Nakfa

Always greet people with a handshake and a smile. Respect elders by addressing them first. Dress modestly, especially in religious or rural areas.

Public transport is infrequent and often crowded. Shared taxis are common but may not follow a fixed schedule. Negotiate fares in advance.

The dry season (October-April) is ideal for travel. The rainy season (June-September) can make roads impassable and hiking trails slippery.

Meals are often communal, with injera (flatbread) served with stews. Eat with your right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Always accept coffee if offered; it's a sign of hospitality.

Photography of military sites is strictly prohibited. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.

Stay in local guesthouses, eat at small eateries, and use shared transportation. Bargaining is common in markets but do so respectfully.

Avoid photographing government buildings or military personnel. Always ask locals for permission before taking their photos, especially in rural areas.

Conversations are often indirect and polite. Avoid raising your voice or showing impatience. Learning a few phrases in Tigrinya can go a long way.

Support local businesses, avoid single-use plastics, and respect natural sites by not littering. Use water sparingly, as it is a scarce resource in the highlands.

Yes, all visitors need a visa. Apply at an Eritrean embassy in advance; tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days.

Yes, but it's remote. Solo travellers should hire a local guide and inform their embassy of their itinerary.

The Eritrean Nakfa (ERN). Cash is king; credit cards are not accepted. ATMs are scarce; bring enough USD or EUR to exchange.

Mobile coverage is limited to 2G/3G in town. Buy a local SIM from Eritel in Asmara. WiFi is rare.

Tigrinya and Arabic are official. English is spoken by some in tourism; learning a few Tigrinya phrases helps.

No. Bring all cash you need from Asmara. Exchange money at banks or hotels.

Warm layers (nights are cold), sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a torch.