Eritrea
Business customs are similar to those in the western world. Dress is fairly formal, for men a suit and tie is appropriate for business and government meetings; for women dress or business suit is acceptable. In Asmara the climate is cool, due to its 7,600 feet altitude, so formal dress is not uncomfortable. Eritrean Muslim women do not commonly go veiled, and visitors are certainly not expected to, but dress norms are modest. For adults, shorts are frowned upon. Business cards are generally exchanged. Eritreans tend to be cautious about establishing relations with outsiders, but once trust is established they are generous and forthcoming partners. Meetings with government officials tend to be short because of the demands on their time, particularly since recent civil service downsizing. Local business people tend to speak English or (less commonly) Italian. French is also often spoken in business circles. Office hours are 0800-1200 and 1400-1700 Monday to Friday and 0800-1200 Saturday. In other towns hours may vary slightly.
Street crime such as theft and robbery is rare throughout most of Eritrea, including the capital city of Asmara. It is common to leave car doors unlocked, but theft from unattended vehicles occurs, as does pickpocketing. It is prudent to exercise normal safety precautions regarding valuables carried and areas visited. There is a risk of encountering bandits or insurgent in the north and west of the country. Travelers should exercise caution when in remote areas or off primary roads and avoid any such night travel if possible. The police force is professional and dedicated, though lacking in resources. Corruption is low.
The capital Asmara has several good hotels that can sometimes offer seminar rooms and small exhibition spaces. Similar standard hotels can be found in Massawa and Assab. It is advisable to book in advance. Meals are available in all hotels. There are also hotels and guesthouses in smaller towns
Telephone IDD is available to Asmara, Massawa and Assab. The country code is 291. The outgoing international code is 00, although operator assistance may be required. International telephone calls can be made either at the major hotels, at the telecommunications center in downtown Asmara, Massawa and Assab, or at phone-card payphones found all over Asmara and Massawa. The Eritrean Telecommunication Authority hopes to have at least one pay phone in every village within the next five years. Facsimile services are available at major hotels and the telecommunications office.
Electricity is a 110/220 volts AC; there are occasional power surges.
110/220 volts AC; there are occasional power surges.
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Italian cuisine dominates in the restaurants of the larger cities. Massawa is renowned for its excellent seafood, especially prawns and lobster. National specialties:
• Kitcha (a thin bread made from wheat).
• Injera (a spongy pancake).
• Tsebhi (meat sauté of either lamb or beef with fresh tomatoes and hot peppers).
• Alicha birsen (lentil curry).National drinks:
• Bun (coffee) and shahi (plain tea). Tea and espresso are drunk black with a lot of sugar. In some regions, coffee is served with ginger or black pepper and sugar.
• Swa (beer brewed from a local grain).
• Fruit juices (banana, mango and papaya) are usually available. Tipping:
Hotels and restaurants add a service charge, usually around 10 per cent. Tipping is fairly common, in small amounts. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
