud.
• Limit groups and notifications to avoid overload and stay focused on important exchanges.
• Check access permissions: Control permissions granted to each app (microphone, camera, contacts).

Tip: For maximum security, prioritize private conversations (secret chats on Telegram, secure discussions on Messenger) and avoid sharing sensitive information in public groups.

Usage Summary in Tunisia:

• WhatsApp and Messenger are the most used for instant messaging and video calls.
• Telegram is gaining popularity for group management and privacy.
• Viber remains appreciated for international calls and simplicity.
• Truecaller complements the ecosystem by filtering unwanted calls.

Tips for Staying Connected with Your Loved Ones

Practical Tips for Maintaining Connections with Loved Ones in Tunisia and Abroad

Using Messaging and Video Call Apps

• WhatsApp: Very popular in Tunisia, allows sending messages, photos, videos, and making free calls, even internationally. Creating family groups facilitates daily sharing of news and photos, and organizing collective discussions.
• Skype: Ideal for group video calls, appreciated by many Tunisian families for seeing and hearing loved ones remotely.
• Facebook Messenger and Viber: Also offer video calls, instant messaging and multimedia sharing, useful for family members less familiar with recent digital tools.
• JusTalk Family and Kinzoo: Fun, secure apps adapted for children and grandparents, promoting creativity (drawings, stickers, challenges) during exchanges.

Tips for Benefiting from Telecommunications Offers in Tunisia

• Monitor promotions offered by Tunisian operators (Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, Orange) on international call plans and internet top-ups.
• Choose combined offers (voice + data) to benefit from reduced rates on calls abroad.
• Use prepaid cards or international top-up services to communicate at lower cost with loved ones abroad.
• Check compatibility of messaging apps with local internet plan to avoid additional charges.

Maintaining Connection Through Postal Communication

Regularly send postcards or letters by mail, especially for family members less comfortable with digital or to mark important events (birthdays, religious holidays).

Use Tunisian Postal Service for international shipments, anticipating delivery times.

Organizing Virtual Family Meetings

Schedule regular video meetings (for example, a virtual dinner or online happy hour each week) to maintain conviviality and share live moments, even at a distance.

Alternate times to accommodate members living in different time zones.

Creating and Animating Family Groups

• Set up a WhatsApp or Facebook group reserved for family to share news, photos, videos, jokes or daily memories.
• Encourage all members, including elders, to participate by assisting them in using digital tools.
• Define roles (for example, a moderator, photographer, virtual event organizer) to involve everyone and energize exchanges.

Application	Main Strengths	Suited For
WhatsApp	Messages, free calls, family groups	Everyone
Skype	Group video calls, audio/video quality	Adults, seniors
Viber	Video calls, fun sharing (GIFs, stickers)	Young families
JusTalk Family	Parental control, creativity	Children, parents
Kinzoo	Simplicity, security, zero ads	Children, elders

Maintaining Regular Contact and Planning Visits

• Get in the habit of exchanging news frequently, even small messages or daily photos: this creates a reassuring ambient presence and reduces emotional distance.
• Plan physical visits when possible, considering travel constraints, holidays and major family events.
• Anticipate reunions by talking about them regularly, which maintains desire and sense of belonging.

Key Takeaways

Maintaining family connections at a distance means prioritizing regularity, spontaneity and creativity in exchanges, making the best use of available technological tools and postal services in Tunisia.