Differences in mentality

Differences in mentality between Israelis and Germans

Tunisia, in the north of Africa, is a popular tourist destination and even some business travellers are occasionally drawn there. In this country, where Islam is the state religion, the clocks seem to go a little slower. Therefore, the traveler should have patience in his luggage when renting his hire car.

Delicate but courteous
In Tunisia, the traveler can expect a solid service when renting a hire car. Service personnel will speak English or German in addition to Arabic and French in tourist areas. The hire car offices are well prepared for international guests. The vehicles are of a good standard and the service staff are used to foreign cultures from outside. However, the Tunisians are also characterized by a certain composure, which can be revealed when renting a vehicle. Thoughtfully, the documents for the contract are picked out and the questions of the customer are answered. An absolute punctuality is occasionally also not given. The hire car office may be sporadically unstaffed or open late. Even when appointments have been made, delays are not uncommon. These can even be longer than an hour. One should not be annoyed about this, as the obliging friendliness of the staff cleverly compensates for this deficit. If there are complications or problems, these should be addressed in a friendly manner. Under certain circumstances, the request must be expressed again with factual emphasis, so that it is not forgotten. It should always be remembered that some problems may seem bigger to Germans than to their Tunisian hosts. Since on vacation under the warming sun should not be stressed, it helps a little of the serenity abzugucken.

Respectful treatment in the hire car center
Tourism is an important source of income in Tunisia, so the service staff will usually meet the travelers with a polite respect. The tourist should also behave in a respectful manner. Upon entering the hire car center, the service person should be greeted in a friendly manner with a handshake. Familiar cheek kisses are limited to private contacts and family members. If the counterpart should have a title, this is fully pronounced. Typical standard greetings include “Sabah El-Kheer” for “Good morning” and “Bisslama” for “Goodbye”. Occasionally, the traveler will strike up a conversation with the service staff. Tunisians are a warm people, so this can be a nice experience. However, topics such as religion, the relationship with France, and other political viewpoints should definitely be left out. In addition, one should never inquire about one’s family or wife, as this would be rude and too private. When sitting down in the hire car office, the soles of the feet should never point at a person. They are something unclean in the Islamic faith. In addition, crossing one’s legs is rude. Furthermore, even in a tourist centre, it should not be forgotten that the traveller is in a country where Islam is the state religion. It is therefore advisable to pay attention to correct clothing when renting a vehicle. Bare legs on the man or the woman are not welcome. Furthermore, women should avoid deep necklines and uncovered shoulders. A naked upper body is also a taboo for men. Instead, an airy, long clothing should be chosen. This is also very suitable for trips by hire car, as outside the hotel following these clothing rules is also advisable.