Capital city, Timor-Leste
Dili
Timor-Leste's small, laid-back capital for diving, hiking to Cristo Rei and history. Cheap but infrastructure is basic: no ride apps, limited nightlife, and patchy internet and healthcare.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,500–2,500Comfortable, one person · $1,500–2,500Details
- Value for money24/100Better value than 23% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 34°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid tap water and ice outside good hotels and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–70Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundMicrolet (minibus)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashThe currency is the US dollar.Details
Where to stay in Dili
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Dili waterfront and Farol | Restaurants, embassies and dive shops along the coast |
| Comoro and Bidau | Cheaper local stays and guesthouses |
| Metiaut and Lecidere | Hotels, cafés and expats near the seafront |
Apps that work in Dili
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Use hotel-arranged taxis or agree the fare before getting in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Timor-Leste.
- Mostly cash The currency is the US dollar. Cash is needed almost everywhere; a few ATMs and card-friendly hotels in Dili. Bring small notes.
- ATMs: A few ATMs in Dili and municipal capitals, none at land borders. Carry enough US cash outside Dili.
- Tipping: Not customary; small tips for drivers, guides and dive crews are appreciated.
- Paying by phone: Nothing visitors can rely on; few places outside Dili hotels accept cards.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the online arrival declaration (Customs Single Window) up to 3 days before travel and show its QR code.
- Visa on arrival costs US$30 in cash only (no cards or ATMs at the border), 30 days, extendable once.
- Officers can ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and funds of US$100 plus US$50 per day.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 110 · Fire 115
Plugs
Type C, E, F, I · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy a prepaid SIM at carrier shops in Dili with your passport; a few dollars covers a SIM and data. Rural coverage is patchy. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Timor-Leste
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.