The Basics
Country: East Timor
Where is it?: East Timor is in south-eastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago.
Why do people go here?: Despite being the newest independent country in Asia, it has the island culture and the beaches without the tourism.
What are the main entry points?: Most people fly into Dili via Bali
Currency used: US Dollar
Country Code for Phones: 670
Area codes for Major Cities: East Timor does not use area codes. They only use starting digits before the subscriber’s number
Other Phone Tips: To save money when making calls in East Timor, you can use the international East Timor call cards.
Religion: Roman Catholic 90%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 3%, Hindu 0.5%, Buddhist, Animist
Population: 1 million
Ethnic Groups: Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese minority
Government: Republic
Languages: Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English
Travel Information
Major Cities: Dili, Maubisse,Baucau
Attractions: Baucau
Tourism Links: East Timor Tourist Office
Tips for Visiting
When to go: The best time to go to East Timor is during its dry seasons (May to November)
Common Phrases: Hello=Elo; Good morning= Bon dia; Good afternoon=Botarde; Good evening/good night= Bonoite; Goodbye=Hau ba lai or Adeus; See you later= Atelogu; See you tomorrow= Ate amanyá; Please=Favór ida; How are you?= Diak ka lai?; Fine, thank you= Diak, obrigadu (m) obrigada (f); Where are you going?= Ita ba nebee?
City Specific Events: Eid al-Adha every January, Idul Fitri every November, Christmas every December
How to get around?: boat, hitching, bus, tram, car, motorcycle, bicycle
Good to know: East Timor is one of the two Roman Catholic countries in the entire Asia, the other is the Philippines.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into East Timor is Dili International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the East Timor travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
