Dili, East Timor 🇹🇱
#1070
-8.55368, 125.578409
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dili is the capital city of East Timor, located on the northern coast of the island of Timor. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (US dollar is the official currency). Most ATMs accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Timor Telecom and Telemor; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards are accepted in some places like restaurants and hotels; cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Airbnb is popular among expats. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; more cash is used, though some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as The Beachfront Hotel and Dili Backpackers offer budget stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Dili Business Center provides coworking spaces with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Suka serves great coffee and has free Wi-Fi, making it ideal for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are organized through local Facebook groups and expat meetups; check Timor-Leste expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings occur at various cafes; expats often use Facebook to coordinate events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | There are no major ride-apps; local taxis and private drivers are the common transport option. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through various local shops near the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cristo Rei Beach, known for its stunning views and activities, is just a 20-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bamboo Airways operates flights within the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Timor and Garuda Indonesia operate flights to and from Dili. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is connected via coastal roads; main roads can be bumpy but are accessible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; the bus system is basic yet efficient for local travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transit passes are not standard; fares are paid per ride or negotiated for taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Dili with other towns, such as Aileu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares offers basic healthcare services, but facilities are limited. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Timor provides various classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Timor Fitness Club offers gym equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats and laundry services can be found in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is primarily through local services; Grab is being introduced in certain areas. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bifana, a pork sandwich marinated in spices, is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Vila Verde offers a selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mamma's Kitchen is known for its delicious homemade cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal has affordable local food and produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplaces like Mercado Timor offer various products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; fresh produce can be found at markets or home delivery services via local networks. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Comoro and Avenida de Portugal are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beira Lake Brewery serves local beers and is a nice spot to visit. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa Vinho has a great selection of international and local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the waterfront offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Coffee House serves a variety of international cuisine with vegetarian options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cristo Rei of Dili statue is a prominent landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Timor-Leste Museum of Modern Art has a collection of local artworks. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Portuguese Fort of Dili is an important historical site in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a beautiful historical church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Timor-Leste Independence Day celebrations on May 20. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Bairro Pité and Bairro Formosa are lively areas with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local plays are held at the Teatro Nacional, showcasing Timorese culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal is vibrant, full of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Karaoke bars and local music venues host various performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Dili showcases several murals depicting Timorese history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available through various community groups. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Arte Moris supports local artists and houses galleries in the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is a notable example of modern Timorese architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The national flag and traditional weavings represent Timorese culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Tatamailau is a popular hiking destination with stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nino Konis Santana National Park is accessible about an hour from Dili. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic coastal routes provide excellent paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout near Cristo Rei offers breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Iriara is known for its biodiversity and is perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches near Dili allow bonfires; ask locals for guidance. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services are available; DHL and Post office services are accessible. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops near the city center provide electronic and tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Tetun and Portuguese classes throughout Dili. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Timor-Leste is a good place for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Dili Community Center regularly hosts cultural workshops and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes have gaming setups, especially for eSports. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos currently exist within Dili; electronic gaming is mostly informal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Timor-Leste has a progressive tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are no strict CFC rules currently in effect. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on 0.1% of the property value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard transaction tax upon property purchase is 2%. |