Country code: 216. Automatic dialling extends to almost every part of the country and covers direct international calls.

Roaming agreements with international mobile phone companies exist. You can buy a local SIM card at Tunisie Telecom offices if you provide appropriate identification.

E-mail can be accessed from Internet cafes in most towns and all resorts.

Airmail to Europe takes three to five days; an express service guarantees delivery in four days or under.

Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0730-1300, 1700-1900, Sun 0900-1100 (summer); Mon-Sat 0800-1800, 0900-1100 Sun (winter); Mon-Thur 0830-1430, Fri-Sat 0830-1430 and 0830-1330 (during Ramadan).

The government retains a tight hold on local broadcasting and the press, despite freedom of information being enshrined in the constitution. The internet is monitored. Journalists and media who challenge the government are discouraged through bureaucratic pressure and harassment and, at worst, imprisonment.

• Daily newspapers are printed in Arabic or French.
• The most popular Arabic newspapers are As-Sabah and Al-Horria.
• French newspapers include Le Quotidien, Nouvelles de Tunisie, La Presse de Tunisie and Le Temps.

• ERTT is the state-run broadcaster, owning the stations Tunis 7 and Canal 21.
• The country’s first privately-run commercial station is Hannibal TV.
• Many satellite channels are popular, particularly those broadcast from Egypt

• Tunisian Radio is state run.
• Radio Mosaique was Tunisia's first privately run station.
• Radio Jawhara is also private.