Essential travel info for East Timor

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are generally of the twin round-pin or twin flat-prong variety.

Language

The two official languages of East Timor are Portuguese and Tetum.

Money

The US Dollar is the official currency of East Timor. The country's limited banking system will not exchange Pounds Sterling cash or, in many cases, Euros, credit cards are of little use outside of major hotels, and ATMs are hard to find in Dili. Banks, credit card facilities and ATMs are very limited outside the capital. Travellers should bring small notes when exploring the districts, as large denominations are hard to change. Notes older than 2009 are usually rejected.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but is always appreciated.

Health

Visitors to this exotic country should protect themselves from mosquito bites, as there is a risk of malaria in certain areas and during certain times of year. Safety measures include covering up, using insect repellent, staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations and taking antimalarial medication. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid; a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from yellow fever infected areas.

Safety

Though most visits to East Timor are trouble-free, travellers should note that robbery and gang-related violence are common. Road conditions and safety are poor throughout the country for reasons that include narrow, winding mountain roads, flashfloods during the rainy season, and poorly maintained roads. There is no recent history of terrorism but attacks can't be ruled out.

Local customs

Hospitality is important to the East Timorese, so it's important for foreigners to at least taste whatever food or drink locals offer them, and to wait for their host to take the first bite or sip. Shaking hands is expected.

Doing business

Timorese business culture emphasises building relationships, so it's important to invest time in getting to know colleagues and business partners through polite conversation before diving into business matters, as this fosters trust and facilitates communication. Though Tetum and Portuguese are the official languages, English is often used in business contexts and Indonesian is common (particularly in regional and rural areas). Knowledge of local languages may assist in both the business and social context.

Duty free

Travellers over 17 years of age can import the following items duty free: 200 cigarettes or 75 cigars 100 cigarillos or 30 grams of tobacco (or a proportional assortment of these products); 5 liters of wine; 1,5 liters of spirits over 22 percent volume, or alcohol with more than 80 percent volume ethanol. All passengers can import 75 grams of perfume and 0,375 litre of eau de toilette; 1 kilogram of coffee; 200 grams of tea or 890 grams of tea essence; personal effects and other goods up to a maximum value of USD 300.

Communications

The international access code for East Timor is +670. Mobile coverage is good in the main centres; travellers should bring an unlocked handset and purchase a SIM card and credit on arrival. Internet is readily available but speed is relatively slow.

Passport & Visa

All visitors to East Timor require a passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa. Travellers arriving by air can apply for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for a fee of 30 USD. Travellers arriving by land should apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorisation. Visa's on arrival at the land border with Indonesia are no longer available.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance).

British citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Visa's are valid for 30 days and cost 30 USD. Tourist visa's can be extended up to a total of 90 days for a fee.

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Visa's are valid for up to 30 days and cost 35 USD.

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Visa's are valid for up to 30 days, and there is a charge of 30 USD on arrival.

South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Tourist visa's valid for up to 30 days are available for a fee.

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Tourist visa's valid for up to 30 days are available for a fee.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Tourist visa's valid for up to 30 days are available for a fee.

East Timor