Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY &
TOURISM
It helps at checkpoints if you have an official form from the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Tourism
(
440148, 4014801; south of Independence Rd; 7am-noon Sat-Thu)
that lists all the places you intend to visit in
the country (be extensive). For Las Geel, Zeila and all travel east of Burao, this form is mandatory. Get there in the
morning, fill in the form, fork out US$25 and it's issued on the spot. It's on a side street near Imperial Hotel.
Insurance
»It's worth checking with your insurance company if you're covered in case of emergency
while travelling around Somaliland.
Internet Access
»Establishments with wireless are identified in this topic with a icon.
»Internet cafes can be found in all major towns.
»An increasing number of hotels, including budget and midrange places, have compli-
mentary wi-fi.
»Connection speeds vary from pretty good to acceptable.
Money
»Somaliland's currency is the Somaliland shilling (SISh). There are bills of SISh500 and
SISh1000.
»Your best bet is to carry considerable amounts of US dollars (vastly preferable to euros)
that can be exchanged for shillings in hotels, shops and bureaux de change; payment in
US dollars is accepted everywhere. Bring a good stash of smaller denomination bills.
»At the time of writing one ATM was being installed in Hargeisa, and there were plans to
introduce more ATMs in the city. Don't get too excited, though - there's no guarantee that
they will work with foreign credit cards; check while in Hargeisa.
»There's no chance of changing your travellers cheques.
