Djibouti Travel Overview
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Djibouti.
Capital
Djibouti.
Geography
As a country starting with D defined by Countryaah, Djibouti is located on the African east coast on the “Horn of Africa” and borders on Somalia in the southeast, Ethiopia in the west, Eritrea in the northwest and the Gulf of Aden in the east. The land is a relatively barren coastal strip that is between 20 and 90 km wide. The coast consists of sandy beaches, the inland predominantly of semi-desert, which is interspersed with thorn bushes, steppe and volcanic mountain ranges.
Government
Presidential republic since 1977. Constitution of 1992. National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) with 65 members (33 Issa, 32 Afar), elected for five years. Independent since 1977 (former French colony).
Head of state
Ismail Omar Guelleh, since 1999.
Head of government
Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, since March 2013.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Eastern Africa Time: CET +4
TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
Until further notice, individual trips to remote areas of Djibouti that are not absolutely necessary are not recommended. For foreigners there are increased risks of being harmed by accidents or robbery.
Travelers should pay special attention outside of hotels, restaurants or public buildings. It is recommended that you strictly follow instructions from Djiboutian security forces.
Country-specific safety information
Terrorism / crime
The last time there was a terrorist attack in May 2014 was a restaurant that was also frequented by foreigners. Several people were killed and numerous injured.
Due to the exposed location of Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, the dispatch of a Djiboutian contingent to the forces of the African Union in Somalia (AMISOM) and the strong western troop presence in Djibouti, terrorist attacks and targeted criminal attacks cannot be completely ruled out.
In sparsely populated areas of Djibouti near the border (north of the Gulf of Tadjoura, west of Lac Assal, south on the Somalia / Somaliland border), regular security forces are only sparsely represented.
The border region to Eritrea should definitely be avoided because of the unresolved border conflict.
Piracy
Because of pirate attacks, shipping east of Djibouti along the Somali coast is referred to the external link, opens in a new window Travel warning for Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
Mine hazard
In 2004 the government declared several mine clearance projects to have been successfully completed. Nevertheless, the coastal road to Obock and other slopes should not be left. miscellaneous
The security checks (people, baggage, cargo) at Mogadishu International Airport for departures by commercial airlines do not meet European standards. This harbors a safety risk for aircraft departing there from airlines that take passengers to Europe on their stopover in Djibouti.
MONEY
Currency
1 Djibouti Franc = 100 Centimes. Currency abbreviation: FD, DJF (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 FD; Coins in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 FD. The local currency is pegged to the US dollar.
Credit cards
Only accepted by airlines and some larger hotels. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. Visa in particular can be used at the individual ATMs.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Only a few ATMs that only accept credit cards can be found in the capital.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Sat-Thu 7.15-11.45 a.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions.
Currency Exchange
It is possible in the large hotels and banks and authorized exchange offices in the capital. It is recommended that you bring enough US dollars (newer bills) or euros with you. Most banks are located near Place du 27 Juin.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are Arabic and French. In addition, the Cushitic languages of the Afar and Issa are spoken. Hotel employees, taxi drivers, and business people usually speak some English.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Djibouti duty-free:
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine;
Perfume and eau de toilette for personal use.
Prohibited imports
Drugs, pornographic material, weapons. It is forbidden to import more than 1 liter of alcohol.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light tropical suits or summer dresses are appropriate for business appointments. French is the language of business. Interpreting and translation services are limited. Business hours: Sa-Thu 06.20 a.m.-1.00 p.m.
Economy
Arab-German Association for Trade and Industry eV
Garnisonskirchplatz 1, D-10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 278 90 70.
Internet: www.ghorfa.de
Austrian-Arab Chamber of Commerce
Lobkowitzplatz 1, A-1015 Vienna
Tel: (01) 513 39 65.
Internet: www.aacc.at
Chambre Internationale de Commerce et d’Industrie de Djibouti (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Place de Lagarde, BP 84, Djibouti
Tel: 35 10 70.
Business contacts
Arab-German Association for Trade and Industry eV
Garnisonskirchplatz 1, D-10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 278 90 70.
Internet: www.ghorfa.de
Austrian-Arab Chamber of Commerce
Lobkowitzplatz 1, A-1015 Vienna
Tel: (01) 513 39 65.
Internet: www.aacc.at
Chambre Internationale de Commerce et d’Industrie de Djibouti (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Place de Lagarde, BP 84, Djibouti
Tel: 35 10 70.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. There are card phones in Djibouti city center.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operator is Djibouti Telecom SA. Cell phones can be rented from the main post office. A roaming contract has been in place with Switzerland since November 2004. There is also an AMPS network, but broadcast reception is limited to the capital and the surrounding area.
Internet
Internet access is available in the main post office and in larger hotels. There are internet cafes in Djibouti. Internet provider: Société des Télécommunications Internationales de Djibouti (Internet: www.intnet.dj).
Post Office
The main post office is located in the center of Djibouti opposite the main police station. Airmail to Europe takes around one week, and three weeks by sea.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Local handicrafts are offered at the markets. Shop opening times: i. General Sa-Thu 7.30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
94% Muslim (Sunnis); Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Casual clothing is accepted. Native Islamic customs should be respected. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Taking photos: It is strictly forbidden to take photos of military and security-relevant facilities (e.g. airport, bridges, port facilities, government buildings, etc.). Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect tips. There is a set tariff, but visitors usually pay more. 10% for service is added to the bill.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Between June and August, when the Khamsin blows, very hot and dry. Between October and April cooler with occasional rain showers.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +253 Area (km2) 23200 Population 828 324 Population density (per km2) 36 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 17
