Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for East Timor depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for East TimorEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 112
Currency
- Name
- US Dollar
- Code
- USD
- Symbol
- $
USD is the official currency. ATMs in Dili. Cash preferred outside the capital. Limited banking infrastructure in rural areas. Some establishments accept Indonesian Rupiah near the border.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type E, Type F, Type I
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
TLT (UTC+9) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
May–November is the dry season — best for Dili's beaches, diving Atauro Island (some of the most biodiverse reefs in Asia-Pacific), and hiking Mount Ramelau (the highest peak in the Timor island). Timor-Leste became independent in 2002 — one of the world's youngest nations, after decades of Indonesian occupation.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | $5–10 USD per day | — |
Dress Code
- Modest dress throughout — Timor-Leste is predominantly Catholic
- Cover shoulders and knees at churches and in rural villages
Social Etiquette
- Timor-Leste is a remarkably resilient country — the 24-year Indonesian occupation (1975–1999) and the subsequent independence struggle are living memory for most Timorese
- Atauro Island (30km off Dili) has coral reefs with the highest recorded fish diversity in the world
- Tais (traditional woven cloth) is central to Timorese culture — a gift of tais is the highest form of respect
- Dili is one of the most untouristed capitals in Asia — infrastructure is basic but the welcome is extraordinary
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Timor-Leste is one of the few Asian nations with no laws criminalising LGBTQ+ activity; social attitudes vary in rural areas
- Photography of military and police installations restricted
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Tetum — the national language) | Bondia / Bontarde / Bonnite | bon-DEE-ah / bon-TAR-deh / bon-NEE-teh — 'good morning / afternoon / night' |
| Thank you (Tetum) | Obrigadu (m) / Obrigada (f) | oh-bree-GAH-doo |
| How are you? (Tetum) | Oinsá mak ita boot? | OYN-sah mak EE-tah boot |
| No problem (Tetum) | La iha problema | lah EE-hah proh-BLEH-mah |
| Beautiful (Tetum) | Bonitu | boh-NEE-too |
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