Summary of Logistical Arrangements & Living Conditions

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

UNDP ARRIVAL BRIEFING NOTE

Summary of Logistical Arrangements & Living Conditions For International Advisors Assigned to Timor-Leste

Table of Contents

I. Travel Arrangements to Timor-Leste via Bali or via Darwin:...... 2 Via Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia...... 2 Via Darwin, Australia...... 3

II. Arrival in Timor-Leste...... 4

III. Currency and Banks...... 5

IV. Accommodation...... 6

V. Embassies in Dili...... 6

VI. Health and Security Advisory and General Living Conditions...... 8 General Health:...... 8 Malaria & Dengue:...... 8 Life-style:...... 9 Food & Diet:...... 9 Personal hygiene and health:...... 10 Personal Security:...... 10 Residential Security:...... 11 Office Security:...... 11 Vehicle Security:...... 11 Payments & Currency:...... 11 UNDP Assistance:...... 11 Communication/Contact Addresses:...... 11 Emergency Contacts:...... 12

ANNEX I...... 13 Basic Facts about Timor-Leste...... 13

UN Agency House, Caicoli Street, Dili, Tel: (+670 390) 312 481 Fax: (+670 390) 312 408 1 www.undp.east-timor.org UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

UNDP PRE-ARRIVAL BRIEFING NOTE

Summary of Logistical Arrangements & Living Conditions For International Advisors Assigned to Timor-Leste

This note is meant to provide advance information to international advisors prior to their assignment in Timor-Leste.

Since the September 1999 crisis period, and as national and international assistance has unfolded, the general living and working conditions have vastly improved. To help you prepare for your upcoming assignment, we suggest you note the following:

I. Travel Arrangements to Timor-Leste via Bali or via Darwin:

Travel is usually routed through Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia or Darwin, Australia. Prior to your arrival you should notified UNDP by email of the details of your onward travel to Dili. [For reimbursement of the ticket, please keep all receipts, air ticket and boarding passes from your travel and submit to UNDP upon arrival in Dili. Please note that only economy class tickets can be reimbursed.]

Please note that check-in baggage is limited to 20kg and hand luggage is limited to 5kg. Do not bring any expensive items such as unnecessary jewelry, expensive electronic equipment, fine clothing, etc.

Via Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia Arrival in Denpasar: Transit in Denpasar in most instances requires an overnight stay. Hotel accommodation in Denpasar can be arranged either through travel agent Bayu Buana or you can make your own hotel arrangements upon arrival at the airport. The prize for a standard deluxe room is usually around USD30-50 per night.

PT Bayu Buana TBK J. Raya Kuta No. 707 For information on accommodation Denpasar, Bali provided by Indonesian- Indonesia tourism.com: Telephone: (62) 361 755 788 Fax: (62) 361 754 311 http://www.indonesia- Email: tourism.com/bali/accom.html [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Transit Visa: A visa will have to be obtained, prior to arrival, for one of the transit points. Travelers are advised to obtain double entry visas. Nationals of a certain number of countries will not need a visa. However, should you leave the airport premises, you must show a valid ticket for your onward flight to Dili or a return ticket. In any case, passports must be valid for a minimum of six months before expiry date.

Airlines: At the moment, Merpati Airlines is the only carrier operating between Denpasar and Dili. There are daily flights leaving Denpasar at 0915 hrs and arriving Dili at 1205 hrs. The return flight leaves Dili at 1235 hrs and arrives in Denpasar at 1350 hrs. There is a time difference of 1 hour between Denpasar and Dili (Dili time 1 hr ahead). An airport tax of Indonesian RP.100.000 is levied at Denpasar Airport for all international travel.

Contact details for Merpati Airlines are:

Merpati Airlines, Denpasar Website: www.merpati.co.id Email: [email protected] Tel: +(0361) 235258, 263918

Via Darwin, Australia Arrival in Darwin: Please note that Australia has very strict importation/quarantine rules. Please do not carry food items to Darwin but if you do, then you must declare them. Medicines must also be declared.

Timor-Leste has also recently imposed quarantine restrictions and food items may be confiscated.

Transit Visa: Prior departure, please make sure to check with your travel agent if you are required to apply for a visa. Please carry also a copy of your offer of assignment from UNDP when traveling, as sometimes airline officials or Australian Immigration will request this.

Airlines: For travel via Darwin, Air North operates daily flights as follows: Depart Darwin Arrive Dili 0630 hrs 0745 hrs 1600 hrs 1745 hrs

The schedule for Dili-Darwin is as follows:

Depart Dili Arrive Darwin 0830 hrs 1045 hrs 1830 hrs 2015 hrs.

Darwin time is 30 minutes ahead of Dili.

Contact details for Air North are: Air North, Darwin Website: www.airnorth.com.au Tel: (61) 0889 204 000 Fax: (61) 889204 095 Reservations: (61) 89 204 001 Email: [email protected]

If there is not an onward connecting flight to Dili, please follow the steps below: i. Change money before you leave the airport. ii. Pre-book accommodation at the Information Counter (The Value Inn can be booked from here), or opt for direct (early morning) check in at Poinciana Inn or Carlton Hotel. iii. Take a taxi or the shuttle bus to a hotel in Darwin. A taxi will cost about AUD18.00.

