Timor-Leste Practical Information: Plugs, Emergency Numbers, Embassies and More

At a glance

Electricity and plugs

Power is 220 volts at 50 Hz, and you will find both European round-pin sockets (types C, E and F) and Australian-style sockets (type I). A universal adapter covers everything, and a power bank is useful on long days out of Dili.

Time

Timor-Leste is on UTC+9 all year, with no daylight saving. That is the same time as Tokyo and Seoul, one hour ahead of Bali and Singapore, and 30 minutes behind Darwin (Darwin is on UTC+9:30).

Money

The currency is the US dollar. Bring small, clean notes: UK advice notes that notes printed before 2009 are usually refused, and large notes are hard to change. Cards are accepted in very few places. See money and ATMs.

Emergency numbers

UK government advice warns that emergency numbers are unreliable. In a medical emergency, get to the national hospital in Dili or a private clinic if you can, and call your travel insurer. See health and safety.

Embassies in Dili

Register with your government's travel service and save your embassy's emergency number before you go. Contact details change, so use the official websites below.

• Australia: Australian Embassy, Dili, Rua Mártires da Pátria.
• New Zealand: New Zealand Embassy, Dili. Provides emergency consular help to British nationals: +670 7732 1015 (24 hours).
• United States: US Embassy, Dili, Avenida de Portugal.
• Portugal: Embassy of Portugal, Dili.
• Indonesia: Embassy of Indonesia, Dili. Also the place to ask about visas for Indonesian West Timor.
• United Kingdom: no embassy; see New Zealand above, or the British Embassy in Jakarta.

Language

Tetum (Tetun) and Portuguese are the official languages; Indonesian and English are working languages. Tetum is the everyday language. Indonesian is widely understood, especially by people educated during the occupation, Portuguese is used in government and law, and English is common in tourism and business. A few words of Tetum are always appreciated: see Tetum phrases.

Phones and internet

Buy a local SIM from Telkomcel, Timor Telecom or Telemor, or use an eSIM. Coverage is good in Dili and towns and patchy in the mountains. A new submarine internet cable to Australia began commercial operation in July 2026. See SIM cards and internet.

Opening hours

• Government offices: about 08:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday.
• Restaurants: most close by about 21:00. See where to eat.
• Shops: supermarkets in Dili open daily; small shops close early in the districts.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated in restaurants and by guides and drivers. Rounding up or leaving small change is common in cafés.

Laws to know

• Carry ID: UK advice is to carry a copy of your passport photo page and your visa.
• Drugs: penalties are severe.
• Driving: you need your licence and an International Driving Permit. See driving in Timor-Leste.
• Photography: ask before photographing people, ceremonies and sacred houses. See culture and etiquette.