Timor-Leste Travel Information

Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a country in Southeast Asia, located on the eastern side of the island of Timor. It gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, after a long and bloody struggle. The country is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern cultures, as well as its beautiful beaches and rugged landscapes.

1. Visit the capital city of Dili

Dili is the capital and largest city of Timor-Leste. Visitors can explore the city's colonial architecture, visit the local markets and museums, and learn about the country's history and culture.

2. Explore the traditional villages

Timor-Leste is home to many traditional villages where visitors can learn about the country's rich culture and way of life. Visitors can observe traditional dances, ceremonies, and crafts, and learn about the history and customs of the local people.

3. Visit the Cristo Rei of Dili

The Cristo Rei of Dili is a statue of Jesus Christ that overlooks the city and the sea. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

4. Take a dive or snorkel in Atauro Island

Atauro Island is located just 30 minutes by boat from Dili, and is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs and marine life. Visitors can take a dive or snorkel and explore the underwater world.

Climate

Timor-Leste has a tropical climate, with hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The rainy season is from November to April, and the dry season is from May to October. During the rainy season, there can be heavy downpours and flooding, especially in the low-lying areas.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Timor-Leste is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is sunny and dry. This is the most comfortable time to travel and it's the best season to visit the beaches and to go diving. This period also offers the best visibility for the coral reefs and marine life.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Timor-Leste offers a range of hotel options for visitors, including budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can find hotels in major cities like Dili and also in the tourist destinations.

Guesthouses and Homestays

For budget-conscious travelers, Timor-Leste has a variety of guesthouses and homestays available. These accommodations offer basic amenities at a lower cost than hotels. They are a great option for backpackers and solo travelers.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments and villas are also available in Timor-Leste. They offer more privacy and space than hotels and are a great option for families or groups traveling together. They can be found in popular tourist destinations such as Dili and Atauro island.

Camping

Camping is also an option for those who want to explore the country's rugged landscapes and beautiful beaches. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it from the local tour providers. It's worth to note that Timor-Leste is still a developing country and camping infrastructure is limited.

Public Transportation

Timor-Leste has limited public transportation options. The main mode of transportation is by minibuses and minivans called "fungtau" which are widely available in the main cities like Dili and other towns. They are cheap but can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in major cities like Dili, but they tend to be more expensive than other options. It's recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the trip.

Motorcycles and Scooters

Motorcycles and scooters are a popular way to get around Timor-Leste, particularly in more rural areas. They can be rented from local shops or tour providers.

Private transportation

Private transportation such as private cars or limousines with a driver can also be arranged for those who prefer more comfort and independence while traveling. These services can be booked in advance and are especially useful for travelers who plan to visit several destinations in one day.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.