Somalia
Lightweight suits or safari-style jackets without a tie are acceptable for business meetings in hot weather. Office hours are typically 0800-1400 Saturday to Thursday.
All forms of violent crime, including looting, banditry, armed robbery, and kidnapping are common. Inter-clan conflicts continue in Mogadishu, the Baidoa area, the lower Shabelle region, the Juba Valley north of Kismayo, and parts of the northwest.
A common crime against the foreign community is residential theft. Foreigners are most often targeted because they live in the most developed areas of Mogadishu. Foreigners often protect their homes with pet dogs and guards. There is a high level of street crime. Foreigners who display their wealth are most obvious targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers.
Visitors should be aware that Somalia is Moslem country that is liberal when dealing with foreign ways, but there is indeed a limit to its tolerance. Visitors, especially female visitors, should dress conservatively to avoid being targets of confrontation and harassment.
In the main cities of Mogadishu and Hargeysa there are international standard hotels. There are also hotels in Afgoi, Berbera, Borama, Burao, Kismayu and Marka. The latter boasts the best hotel in Somalia set in attractive parkland offering ethnic accommodation in chalets.
Telephone IDD service is available in Somalia. The country code is 252. Outgoing international calls must go through the operator.
Electricity is a 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
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In peacetime, restaurants in the major cities serve Chinese, European, Italian and Somali food. National specialties:
• Lobster, prawn, squid, crab, fresh tuna.
• Somali bananas, mangoes and papaya.
• Roast kid and spiced rice.Tipping:
10 to 15 per cent is normal in hotels and restaurants.Nightlife
Local bands playing African and European music perform at nightclubs. There are frequent traditional feasts with ritualistic and recreational dance, music and folk songs.
