Shopping in Djerba Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Djerba Island is a perfect place for buying diverse authentic souvenirs. If you want to feel the spirit of real trading on Oriental bazaar, then go to the fair. It takes place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on: Mondays in Kairouan, Wednesdays in Ajim, Thursdays in Hannanet, Fridays in Midoun. You can purchase various wares and products by local masters for highly good prices during these periods. And going to any bazaar/market/shop, etc., remember, that if there are no price tags on this or that product, it means that you not just may – you should bargain. This process is an essential part of the buying process for traders, so they don’t appreciate those people who refuse to bargain. Besides, you are likely to purchase a product for an extremely expensive price if you decide to skip this step. For example, in touristic areas, some traders can sell staff four times more expensive than it actually should cost. Moreover, it’s better no to buy souvenirs in shops which are not far from beaches and other overcrowded points. You can just find the same thing but much cheaper in less popular places on the island.

Going shopping, remember that here, just like in all the others Mediterranean countries, almost no stores work in the heat, so it’s better not to plan it on the time period from 12 noon till 3 p.m. In addition, local stores also close for holidays and weekends. Concerning Sundays, only large supermarkets are open.

We would also recommend going to an exchange point in a hotel or any large bank in order to get Tunisian dollars instead of your casual ones. In addition, if you exchange a bi sum, don’t hesitate to ask for a check. With this check, you’ll be able to receive those money you haven’t managed to spent back in dollars or euros right in the airport. It’s better to save all checks after every buy, actually, in order not to have any troubles at customs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Try to make some time to have a walk around a medina quarter – the «old city». You would find not only regular shops but specialist ones of jewellers, muleskinners, and potters as well.

There is the richest diversity of carpets all over Tunisia in Kairouan. You would definitely find something marvelous for yourself – woolen, cashmere, silk items, Berber or nodules ones, of different colours and sizes. It’s important to keep in mind that one person can take with only 25 kg of goods out of the country. Carpets are believed to be a national treasure of Tunisia so necessarily ask a seller for a check. Additionally, check if there is a quality certificate on the back coating of a carpet.

Hookahs are sold almost everywhere as they are extremely popular here. If you decide to buy, make sure it’s not just a souvenir – otherwise, you won’t function as it’s supposed to.

Painted ceramic products are particularly popular here too. Cups, spoons, bowls of all colours and sized made in the traditional style would be a nice memento. One of the most peculiar things is a «desert rose» – a rose-like formation of salt and gypsum crystal clusters that actually remind of a stone flower. The hamsa is an open-hand-shaped amulet which is recognized as protection from fading and evil eye. Various figurine of camels, drums, and pictures or containers with coloured sand. In addition, cashmere products of local production are very popular among tourists too.

Local leatherworkers inherit their secrets from generation to generation for many centuries, so bags, purses, sandals, and backpacks by them are definitely worth buying. Additionally, local jewellery made from gold, silver, and gems is exceptionally attractive as well. However, if you don’t want to purchase something rather expensive, you can just buy bijou made in Tunisian style.

Local species would be a very useful «souvenir». Like, harissa – one of the most well-known dishes of the island – is especially popular among travelers. Olive oil – particularly the one with a less than 1% acidity – is very tasty. Talking about alcohol drinks, wine from local grapes is actually really nice.