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Comoros

Overview

Basics

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Comoros Basics
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Time: Local time is GMT +3.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs and one with receptacle with male grounding pin, are in use.
Money: The official currency is the Comoros Franc (KMF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Its value is tied to the Euro and many major tourist establishments accept Euros as payment. In towns, foreign currency can be exchanged at banks on Ngazidja, but banking facilities are limited on the other islands. The Banque Internationale des Comores (BIC) is the only bank that will change travellers cheques. To avoid additional charges take travellers cheques in Euros. There is no bank on Mwali. Banks are open on weekday mornings only, from 7am to 12pm. The acceptance of credit cards is limited to a few upmarket hotels.


Currency Exchange Rates
KMF100.00 = US$ 0.32 £ 0.16 C$ 0.33 A$ 0.33 R 2.48 € 0.20 NZ$ 0.42
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.


Language: French and Arabic are the official languages. There are many varieties of Comorian spoken too.

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport and a visa to enter the Comoros Islands. Visas can be obtained on arrival.

Passport/Visa Note: Return or onward air tickets and all necessary documents for the next destination are required. Visitors are given a 24-hour transit visa on arrival and have to report to the immigration office within that time to purchase a visa. Fees vary depending on length of stay.

Getting around: Share-taxis are a common form of transport as are taxi-brousses. Between islands there are internal flights (not to Mayotte), and boat services connect the four islands in the archipelago. Ferries are the easiest and cheapest way of island hopping.

Health: There is a risk of malaria throughout the year, and dengue fever outbreaks occur. Cholera outbreaks also occur, but are a low risk to travellers. Visitors should drink bottled or boiled water as a preventative measure. Medical facilities are limited and medications may not be available. Travellers are advised to bring their own personal medical kit and travel insurance should be comprehensive.

Tipping: Tips of 10% are appreciated for good service.

Safety: The islands are relatively crime-free, but visitors should be aware that muggers and pickpockets will target those who look like they are carrying valuables. It is not advisable to walk around at night, particularly in the town centres. Cyclones are possible between January and April, and Le Kartala volcano on Ngazidja is active and erupts periodically. It is advisable to check on the situation before visiting that part of the island. Foreign governments currently advise against travel to Anjouan due to the unstable political situation.

Customs: The islands are largely Muslim and visitors should respect local traditions and sensitivities, especially during the month of Ramadan. Women in particular are advised to dress conservatively, covering shoulders and legs when away from the beach.

Business: The slow pace of island life is a typical aspect of doing business in the Comoros, where nothing happens too quickly or professionally (French Mayotte is more Western in its approach to punctuality and efficiency). Dress is tidy, but fairly casual, and being an Islamic country, women are expected to dress conservatively. Women are traditionally subservient to men and do not hold key positions in business, so visiting businesswomen will find that they are not treated with the same respect as their male counterparts. Business is usually conducted in French, and sometimes in Arabic, but few people speak English. Business hours are generally 7.30am to 12pm and 3pm to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and Fridays until 11am (Islamic holy day). During the holy month of Ramadan very little business gets is conducted.

Communications: The international dialling code for the Comoros is +269. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). International calls made within the country require operator assistance. There is limited cell phone coverage, but this is growing. The Societe Nationale des Telecommunications provides a GSM 900 network. Internet access is scarce. A few hotels provide Internet.

Duty Free: Passengers of 18 years and older can bring 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco, one bottle of alcohol and one bottle of perfume without paying customs duty.

Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2008 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media nor Educational Directories Unlimited can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.