For emergency only: The Darwin UNMISET Office is located at: 6 Bennett Street, Darwin. Telephone local: 8936-2406. Office hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00. The office is in the center of Darwin town – 15 minutes by taxi from the airport.

II. Arrival in Timor-Leste

Entry Visa to Timor-Leste This is issued upon arrival at the airport. The traveler should have a valid passport. There will be no visa fee imposed if presenting UNDP’s official offer of assignment.

Transport Transport may be provided for hotel guests from the airport to the hotel. Taxis are available at the airport and the minimum fare to most destinations is USD5.00. The taxi fare for destinations within Dili is USD1.00 However, fewer taxis are on the road after dark and it can be difficult to obtain transport in the evenings.

There are two rental car companies in Dili that can provide vehicles and drivers on request. Contact details are:

Thrifty Car Rental Rentlo Mobile: (+670) 723 1900 Mobile: (+670) 723 5089 Fax: (+670 390) 321 078 Fax: (+670 390) 325 055 Email:[email protected]

III. Currency and Banks

The official currency of East Timor is the U.S. Dollar (US$).

There are two banks in Dili: the ANZ Bank and the BNU Bank. Both have banking facilities, currency exchange services, and ATM services for Visa, Masters and Cirrus.

ANZ East Timor 8am - 5pm Mon. to Friday 17-19 Rua Maria Marques Phone: (670) 390 324 800 Fax: (670) 390 324 822 Website: www.anz.com/easttimor Email: [email protected]

ATM locations in Dili ANZ Bank Dili - Open 24 hours 7 days a week

Caixa Geral de Depositos (Formerly BNU Bank) Rua Maria Marques Phone: (670) 390 324 301

IV. Accommodation There are many hotels in Dili, and facilities and services provided vary. Below is a select list of hotels.

Hotel Contact UN Rates in US$ Central Maritime Hotel Tel: (+670) 3 311 600 Single room, $52/night; from Avenida Dos Direitos Fax: (+670) 3 311 601 $1,350/month Humanos Email: [email protected] P.B. 230, Dili [email protected] (center) www.centralhotelsresorts.com Central Hotel Tel.: (+670)-3 1. Superior, $350/month; 2. Avenede Presidente Fax: (+670)-3 Delux, $450/month Nicholao Lobato (center) Email: [email protected] Dili 2001 Hotel Tel: (+670) 3 311 237 1. Standard, $35/night, Area Branca, Meti Aut Fax: (+670) 3 311 238 2. Superior, $45/night; 3. Dili (beachroad) Email: [email protected] Delux, $65/night The Esplanada Tel: (+670) 723 7110 $ 78/night long-term stay (beachroad) Hotel Dili 2000 Tel: (+670) 3 321 677 1.Standard room 2 Rua Martires da Patria Fax: (+670) 3 322 653 $20/night, $400/month; Bebora (center) Email: [email protected] 2.Junior deluxe $30/night, $600/month; 3.Deluxe, $35/night, $900/month Hotel Timor Tel: (+670) 3 324 502 $120/130/160/night; special Rua dos Martires da Fax: (+670) 3 324 505 rates for long-term stay Patria (center, across the Email: subject to negotiations port) [email protected] Timor Lodge Tel: (+670) 3 324 227 $25/night; $300/month Comoro Road (close to Fax: (+670) 3 324 040 the airport) Mobile: (+670) 723 0827 Villa Verde Tel: (670) 725 0172 $25-30/night (center) Hotel Audian Tel: (+670) 3323 080 1. Superior, $33/night, (center) Fax: (+670) 3324885 $600/month; 2. Deluxe, Mobile: (+670) 723 1999 $44/night, $900/month. Kitchen facilities available.

V. Embassies in Dili

Embassy of Australia Avenida dos Martires da Patria Tel: (670)3 322 111 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of Brazil Av. Governador Serpa Rosa, Farol Tel: (670)3 321 728 Fax: (670)3 324 620 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of China Avenida Governador Serpa Rosa, Farol Tel: (670)3 325 163

European Commission Rua Santo Antonio de Motael 8, Farol Tel: (670)3 325 171 Email: [email protected]

Representative Office of Indonesia Pantai Kelapa Tel: (670)3 312 333 Email: [email protected]

Representative Office of Ireland 12 Rua Alferes Duarte Arbiro, Farol Tel: (670)3 324 880 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of Japan Avenida de Portugal, Pantai Kelapa Tel: (670)3 323 131/2 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of Korea Avenida de Portugal, Motael Tel: (670)3 321 635 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of Malaysia Rua Almirante Americo Thomas, Mandarin Tel: (670)3 321 635 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of Portugal Rua Dr. Antonio de Carvalho Tel: (670)3 312 533 Email: [email protected]

