Southeast Asia

Money, cards and tipping in Timor-Leste

Capital: DiliTetum, Portuguese, Indonesian, EnglishUpdated October 2026

USDDollar

Money in Timor-Leste

Mostly cash The currency is the US dollar, plus local centavo coins. Bring small notes; very old or damaged notes are often refused.

Tipping: Not customary; small tips for drivers, guides and dive crews are appreciated.
ATMs: A few ATMs in Dili and municipal capitals, none at land borders. Carry enough US cash outside Dili.
Paying by phone: Nothing visitors can rely on; few places outside Dili hotels accept cards.
Price level: about 28% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Place	Cards	Notes
Dili	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.
Atauro	Cash only	Cash US dollars only. There are no reliable ATMs or card terminals; bring all the money you need from Dili.

Not customary; small tips for drivers, guides and dive crews are appreciated.

Mostly cash. The currency is the US dollar, plus local centavo coins. Bring small notes; very old or damaged notes are often refused.

The Dollar (USD).

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