Travel Essentials › Eritrea
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and L, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 113, Ambulance 114, Fire 116. Tipping: Not expected but rounding up or small tips in restaurants are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C and L, 230 V
| One number for everything | 112 |
| Police | 113 |
| Ambulance | 114 |
| Fire | 116 |
Not expected but rounding up or small tips in restaurants are appreciated.
Greetings. A firm handshake with a verbal greeting is standard; men greet men and women greet women.
Travel permits. You need a permit to travel more than 25km outside Asmara; arrange this through your guide or hotel.
Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees; loose-fitting clothing is preferred and expected.
Photography. Never photograph government or military buildings, checkpoints, or officials without permission — this can lead to serious trouble.
Eritrea has very low street crime and Asmara is considered one of Africa's safest capitals, but the state is tightly controlled, movement is restricted, and communications (internet, phone) are limited.
Overcharging by unofficial fixers. Since almost all travel is via organized tours, arrange transport, permits and currency exchange only through your registered operator.
Black-market currency exchange. Street touts may offer a better rate than the official one, but unofficial exchange is illegal and risky — use banks or your tour operator instead.
Women travelers. Street harassment is uncommon, especially in Asmara, but women should still exercise normal caution in rural or less-touristed areas.
Criminalized
Consensual same-sex activity is criminalized, punishable by 10 days to 3 years imprisonment, with no anti-discrimination protections; public displays of affection or any indication of sexual orientation risk legal trouble.
| Coffee (café) | 20 ERN | $1.30 |
| Local bus or metro ride | 5 ERN | $0.30 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 150 ERN | $10 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | 300 ERN | $20 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | 2,300 ERN | $155 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | 2,000 ERN | $130 |
2026-09
October to March is best, when highland Asmara is mild and the coast around Massawa is more bearable; most organized tours run in the cooler months.