Timor-Leste’s official currency is the United States dollar (USD). There is no local banknote and no exchange rate to worry about: US$1 in Dili is simply US$1. Alongside US banknotes, the country issues its own centavo coins, worth exactly the same as US cents. Bring US dollars in cash — cards are rarely accepted and ATMs are scarce outside Dili.
Quick Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Official currency | US dollar (USD), in use since 2000 |
| Local coins | Timorese centavos: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 |
| Do I need to exchange money? | No, if you arrive with US dollars |
| Are cards accepted? | Rarely — mainly larger hotels in Dili, dive operators and some tour companies |
| ATMs | In Dili; rare or non-existent elsewhere |
| Visa on arrival | US$30, cash only |
| Daily budget | From about US$40–60 (budget) to US$80–150 (mid-range) |
Why Timor-Leste Uses the US Dollar
The US dollar was adopted in 2000 by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), on the decision of the National Consultative Council, before the country’s independence in 2002. The dollar was chosen because it is stable and accepted worldwide, and it has remained the official currency ever since.
Because the country uses the dollar directly, there is no conversion for visitors carrying USD — prices are shown and paid in dollars.
Timorese Centavo Coins
Timor-Leste mints its own coins, the centavos, which circulate alongside US banknotes at the same value as US cents:
- 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos — everyday small change
- 100 centavos (worth US$1), introduced in 2013
- 200 centavos (worth US$2), the most recent coin, with a golden centre and silver ring
The coins carry the kaibauk, the traditional Timorese head adornment. The 200-centavo coin also shows Mount Matebian, a buffalo and a rice field. The coins were introduced to reduce the high cost of replacing worn-out US$1, US$5 and US$10 notes, which the country has to import.
You will receive centavos as change everywhere. They are not accepted outside Timor-Leste, so spend them before you leave.
ATMs and Cards
- ATMs are in Dili. They accept Visa cards (not Mastercard), charge around US$7 per withdrawal and limit each withdrawal to about US$300.
- At Dili airport the ATMs are after immigration — you need US$30 in cash for the visa on arrival before you reach them.
- Outside Dili, ATMs are rare or non-existent — only two or three exist outside the capital. Withdraw or bring enough cash before travelling to Atauro, Jaco Island, Mount Ramelau or the districts.
- Cards are accepted only at larger hotels, dive operators and some tour companies. There are no contactless payments in everyday life: cash pays for food, transport, guesthouses and markets.
Cash Tips
- Bring USD cash from home for most of your trip.
- Carry small notes — US$5, US$10 and US$20 are the most useful. Markets, mikrolets (minibuses) and small shops struggle to change large notes.
- Bring clean, undamaged notes. Worn or torn bills may be refused.
- Keep the visa fee separate: US$30 in cash for immigration.
How Much Does Timor-Leste Cost?
Timor-Leste is more expensive than much of Southeast Asia: the market is small, most goods are imported and trade costs are high. Accommodation in particular costs more than in neighbouring countries.
| Travel style | Per day | Typical spend |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | US$40–60 | Basic room US$20–35, local meals US$15–25, local transport US$5–15 |
| Mid-range | US$80–150 | Comfortable hotel US$50–100, restaurant meals US$25–50, private transport US$30–60 |
| Luxury | US$200–500+ | Luxury accommodation US$150–300, resort dining US$60–150, private tours US$100–200 |
Typical Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at a local warung | US$3–8 |
| Meal at a tourist restaurant | US$15–30 |
| Beer | US$2–8 |
| Soft drink | US$1–3 |
| Bottle of water | US$0.50–2 |
| Fuel | US$1.20–1.50 per litre |
| Taxi from Dili airport to the city centre | from US$15 (agree the fare first) |
| Local SIM card with data | US$5–15 |
| Car with driver | US$60–100 per day |
Staying in homestays and community guesthouses, eating at local warungs and using mikrolets are the easiest ways to keep costs down.
Related Guides
- Visa & Immigration — who needs a visa and how to pay
- Arriving at Dili’s Airport — taxis, transfers and the ATM location
- Practical Travel Guide — costs, logistics and local tips
- Emergency Numbers — police, ambulance and hospitals
- How to Get to Timor-Leste — flights into Dili and the land border
- SIM Card & Internet — local SIMs, data prices and top-ups