Djibouti
Travel tips for Djibouti: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Recent traveler reports confirm Djibouti is a heavily cash-based economy. While major international hotels and some supermarkets accept cards, most businesses and smaller accommodations do not, making DJF cash essential for daily spending.
Try the food
- Skoudehkaris: A fragrant one-pot dish of rice and tender lamb simmered with cardamom, cumin, and tomatoes.
- Fah-fah: A hearty, spicy broth filled with slow-boiled beef, vegetables, and green chilies.
- Mukbaza: A traditional folded flatbread often mashed and served sweet with honey and banana or savory with fish.
Say it in French
- Hello: Bonjour
- Thank you: Merci
- Please: S'il vous plaît
- Excuse me: Excusez-moi
- How much is this?: Combien ça coûte ?
- The bill please: L'addition, s'il vous plaît
- Yes / No: Oui / Non
- Goodbye: Au revoir
Essentials
- Voltage
- 220V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- SIM tip
- Purchase a Djibouti Telecom SIM card at the airport or their official stores in the capital, as they are the sole telecom provider in the country.
Etiquette
Tipping is not strictly mandatory, but leaving around 10 percent in restaurants for good service is customary and highly appreciated.