EAST TIMOR

(USD) Currency News >>

CURRENCY:

The US Dollar - USD, Symbol $

Note: it is possible in some border areas to use the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), but this may not always be reliable.

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

COIN: $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The most frequently used of the coins are RD$1 and 5 as the smaller denominations are not practical.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes; this is the official currency of East Timor.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

Do not rely on credit cards in East Timor. They may only be accepted in very few hotels. It may be possible, however, to use Cirrus or Maestro cards to withdraw US dollars from ATM machines.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

It is best to take plenty of cash to East Timor. You will not be able to exchange Pounds Sterling within the country. Banks available in Dili include Australia's ANZ Bank and Portugal's Banco Nacional Ultramarino.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Do not rely on travellers cheques in East Timor. Very few high-end hotels may accept or exchange them.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0930-1530.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

Unknown

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

East Timor is a country located in Southeast Asia. It is officially called the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. East Timor is made up of half of the island of Timor. It has been independent from Portugal since 1975, and free from Indonesian control since 1999. The captial is Dili and the official languages are Teturn and Portuguese.

POPULATION:

Around 1 million.

ECONOMY:

The economy of East Timor has suffered greatly. In the late 90s, the vast majority of the infrastructure of the country was ruined by Indonesian troops. Many fled, but since then with the help of the UN, most have returned. East Timor has mostly been known for its sandalwood. In recent times, the country has been teaming up with Australia to develop resources of natural gas and petroleum that is found in East Timor's waters. Another element of the economy here is coffee which is sold to various Fair Trade buyers.