Avoiding Scams: How to Buy Tunisian Goods You Can Trust
- Aya Omrani
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Every traveler wonders: Is what I’m buying authentic? In Tunisia, the reality is more nuanced. Unlike many tourist markets around the world, Tunisian souks are known for being calm, respectful, and fair. Prices are reasonable, and Tunisians themselves shop there daily.
Still, buyers abroad — and online — need ways to ensure trust. Here’s how to avoid scams and buy Tunisian goods with confidence.
Why Scams Happen
Confusion: buyers unfamiliar with crafts can’t judge quality.
Middlemen: goods resold under vague “handmade” claims.
Imitations: imported items passed off as Tunisian.
The Truth About Tunisian Souks
Least aggressive in the world: you can walk comfortably without being harassed.
Fair pricing: bargaining exists, but prices are already reasonable.
Local use: souks are not tourist traps, Tunisians shop for their homes, gifts, and daily needs there.
The problem is not the souk. It is how Tunisian goods are sold once they leave the medina.
How to Spot Authentic Products
Look for signs of handwork; irregularities, maker’s marks, natural variation.
Ask origin questions; region, material, and who made it.
Beware of too-perfect copies; machine-made rugs or imported ceramics.
Check weight and feel; authentic olive wood, clay, and wool carry density and texture.
Online Scams to Avoid
Generic “handmade” listings with no maker details.
Prices far below artisan value.
Stock photos instead of real product images.
How Chakchouka Solves It
Traceability: every product is tied to its artisan.
Transparency: no middlemen, no vague labels.
Consistency: prices reflect continuity, not bargaining.
Tunisia’s souks are among the fairest in the world. But for buyers abroad, scams often come from outside the medina. At My Chakchouka, trust is built into the system: every object traceable, every purchase protected.
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