Time & Electricity
Somaliland is GMT +3 hour’s time zone. Electric is 220 volts 50 cycles AC
Communications
Telephone, fax and internet access is available and expanding rapidly all over the country
Egal International Airport (Hargeisa)
Security at the airport is tight and Customs clearance is required for all travellers to reach the post-customs part of the building
Travel & Tours
There are many travel agencies in Somaliland which can pre-arrange your travel and tour needs before your arrival. Service available includes assisting with visas, airport transfers and arranging group tours to Discover Somaliland. We recommend that visitors only use government authorised agents, which can also arrange escort if necessary.
Somaliland - eating & drink safely
Many people suffer from an upset stomach or diarrhoea because of something they have eaten or drunk while abroad. More seriously, migraine, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A can be contracted from contaminated food and water
Don’t get ill
• Always wash your hands after going to the toilet, before handling food and before eating
• Use bottled water if you have any doubts about the quality of the tap water
• Boil water or filter it using a water 'purifier' – this is more effective than sterilisation tablets
• Eat fresh, thoroughly cooked food that is still piping hot
• Avoid food that has been kept warm
Somaliland - Travel advice
We’ve put together this travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there
• Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases
• Find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws -there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations
• Consider taking your mobile with you or buy one whilst you’re away. Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate
• Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad
• Check whether it’s safe to drink local tap water- if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks
• Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself
• Respect the environment and don’t drop litter
• Check import regulations for food before you attempt to bring them back home
Useful info
Information on contacting an Embassy
Worldwide map search, router finder and travel directions
Driving in Somaliland
Driving in Somaliland is relatively simple. You drive on the right-hand side. The road network is under-developed and usually only consists of only two basic lanes in most cities.
• Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of Somaliland – including local speed limits and which side of the road they drive on
• Drive defensively and expect the unexpected – the local driving style may be different
• Don't use your mobile whilst driving
Don't drive unprepared
- Drive defensively - not aggressively.
- Always keep windows up and doors locked.
- Keep valuables and belongings out of sight.
- Know your route, plan it ahead of time, and vary your routes.
- Be suspicious of "accidents".
- If attacked try to crouch down and drive away.
- Keep the gas tank full at all times.
- Watch for tampering with your auto - easier to spot on a dirty auto.
- Avoid driving or renting expensive automobiles.
Somaliland - Travel checklist
- Double-check your papers and tickets
- Take care of last-minute additions and surprises
- Say a last goodbye to your closest loved ones
- Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the airport serenely
- Stop worrying and get on that plane!
Vaccination recommendations
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Diphtheria
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Cholera
Make photocopies (documents)
Make copies of all important travel documents i.e. Passport, Drivers Licence, and flight tickets.
Luggage & belongings
Do not leave your luggage unattended - Always keep your luggage and belongings where you can see them. Do not let anyone handle your luggage.
Essential items to pack
- Medications if required
- Mosquito nets
- Torch
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Small brush, comb and soap
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving cream
- Sun block
Somaliland - Travel money
There are no ATM or Credit Card facilities in Somaliland. Despite Somaliland having its own currency, the US dollar is much used. You can spend it in shops without even changing it into the shilling
There are many reputable money transfer agencies throughout key cities and towns for your needs
The Universal Currency Converter® allows you to perform foreign exchange rate calculations up to-the-minute.
Useful tips
Learn somali phrases - Download
• Familiarise yourself with the local currency as soon as you arrive
• Don’t carry more money than you need for the day/evening
• If you need to carry a lot of cash ask your partner or friend to carry some for you
• Keep a small amount of cash in your wallet and the rest in a secure money belt or inside pocket
• Leave your cash and documents in a hotel safe – check it is secure