Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa. It shares a border with Ethiopia to the south, Sudan to the west and Djibouti to the southeast. Eritrea is a multilingual country. There is no official language here, though. Tigrinya serves as a language of the national identity. Also, Arabic and English serve de facto as working languages. Two religions, which share the equal parts regarding followers, are Christianity and Islam.
The official currency is Nakfa. The approximate exchange rate is ERN15 for US$1. The currency exchange is available at the Commercial Bank of Eritrea in Asmara, private currency exchange offices, and major hotels. Bank provides the best rate and US Dollar is the most convenient currency to exchange. Major hotels, airlines and travel agencies accept credit cards. However, you will have to pay additional 5% commission. Also, there are no ATMs in the country.
You can find taxis in large towns, cities and at Asmara airport. They have no meters, so you need to negotiate the price, before getting in. A trip from the airport will cost incomparably more, than a single trip within the city. Taxis are usually shared. However, for a higher rate, you can hire it for yourself personally.
If you want to rent a car, you can do it through most travel agencies and local car hire companies. Cars drive on the right side of the road here. Main roads are generally in good condition. However, minor roads can be less comfortable.Traveling on minor roads and off-road is inadvisable during the rainy season.
In Eritrea, they use electric sockets of types C and L. Plug of types F and E are also applicable. Tha standard voltage is 230V. So, bring an adapter if you are coming from the USA.
The tourist industry is undeveloped in Eritrea. The country’s government has announced a twenty-year plan to develop the tourism in the country. However, this process is slowed down by droughts, political instability, and war. Tourists need a visa and a vaccination certificate against yellow fever to enter the country.
The country has a treasure trove of adventures for visitors who have the inclination for extreme challenges. The country combines Abyssinian escarpments, plateaus, and also soaring peaks in the south. It also boasts diverse cultural fabric in the northern market town of Keren.
Eritrea’s culture is diverse and unique. One of the most recognizable features of the country’s culture is the coffee ceremony. The drink is offered in different social situations, such as visiting friends, festivals, or just as a daily staple of life.
A traditional Eritrean cuisine is similar to cuisines of the neighboring countries. It usually consists of injera, accompanied by a spicy stew, which often includes beef, chicken, lamb or fish. Also, the seafood is common for the country’s typical cuisine.
Kick off your trip to the Dahlak Islands from the Massawa town on the Red Sea Coast. Here, you’ll find a breathtaking archipelago studded with beaches and reefs.
August 1, 2016 12:00 am Leave your thoughts
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