Facts

  • Population 1.2 million
  • Major languages: Tetum and Portuguese (official)
    • Indonesian and English (working languages)
  • Major religion Christianity
  • Life expectancy 62 years (men), 70 years (women)
  • Electricity: 220V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C, Type E, Type F and Type I.
  • Currency: US dollar (USD)
  • Emergency Numbers: 115

Geography

Tourism

Notes

  • Automatic teller machines are rare in Timor-Leste.
  • Travellers are advised to respect religious, social, and cultural traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
    • Modesty and discretion should be exercised.

Overland

  • Many overlanders ship their vehicles between the capital city, Dili, to Darwin, Australia.
  • Drives on the left
  • Poor road quality, poor driving standards and a rapidly increasing number of cars and motorbikes on the roads, especially in Dili, makes driving hazardous and accidents are frequent, especially at night when lighting can be minimal.
  • Part of the adventure is definitely the roads, some of which are notorious with their blind corners and pot-holes.
  • In general the north coast road is in good condition following a major upgrade from the Batugade border to Lospalos in the east, but the roads inland crossing the mountains to the south coast are variable.
  • Road access to Hato Builico (Mt Ramelau) and Valu (Jaco Island) requires a strong 4WD.

Safety and Security

  • Continued clashes between security services and groups challenging the government mean travel to the eastern side of the country challenging. Check for updates.

Up-to-date government advice and consular assistance information

This page was last updated on 2021.03.18 by Robert Vinet