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Some scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Timor-Leste

The main concerns for visitors are phone and bag snatching in Dili, occasional excessive taxi fare demands, and imitation tais sold as souvenirs. Robberies in taxis after dark and overnight home break-ins have also been reported, but these reports do not suggest that every visitor will face trouble.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPhone and bag snatching by passing ridersA person on a scooter or motorbike grabs a phone or bag from someone walking along the street. An exposed phone can also be grabbed from someone riding a motorbike, especially in slow traffic.DiliRead
  2. 2 TaxisOccasionalExcessive taxi fare demandsA driver demands an excessive fare from a passenger who does not know local prices. Higher evening fares and the higher metered price of Blue Taxi are normal price differences and do not by themselves mean a scam.Dili 1Read
  3. 3 ShoppingOccasionalImitation tais sold among local handicraftsImitation tais are sold among the market's woven cloth and handicrafts. Some come from Indonesia. A buyer seeking locally made Timorese cloth may mistake an imitation for the real item.DiliRead
  4. 4 TheftOccasionalRobbery during a taxi ride after darkA few passengers have reported being robbed while travelling in taxis after dark. The reports do not describe a consistent setup or method.DiliRead
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalOvernight home break-insA few homes occupied by foreigners have been broken into overnight. No particular entry method is described.DiliRead

Where to stay alert

  • Dili streetsPhone and bag snatching by scooter and motorbike riders is a reported problem. Exposed phones are also at risk in slow traffic.
  • Tais Market, Colmera, DiliImitation tais, sometimes from Indonesia, are sold among the handicrafts.
  • Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, DiliExcessive taxi fare demands have been a concern, although the risk here has reduced.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on a yellow taxi's total fare before leaving. Carry exact change.
  • Ordinary daytime trips around Dili usually cost US$2–3. Longer trips cost more, and night trips commonly start at US$10.
  • Blue Taxi is metered and more reliable, but its fares are roughly double yellow taxi fares.
  • Ask your hotel to arrange night transport. Women should avoid taking taxis alone at night.

Money

  • Carry US dollars, with small notes for taxis and small purchases.
  • US$5, US$10 and US$20 notes are useful. US banknotes issued before 2000 are not accepted.
  • Avoid relying on US$2 notes or US coins. Local centavo coins have the same value as US cents.
  • Carry enough backup cash for ATM problems, but split it between secure places.

Cards and ATMs

  • Use ATMs attached to bank branches where possible.
  • BNU ATMs are described as the most reliable for foreign visitors and accept Visa and Plus.
  • Do not rely on MasterCard: it is described as unsupported in shops and ATMs.
  • Check with your bank before travel. Some Asian bank cards may not work, and a card working in Indonesia does not guarantee it will work in Timor-Leste.
  • Cover your PIN and put your cash away before leaving the ATM.

Your belongings

  • Keep your phone in your pocket on busy streets and while riding a motorbike.
  • Hold your closed bag firmly and keep it away from passing riders.
  • Remove visible valuables before leaving a car unattended.
  • Keep a separate copy of important documents and your card issuer's contact details.

Where you stay

  • Check door and window locks when you arrive.
  • Lock doors and windows overnight.
  • Keep money, passports and spare cards in secure storage where available.

Nights out

  • Arrange your journey home before going out; fewer taxis operate after dark.
  • Avoid walking alone after dark, especially if you are a woman.
  • Keep away from gang activity and martial arts venues if trouble seems possible, particularly in Bairo Pite.
  • Leave an area promptly if violence appears likely.

What travellers say about Timor-Leste

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams a major problem in Timor-Leste?

The main reported problems are phone and bag snatching in Dili, occasional excessive taxi fare demands, and imitation tais. Taxi robberies after dark and overnight home break-ins have also been reported. Basic precautions can reduce your exposure.

How much should a taxi around Dili cost?

An ordinary daytime yellow taxi trip usually costs US$2–3. Longer journeys cost more. Agree on the full fare before leaving and carry exact change.

Does a US$10 night taxi fare mean I am being scammed?

No. Taxis are scarce after dark, and even short trips commonly cost at least US$10. Blue Taxi also normally costs more than yellow taxis. Ask your hotel about the fare and arrange transport before going out.

Can someone grab my phone while I am on a motorbike?

Yes. Exposed phones can be snatched from motorbike passengers, especially in slow traffic. Put your phone away while riding. When walking, step away from the road before using it.

How can I avoid buying imitation tais?

Compare stalls at Tais Market and ask where the cloth was woven. A seller who can explain regional differences may help you choose. Alola Esperansa sells genuine tais, but prices are much higher than at the market.

Can I rely on my bank card and local ATMs?

Have backup cash. BNU ATMs are described as the most reliable for foreign visitors and accept Visa and Plus. MasterCard is described as unsupported, and some other foreign cards may also fail.

What cash should I carry for small payments?

Carry small US dollar notes and local centavo coins. US$5, US$10 and US$20 notes are useful. US banknotes issued before 2000 are not accepted, and US coins are rarely accepted.

How can I make a taxi journey after dark safer?

Ask your hotel to arrange the ride and consider Blue Taxi. Share your journey details with someone you trust. Women should avoid travelling alone in taxis at night.

Should I worry about theft where I stay?

A few foreign residents' homes in Dili have been broken into overnight. Check locks, secure doors and windows, and keep valuables out of sight. If a break-in has occurred and someone may still be inside, stay outside and call police.

What should I do first if my bag or phone is stolen?

Get somewhere safe and do not chase the thief. Call police if you are in danger. Freeze stolen cards, lock your phone remotely, and report the theft. Keep the police reference number for your insurer.

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