East Timor travel tips
East Timor travel tips: Southeast Asia’s newest nation, offers stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and a tumultuous history of resilience and independence.
Municipalities 🌎
East Timor travel tips. Here is a list of all the municipalities of the East Timor.
Nusa Tenggara Timur
Aileu
Ainaro
Baucau
Bobonaro
Cova Lima
Dili
Ermera
Lautém
Liquiçá
Manatuto
Manufahi
Oecusse
Viqueque
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Dili
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 TL,
ISO alpha-3 TLS
Currency
Badge | American dollar
CODE | USD
NUMBER | 840
SYMBOL | $
FRACTION | Penny
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +670
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | Telemor | Telkomcel Mobile | TT Mobile |
Location
East Timor is a small country located in Southeast Asia, on the island of Timor, which is located north of Australia and east of Indonesia. It has a total area of 14,919 km² and a population of approximately 1.3 million inhabitants. It borders Indonesia to the west, and is bathed by the Timor Sea to the north and the Banda Sea to the south. Its capital and largest city is Dili.
Currency
The official currency of East Timor is the United States dollar (USD), which is used as a means of payment and as a unit of account throughout the country. The US dollar is divided into 100 cents and comes in bills of various denominations, such as the $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, and 50 cent coins are also used, although these are less common.
Importantly, East Timor does not have its own currency, so the US dollar is widely accepted and used in the country.
Languages
Tetun and Portuguese are the official languages of East Timor. Tetun is a creole language based on Portuguese and is spoken by the majority of the population. Portuguese was the official language of East Timor during Portuguese colonization and is still widely used in public administration and education.
In addition, other minority languages are spoken in the country, such as Bahasa Indonesia, which is the language of communication between the different communities in the country. Indigenous languages such as Mambai, Makasae and Tokodede are also spoken, mainly in rural areas.
Climate 🌡
The climate of East Timor is tropical and is characterized by being warm and humid throughout the year, with a rainy season that runs from December to March and a dry season that runs from May to October.
During the dry season, temperatures can be quite high and the days can be very hot, with an average daily temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius. At night, temperatures may drop slightly, but remain relatively warm.
During the rainy season, humidity and temperatures are more moderate, with an average daily temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is heavy and frequent during this time, which can make some roads and paths impassable.
It is important to note that East Timor can be prone to tropical cyclones during the months of November to April, which can result in flooding and landslides. Travelers should monitor weather reports and take necessary precautions in case of weather emergencies.
East Timor travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to East Timor, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Diverse Culture:
Embrace East Timor’s diverse cultures, including traditional dance, music, and local customs. Respect local traditions.
History Awareness:
Understand East Timor’s complex history, including the struggle for independence. Visit museums like the Resistance Museum in Dili.
Island Hopping:
Explore Atauro Island for pristine beaches and coral reefs. Ferries operate between Atauro and Dili.
Health Precautions:
Check vaccination requirements. Carry a basic medical kit, and be cautious with food and water consumption.
Transportation:
Utilize local buses, taxis, or rented vehicles. Roads may be challenging, so plan travel accordingly. View Guide.
Community Engagement:
Consider engaging with local communities through responsible tourism initiatives for a meaningful travel experience.
Natural Wonders:
Explore Jaco Island and the Cristo Rei of Dili statue for breathtaking natural and cultural sights.
Enjoy your time in East Timor!
The best of the best
Food in East Timor is a mix of Portuguese, Indonesian and Malay influences, with local ingredients such as rice, corn, fruits, vegetables and seafood.
Batar Da’an
This is the national dish of East Timor and is made up of white rice, corn and a variety of vegetables and herbs.
Ikan Pepes
This dish consists of fish wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It is served with rice and a spicy sauce.
Caril de Galinha
This Portuguese dish consists of chicken cooked in a curry sauce with potatoes, onion and tomatoes. It is served with rice.
Below are some of the typical foods of East Timor:
Feijoada: This is another Portuguese dish and is made up of black beans cooked with pork, chorizo and rice. It is a tasty and abundant dish.
Lomi-lomi: This is an Indonesian dish and consists of fried rice noodles with vegetables, chicken or shrimp and a sweet and spicy sauce.
Bacalhau: This is a Portuguese cod dish that is cooked with olives, onion, tomato and potatoes. It is a salty and delicious dish.
Coconut rice: This is a sweet rice dish made with coconut milk and sugar. It is a popular dessert in East Timor.
In addition to these typical dishes, you can also find fresh tropical fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples and cashews, as well as a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, crabs and fish. You can also try the local beer, which is called Cristal, or Timorese coffee, which is known for its rich and smooth flavor.
Transportation 🚥
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