Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs in Timor-Leste dispense US banknotes.
Tipping
Bills presented in Timor-Leste restaurants do not have a service charge added to them.
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Asia · South-Eastern AsiaOutline guideCountry in Southeast Asia
Photo: Andidut, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as Timor-Leste (Tetum: Timór Lorosa'e) or East Timor, is one of the world's newest countries: after a long struggle, it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and is now an off-the-beaten-path destination for diving and adventure. A former Portuguese colony, it is one of only two countries in Asia with a Roman Catholic majority, the other one being the Philippines.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Timor-Leste.
Cards and cash
ATMs in Timor-Leste dispense US banknotes.
Tipping
Bills presented in Timor-Leste restaurants do not have a service charge added to them.
Portuguese, Tetum
Tetum (understood by almost all Timor-Leste people) and Portuguese (understood by a minority of people, but the number is increasing) are the official languages, but Indonesian, which is widely spoken by adults, and…
Mobile phone service in Timor-Leste is poor by 2020s standards (and in comparison to Indonesia), although 4G is widely available in populated areas.
Tap water is not safe to drink.
Malaria is no longer an issue in Timor-Leste.
Covered in the guide
Timor-Leste was devastated by the Indonesian occupation that may have killed up to 200,000 (1 in 5 of all people in Timor-Leste) indigenous people.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the not-quite-bustling capital of Timor-Leste
the second largest city, known for its colonial architecture
the once-former capital of the Timor-Leste community is situated in one of Timor's most beautiful highlands
the capital of the Ermera District situated in a beautiful valley
a small district just to the west of Dili
the capital of Lautém district
Timor-Leste's third largest city near the eastern Indonesian border
contains many traditional fishing villages dating back to Portuguese colonial times
Home to most of the Timor-Leste people, the North Coast is rich in cultural and historical attractions. The island of Atauro is famous for its dive sites.
The laidback South Coast stretches the length of the mainland, with coffee plantations, trekking and beautiful scenery at every turn.
The mountainous exclave of Oecussi is truly off the beaten path, with ruins of the Indonesian occupation still visible and friendly locals who rarely see travellers.
Public transport and paid services in Timor-Leste.
By boat
The Oecussi Enclave, Atauro Island and Dili are well connected by ferry. A boat ride to Jaco Island will prove to be a memorable experience.
By car
Although Timor-Leste was once a country that drove on the right when it was a Portuguese colony, ever since the annexation of the country by Indonesia, the country switched and Timor-Leste now drives…
By plane
Although there are airports in Baucau, Suai and Oecussi. There is domestic flight between Dili and Oecussi with AeroDili.
By motorcycle
Motorcycles/scooters are a good way to see the country: you'll be able to travel wherever you want at any time, and will have a rather small responsibility in terms of a bike to park over night.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Timor-Leste.
Finding apps for Timor-Leste…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dili · International · DIL
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Dili
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 29° | 28° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 32° | 33° | 32° | 30° |
| Avg. low | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 23° | 25° | 26° | 26° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 243 | 203 | 120 | 54 | 33 | 21 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 54 | 166 |
| Humidity | 82% | 84% | 81% | 75% | 74% | 71% | 69% | 65% | 62% | 61% | 64% | 76% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$45
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$130
Per person, per day
Luxury
$340
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to risk of unrest and crime. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Police in Timor-Leste sometimes use force and tear gas against protestors. Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest. Sex-based violence and sexual harassment are common in Timor-Leste.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Timor-Leste.
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