Yemen

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

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Cards and ATMs are largely non-functional across Yemen, including Socotra. Travelers must bring all needed cash in USD, AED, or Saudi Riyals to exchange locally, as cards are virtually useless outside of a few major hotels.

Try the food

  • Saltah (سلتة): A bubbling meat stew topped with a whipped fenugreek froth, traditionally served boiling hot in a stone bowl.
  • Mandi (مندي): Tender meat and spiced rice slow-cooked in a traditional underground clay pit.
  • Bint al-Sahn (بنت الصحن): A sweet, multi-layered flaky bread baked to a golden brown and generously drizzled with honey and black seeds.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
  • Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: المعذرة (Al-ma'dhirah)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hadha?)
  • The bill please: الحساب من فضلك (Al-hisab min fadlak)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salamah)

Essentials

Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Yemen Mobile or Sabafon at official stores in major cities, as airport kiosks may be unreliable or closed.

Etiquette

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

Airports in Yemen