Information about the East Timor currency

Currency

The US Dollar (US$) is the official currency. For local transactions, the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) may be accepted in border areas, but this should not be relied on.

Currency exchange

Travellers should take plenty of cash. Both the Australian ANZ bank and the Portuguese Banco Nacional Ultramarino have branches in Dili. Banks will not exchange Pounds Sterling.

Credit & debit cards

These can only currently be used in the very few expensive hotels in East Timor. Cirrus/Maestro credit cards can be used to withdraw US Dollars from an ATM.

Traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques are not widely exchangeable. Only some top-of-the-range hotels may be able to exchange them.

Currency restrictions

Import is allowed, although amounts of US$5000 and above must be declared.