Welcome to Yemen 😊

Quick Facts About Yemen

Money and Finances

The currency of Yemen is the Yemeni rial (YER), which is divided into 100 fils. Coins are available in denominations of 50, 100 and 250 fils, while banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 rials.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in Yemen, but they may not be widely available outside major cities and tourist areas. Travelers should plan accordingly and carry enough cash for their needs.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Yemen, and travelers should be prepared to pay in cash for most purchases. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some upscale hotels and businesses in major cities, but AMEX is not commonly accepted.

Internet and Phones

Internet speeds in Yemen are generally slow, with average download and upload speeds of around 2 Mbps. The government periodically blocks access to social media and news websites.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Yemen has several telco companies, including MTN Yemen, Sabafon, and Yemen Mobile. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively affordable, but coverage may be limited outside of major cities. There are some sim compatibility issues, so it is best to check with your provider before travelling to Yemen.

Dialling to Yemen

To call Yemen from another country, dial the country code +967. Within Yemen, the area codes are typically two digits, with the largest cities using codes such as 01 (Sana'a) and 03 (Aden).

Transport Around Yemen

Air Travel

Yemen has several airports including the Sana'a International Airport, Aden International Airport, and Al Hudaydah International Airport. Sana'a International Airport is the busiest in the country and is located in the capital city of Sana'a.

Train Travel

Yemen does not have a widespread inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Yemen.

Buses

There is a bus network in Yemen, however, it is not very reliable due to political instability and lack of maintenance. Ticket prices and journey times vary depending on the route.

Rideshare

There are no rideshare companies operating in Yemen.

Driving by Car

Driving in Yemen can be difficult due to poor road conditions and reckless driving. The speed limits are typically between 60-80 km/h on highways and 20-40 km/h in urban areas. Yemen follows right-hand driving and driving on the left side of the road is illegal.

Local Customs

In Yemen, tipping is not a common practice. Locals greet each other with a handshake and a smile, and they may also hug or kiss on the cheek if they are close friends or family members. When speaking with strangers, it is important to show respect by using formal titles and avoiding discussions about sensitive topics. Men and women typically do not address each other in public, and they may avoid eye contact or physical contact to maintain cultural norms.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in Yemen is very poorly developed and limited in resources, with many medical facilities lacking basic equipment and medicines. Private healthcare providers are also very limited, and health insurance is not widely available. The approximate cost for a visit to a doctor in Yemen is around $15-$20.

COVID Situation

Yemen has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a high number of cases and deaths. The situation is further complicated by ongoing conflict and the limited capacity of the healthcare system. Access to testing and treatment for COVID-19 is limited in many areas, and mask-wearing and social distancing measures are not always followed.

Common Health Risks

Yemen is affected by a range of health risks, including malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and food and waterborne diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis A. Due to ongoing conflict, access to clean water and sanitation is limited in many areas, increasing the risk of diseases spreading. Travelers to Yemen should take appropriate precautions, including vaccinations and avoiding unsafe food and water sources.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Yemen, and possession or consumption can result in severe punishment, including imprisonment or fines.

Recreational Drugs

Yemen has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug use. Possession, production, and trafficking of drugs can result in harsh punishments, ranging from long-term imprisonment to the death penalty.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Yemen, pre-marital relationships are strictly prohibited and can result in punishment under Sharia law. Women and men are not allowed to have physical relationships outside of marriage.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

LGBTQ individuals in Yemen face severe persecution and discrimination as homosexuality is illegal and can result in severe punishment, including death. Same-sex relationships are not recognized or protected by the law.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in Yemen is widespread and culturally significant, with traditional firearms being passed down through generations. However, unlicensed possession or sale of firearms can result in severe punishment under the law.

Regions in Yemen

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Yemen, browse through each to see what to visit.

1 Popular Travel Destination in Yemen