Last updated: 26 Oct 2012
Visiting
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year’s Day
March 29 – Easter Friday
May 1 – World Labour
May 20 – Restoration of Independence Day
May 30 – Corpus Christi
August 8 – Idul Fitri
August 30 – Popular Consultation Day
October 15 – Idul Adha
November 1 – All Saints Day
November 2 – All Souls Day
November 12 – Youth National Day
November 28 – Proclamation of Independence Day
December 7 – National Heroes Day
December 8 – Day of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Timor-Leste Patroness
December 25 – Christmas Day
Climate
East Timor's climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 21C to 33C, except at higher altitudes. The heaviest rainfall is recorded in December and January, although the wet season does not finish until around the end of April. Humidity ranges between 60 per cent and 100 per cent.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the US dollar.
Time zones and time differences
East Timor is one hour behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Dili, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
East Timor's country code is 670.
For calls to East Timor from Australia dial: 0011 + 670 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from East Timor to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
220-240 volt power is available at hotels and many buildings in Dili. A range of different power points are used in East Timor, so it is advisable to bring adapters. Hotels and many organisations have their own back-up generators for power outages. Electricity is often not readily available outside of Dili and other large town centres. As noted earlier - In most cases water cannot be drunk straight from taps, except in buildings where it is specially treated onsite for drinking.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.