Timor-Leste

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

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Timor-Leste is overwhelmingly a cash economy using USD, so bring enough small notes ($5, $10, $20) to cover your entire trip, including the $30 visa on arrival, as cards are rarely accepted outside major Dili hotels and ATMs are scarce and unreliable outside the capital.

Try the food

  • Ikan Sabuko: A savory dish of Spanish mackerel marinated in tamarind and basil, then grilled over an open fire.
  • Batar Da'an: A hearty, comforting vegetarian stew made from boiled corn, mung beans, and pumpkin.
  • Tukir: Marinated meat, typically goat or pork, slow-roasted inside a bamboo stalk over hot coals.

Say it in Portuguese

  • Hello: Olá
  • Thank you: Obrigado
  • Please: Por favor
  • Excuse me: Com licença
  • How much is this?: Quanto custa isso?
  • The bill please: A conta, por favor
  • Yes / No: Sim / Não
  • Goodbye: Adeus

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type E / Type F / Type I
Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Left side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
112 (General/Police), 110 (Ambulance), 115 (Fire)
SIM tip
Pick up a local Timor Telecom or Telkomcel SIM card at Dili airport upon arrival for the most reliable nationwide coverage.

Etiquette

Tipping is not traditionally expected in Timor-Leste, but leaving a small amount of change at restaurants catering to foreigners is appreciated.

Airports in Timor-Leste