Transport
Most Djiboutians travel by way of public buses, which cost around DJF75 ($0.42) per route. The distinctly marked green and white taxis are available in most urban areas, usually charging a minimum of DJF500 ($2.82), although negotiation is possible. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, inaugurated in January 2018, facilitates passenger travel to Ethiopia. Djibouti is well connected via its airports for long-distance trips, with locations such as Cairo, Dubai or Khartoum to be added. Both local and international driving permits are accepted, and traffic drives on the right side of the road.
Health
A Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended but not required when travelling to Djibouti, and visitors should drink only bottled water. Medical clinics are accessible without prior registration. Two well-equipped hospitals exist in the capital: the Bouffard French Military Hospital and Hôpital Général Peltier. A new general hospital is set to open in the capital in 2023. Visitors are required to follow Covid-19 health procedures, which change frequently, and may include quarantine, a PCR test before arrival, wearing a mask and social distancing.
Etiquette
In business meetings it is customary to exchange greetings and shake hands. However, in some cases women may prefer not to shake hands; it is therefore best to wait for an indication from the person before extending a hand. Relationship building and creating a network is important in the Djiboutian business community, and meetings are often opened by having a casual discussion about a personal topic. The host will usually indicate when the business discussion should commence.
Dress
The dress code in Djibouti is very flexible.
Due to the typically hot weather, suits and ties are reserved for only high-level occasions, and it is common for business counterparts to sport a shirt with no jacket at meetings. Traditional cultural dress may be observed as well, which is the standard for women.
Visa
A 30-day visa can be obtained online for a fee of $120 or upon arrival at immigration for $90. Visas can subsequently be renewed in the country.
Currency
The national currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF), with a US dollar-pegged exchange rate of $1:DJF177.8. Bank bills are available in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000. Credit cards are not widely used or accepted. ATM access remains relatively limited, and not all cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at authorised exchange offices, at banks and on some street corners.
Tipping
Tipping is considered customary in Djibouti, with the typical tip in a restaurant or hotel usually reaching around 10% of the bill.
Language
French and Arabic are the official languages, but at home the majority of the population speaks either Somali or Afar – the two main ethnic languages. English is also becoming common.
Communications
The dialling code is +253, and GSM telecommunications are readily accessible, with much of the population owning mobile phones. In 2018 4G+ networks were launched. SIM cards can be purchased at any Djibouti Telecom shop for a onetime tariff of DJF1000 ($5.63) upon presentation of a passport or identity card, and can be topped up at mobile phone shops and convenience stores. Wi-Fi internet access is not yet widespread but is increasing, with cybercafes found throughout the capital.
Safety
Djibouti is a secure destination, and most travellers can access the majority of the capital and wider country safely. Nonetheless, it is advisable to avoid displays of wealth in low-income areas.
Electricity
Djibouti uses the standard 220-V, 50-Hz network, with two-pin plugs.
Business Hours
The work week has been adapted to match neighbouring countries, running on average from Sunday to Thursday, between 8.00am and 1.00pm and 2.00pm and 5.00pm. Domestic public holidays include all Islamic holidays and Christmas.
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