Welcome to Djibouti 😊
Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. Despite its size, Djibouti has a rich cultural heritage and a varied landscape, with rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and the salt lake of Lake Assal - the lowest point on the African continent. The country is home to a mix of ethnic groups and languages, but the official languages are French and Arabic.
Quick Facts About Djibouti
- Currency: Djiboutian franc
- Population: 989,000
- Languages: French,Arabic
Money and Finances
The currency in Djibouti is the Djiboutian franc (DJF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 francs. Notes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in Djibouti City and some larger towns, but they are not widely available outside of these areas. It is recommended to carry enough cash for your entire trip or withdraw cash before leaving the airport.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally not widely accepted in Djibouti, especially outside of the main cities. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX. It is best to carry enough cash for your trip or check with local businesses before attempting to use a credit card.
Internet and Phones
Djibouti has a relatively slow internet speed with an average download speed of 3.3 Mbps and an upload speed of 1.2 Mbps. There is no reported government interference with internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The two major telco companies in Djibouti are Djibouti Telecom and Evatis. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $15 USD per month. There are no reported sim compatibility issues.
Dialling to Djibouti
To call Djibouti from another country, dial +253 followed by the local number. The area codes used when dialling within the country are +253 for all landline numbers and +77 for mobile numbers.
Transport Around Djibouti
Air Travel
Djibouti has one international airport, the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, located in the capital city of Djibouti. It serves as a hub for several airlines including Air Djibouti and Ethiopian Airlines.
Train Travel
There is no inter-city train network in Djibouti.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no metro system in Djibouti.
Buses
Djibouti has a limited bus network with services to major cities and towns. Example ticket prices range from 100 to 500 Djiboutian francs with journey times varying based on the destination.
Rideshare
There are no major rideshare companies currently operating in Djibouti.
Driving by Car
Driving in Djibouti is relatively easy with good quality roads in major cities and towns. The speed limit is 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on open roads. Djibouti uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Djibouti, tipping is not common practice. Locals greet each other with a handshake and it is customary to address elders first. When speaking with strangers, it is important to show respect and avoid interrupting others. Men and women usually address each other with a formal title such as 'Mister' or 'Miss.' However, in more casual settings, it is acceptable to use first names. Bowing is not a common custom in Djibouti.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in Djibouti is generally underfunded and lacks adequate resources, with limited medical facilities available. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance before visiting Djibouti. The approximate cost of a visit to a doctor is around XOF 10,000-15,000 (USD 20-30).
COVID Situation
Djibouti has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in cases since June 2020. The government has implemented measures to mitigate the spread of the virus, including mandatory face masks, restriction on gatherings, and a nationwide curfew. The current rate of coronavirus cases in Djibouti is X per 100,000 people (as of [date]).
Common Health Risks
Djibouti has a moderate risk of malaria, especially in rural areas. Other common health risks include dengue fever, cholera, and food poisoning from contaminated water or food. It is recommended to take necessary precautions, such as using mosquito nets and insect repellent, drinking only bottled water, and avoiding raw or undercooked food.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Djibouti, alcohol is legal and available in most bars and restaurants, as well as in some shops. However, there are restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol during Ramadan, and public intoxication is illegal. It is also prohibited to sell alcohol to individuals under the age of 18.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is strictly prohibited in Djibouti. Possession and trafficking of drugs can result in long prison sentences and hefty fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
In Djibouti, pre-marital relationships are not uncommon but they are generally discouraged in the conservative Muslim society. Sharia law applies in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Djibouti and can result in imprisonment. Same-sex marriages are not recognized and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination in society.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership is heavily regulated in Djibouti and requires a license from the government. The possession, manufacture, and sale of firearms without a license can result in severe legal consequences.