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East Timor (Timor Leste) - An Independent Traveller's Guide
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Timor-Leste, or East Timor, is a Southeast Asian country that occupies half of Timor's island and is surrounded by coral reefs rich with marine life. Dili's landmarks recall the country's fight for independence from Portugal in 1975 and again from Indonesia in 2002. The magnificent 27-meter-tall Cristo Rei de Dili monument stands high above the city, offering extensive views of the surrounding harbor. As a newly independent country and still largely off the beaten path, Timor-Leste is a fascinating place to visit both in terms of heritage and culture, and its general way of life.
Timor-Leste is an intriguing new tourism destination and attracting an increasing number of international travellers keen to experience its coral reefs, beaches, rugged mountains and rich cultural heritage. There is much of interest for travelers in Timor-Leste. In addition to main attractions and learning about significant historical events, it is fun to wander around a local market or back street and experience everyday life. Timorese are extremely hospitable and proud of their country and if you express an interest and openness, they are happy to share information and on occasion their personal stories.
Let's get around
Welcome to Timor-Leste, a beautiful and new travel destination offering incredible natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experience. Relax on our stunning beaches, be wowed by our tropical reefs and witness amazing marine live, and explore our rugged mountainous interior.
Taxis, small buses, and mini-vans provide public transportation in Dili and elsewhere. Public transportation is generally overcrowded, uncomfortable, and below international safety standards.
Few things to know
1. What is the currency and conversion in Timor Leste?
The US dollar was adopted as the official currency in January 2000. Timorese coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos were introduced in November 2003 to enable small denomination transactions and partially assist with monetisation of the economy. Timor-Leste's legal system is based on civil law.
2. What is the language in Timor Leste?
Timor-Leste's two official languages are Portuguese and Tetum, and its two working languages are English and Indonesian.
3. Are there many ATMs and Money Exchange?
Credit cardsThese can only currently be used in the very few expensive hotels in East Timor. Cirrus/Maestro credit cards can be used to withdraw US Dollars from an ATM.
Sau Cirrus/Maestro credit cards can be used to withdraw US Dollars from an ATM.
Travellers chequesTraveller's cheques are not widely exchangeable. Only some top-of-the-range hotels may be able to exchange them4. What is the time zone in Timor Leste?
East Timor Time
Time zone in Timor-Leste (GMT+9)There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes.5. What is the climate in Timor Leste?
Timor-Leste's tropical climate is heavily influenced by West Pacific Monsoon and its mountainous climate. Its wet season takes place between December and May and dry season between June and November, with the southern parts of the country experiencing a longer wet season of seven to nine months.
6. What is the telephone code in Timor Leste?
A new country code, +670, was allocated to East Timor, but international access often remained severely limited.
7. What is the emergency service in Timor Leste?
In case of emergency, dial: police: 112. medical emergencies: 110. firefighters: 115.
8. What is the driving mode in Timor Leste?
While in Timor-Leste, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. All traffic operates on the left side of the road, and most vehicles use right-hand drive. Roads are often poorly maintained, and four-wheel drive may be required in some areas.
9. What is the electricity voltage in Timor Leste?
220V
In East Timor the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V.
Some Highlights in Timor Leste
Airlines that fly to Timor Leste
These are some of the airlines flying to Timor Leste from around the world. Major airlines offer direct flights to Timor Leste from all over the world. There are also several connecting flights to Timor Leste depending on what countries you depart to which airline you are flying with. In some airlines, you may consider having layovers too.
How long do flights to Timor Leste?
The total flight duration from Timor-Leste to U.S. Minor Outlying Islands is 7 hours, 16 minutes.
This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
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