Somalia

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

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Foreign cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so visitors must bring USD cash to pay directly or to load onto local mobile money services like EVC Plus or ZAAD, which dominate daily transactions.

Try the food

  • Bariis Iskukaris: A fragrant, spiced rice dish often cooked with camel, goat, or beef and garnished with raisins and fried onions.
  • Canjeero: A sourdough, pancake-like bread similar to injera but smaller and thinner, typically eaten for breakfast with tea and sesame oil.
  • Sambuusa: A crispy, triangular fried pastry filled with spiced ground meat or vegetables, often served as a popular snack.

Say it in Somali

  • Hello: Nabad
  • Thank you: Mahadsanid
  • Please: Fadlan
  • Excuse me: Iga raali ahow
  • How much is this?: Waa imisa?
  • Yes / No: Haa / Maya
  • Goodbye: Nabad gelyo

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type G
Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
888 (Police), 446 (Ambulance), 999 (General)
SIM tip
Hormuud Telecom is the largest provider and offers reliable SIM cards that can be purchased at official kiosks upon arrival.

Etiquette

Dress very modestly, with women covering their hair and wearing loose-fitting clothes, and men avoiding shorts; public displays of affection should be strictly avoided.

Airports in Somalia