Atauro Island

Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Timor-Leste page at Yoogo.

Timor-Leste uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency. Cash is essential for most transactions. Card acceptance is very limited outside Dili's hotels and a small number of restaurants. ATMs are available in Dili but scarce elsewhere. Bring sufficient cash when travelling outside the capital.

Timor-Leste is generally safe for visitors, though it remains one of Asia's least-developed countries. Petty crime occurs in Dili; take standard precautions with valuables. Road conditions outside the capital are poor, and driving after dark is not recommended. Check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.

Public microletes (minibuses) and taxis serve Dili and connect to some regional towns. Roads outside the capital range from poor to impassable in wet conditions, and a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended for rural travel. Domestic flights connect Dili with Baucau. Travel times can be considerably longer than distances suggest due to road conditions.

The dry season from May to November is the best time to visit, with clear skies and accessible roads. The wet season from December to April brings heavy rains that can make rural travel difficult. Diving conditions are good year-round in the waters around Dili, with excellent coral reefs just offshore.

Tetum and Portuguese are the two official languages. Indonesian is widely understood, as is English among younger and educated Timorese. In Dili, English is sufficient in tourist settings.

Consult a travel health clinic before visiting Timor-Leste. Malaria is present in some areas; seek advice on prophylaxis. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Drinking tap water is not safe; use bottled or treated water. Medical facilities outside Dili are extremely limited.

Tipping is not a formal custom in Timor-Leste, but it is appreciated given the low average incomes. Rounding up the bill at restaurants and leaving a small gratuity for guides is a generous gesture. There are no rigid expectations.

Mobile coverage is available in Dili and most district capitals via providers including Telemor and Timor Telecom. Coverage in rural and mountainous areas is very limited. SIM cards are available in Dili. Internet speeds tend to be slow. Wi-Fi is available at some hotels and cafes in Dili.