Sudan

Travel tips for Sudan: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Sudan is a strictly cash-only economy for visitors, as international credit and debit cards do not work at ATMs or businesses due to ongoing financial restrictions. Travelers must bring crisp, unblemished US dollars or Euros to exchange locally for all expenses.

Try the food

  • Ful Medames (فول مدمس): Slow-cooked fava beans mashed with sesame oil, cumin, and sometimes cheese, served with fresh bread.
  • Kisra (كسرة): A thin, fermented sorghum or wheat flatbread used as an edible utensil to scoop up savory stews.
  • Agashe (أقاشي): Skewered meat coated in a spicy peanut and spice powder, then grilled over an open flame.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
  • Thank you: شكراً (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: لو سمحت (Law samaht)
  • How much is this?: بكم ده؟ (Bikam da?)
  • The bill please: الفاتورة لو سمحت (Al-fatura law samaht)
  • Yes / No: أيوه / لا (Aywa / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)

Essentials

Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Zain or MTN at official stores upon arrival, as international roaming and eSIM coverage can be highly unreliable.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Airports in Sudan