East Timor
Business meetings in East Timor generally have relaxed dress code with short-sleeved shirts/slacks appropriate for most business meetings. Coats/jackets and ties for men are not worn. More formal attire is suggested if visiting senior East Timorese business and political leaders.
English is the prevalent language for business discussions although East Timorese business people also commonly speak Tetum (the local language), Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesia.
Business hours for government offices are generally between 9am and 5pm. Most enterprises have somewhat “flexible” hours; so pre-arranged appointments are highly recommended.
While the security situation has improved, East Timor has continued to experience problems with criminal activity, both violent and non-violent. Most of the crime occurs in Dili, with expatriates sometimes targeted by muggers and burglars. Gang violence occurs on occasion. Do not travel alone, particularly at night, and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.
There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in neighboring waters. Mariners should be vigilant; reduce opportunities for theft; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
There are reports of banditry in the regions of Bacau and Viqueque.
Acceptable accommodations in Dili are limited and expensive. Accommodations outside of Dili are virtually non-existent. The Central Maritime Hotel is a converted ocean-liner that was towed to Dili from Thailand in 2000 to take advantage of the lack of hotel space. With 6 decks, it is one of the better accommodations available in East Timor. The hotel is 15 minutes from the airport, moored in scenic Dili Harbor, and within walking distance to the Government House. At last report the Central Maritime was for sale and its future in Dili harbor is probably questionable as UN personnel gradually leave East Timor.
Some other hotels include the Dili Sands Motel, HMA Accommodation Villas, Hotel Audian and Sakura Tower. Other hotels with between 8 and 35 rooms are located around Dili.
As UN peacekeepers and other observers begin their withdrawal from East Timor, Hotel availability and pricing may improve.
International telephone calls are possible into and out of Dili where local lines are operational. East Timor's country code is 670 and the city code for Dili is 390. Mobile telephone services are available in Dili through the Australian Telstra mobile network, but a Telstra SIM card is required to use the service. Mobile telephone coverage is available in some areas outside Dili e.g. Baucau, Balibo, Suai, Los Palos and Oecussi but in most areas communications are possible only by satellite phone. Electricity is 220v, 50hz. Both 2 pronged type C and Oblique flat blades with ground (inverted V) plugs are common. Dili suffers constant power outages that are believed to be more related to insufficient funds to buy fuel, rather than reliability of equipment. Few of the rural areas have power supplies restored.
220V / 50 Hz
C,E,F,I