Royal Thai Embassy Suite 355-357, Central Marine Hotel Avenida Dos Direitos Humanos Tel: (670)3 311 605/311 600 ext. 357/355 Fax: (670)3 311 607/311 601

Embassy of UK Avenida de Portugal, Pantai Kelapa Tel: (670)3 312 652 Email: [email protected]

Embassy of USA Rua Alferes Duarte Arbiro, Farol Tel: (670)3 324 684 Email: [email protected]

VI. Health and Security Advisory and General Living Conditions

General Health: The main threats to health are insect borne diseases, contaminated food or water, infection and environmental injury (heat exhaustion, sunburn). Military and UNMISET field clinics are situated both in Dili and in the districts where you may receive free medical treatment. Please bring a supply of any individual prescription medicines. Pay particular attention to personal hygiene and use insect repellant, malaria prophylaxis (at least for the first few weeks) and mosquito nets. You may also wish to bring a basic first aid kit.

Preparation before departure: Please check your vaccination status: The following vaccinations are recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for UN staff traveling to Timor-Leste:  Japanese Encephalitis  Yellow Fever  Hepatitis A & B  Meningitis A & C  Tetanus  Diphtheria  Poliomyelitis  Rabies  Typhoid

Malaria & Dengue: Malaria and dengue fever are both commonly encountered infections in Timor-Leste. You may wish to bring supplies of the prophylaxis, eg: doxycycline (one tablet of 100mg once daily), mephloquine (one tablet of 250mg once weekly), etc. All anti-malarial drugs taken at weekly intervals should be started 1 week before departure to Timor-Leste. All

UN Agency House, Caicoli Street, Dili, Tel: (+670 390) 312 481 Fax: (+670 390) 312 408 8 www.undp.east-timor.org UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME anti-malarial drugs taken daily should be started one day before departure to Timor- Leste. All prophylactic medications should be continued for 4 weeks after the last possible exposure to infection.

Additional protection against mosquito bites may be provided by:  Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers especially after sunset;  Applying insect repellents to exposed skin areas;  Preventing mosquitoes from entering living quarters or using mosquito nets, impregnated with an insecticide  Avoiding practicing sports and exercising after sunset, mosquitoes will be attractd by the heat radiating form your body.

Things to Bring: Items worth bringing are: a mosquito net, insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30-35% strength, sunglasses and sunblock lotions, a light tropical sleeping bag or cotton bed-sheets, multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman, flashlight, light loose, comfortable and well-ventilated cotton clothing, a light and fairly broad-brimmed hat to protect against the sun, a back pack or shoulder bag, etc. Those going to the districts, especially districts in the mountains, will require good walking shoes, warm clothes and sleeping bag or blankets.

Life-style: You will find that most UN staff live in shared houses or apartments. Many of the houses are recently renovated and rather basic. There are many stores in Dili now which sell the items you may need for your living situation, so it is best to first identify where and how you will be living, then go and get what you need. Electricity is 210-220. The supply in Dili is quite stable. Sockets are either continental European or Australian.

Food & Diet: Your diet should be well balanced, avoiding heavy meals; alcoholic drinks should either be excluded or consumed only in very moderate quantities and only in the evenings. On the other hand, enough liquid should be drunk to compensate for perspiration losses and it may be advisable to increase salt intake.

Local produce/staples are now readily available in the markets, e.g.: rice, vegetables, cooking oil, salt, etc. Western and other imported food items are also available however mostly only in Dili. There are many restaurants in Dili, and small local cafes in the districts.

Due to low hygiene standards in certain places, consider the following precautions for food safety:  The fundamental rule is “boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it”.  Avoid raw foods unless well washed in safe water or the fruit and vegetables can be peeled.

 Food should be well cooked and served while hot; once it has been prepared or cooked, food should not be eaten from one day to the next if it has not been kept in a refrigerator or if it has been left for several hours at room temperature.  Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.  Ice cream from unreliable sources or of doubtful quality should not be eaten.  Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Water for drinking:  Bottle drinking water is widely available in the Dili markets.  Boil tap water for at least 10 minutes before drinking.  If a filter is used, it is still essential to boil the water.  Disinfection with slow release water purifying tablets, especially when traveling to the district.  Ice should be avoided when it is not known whether it has been prepared from safe water. (Don’t drink beverages with ice!)

Personal hygiene and health: As a result of perspiration, the skin can easily become the seat of fungal or other infections. Daily showers are recommended followed by thorough drying. People who are overweight may use talcum powder to dust sensitive skin areas. The water used for oral and dental hygiene should be boiled or purified; or mineral water should be used. To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.

Don’t handle animals, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including Rabies and Plague).

Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer. When swimming in the ocean, be aware of underwater currents, or poisonous snakes and other fish; crocodiles have been seen off the cost of Dili.

Personal Security: Precautions one would take in any large city around the world apply in Dili as well. Street lighting is limited. Robberies can occur in daylight or busy streets, which include muggings particularly against females. Following are some Do’s and Don’ts that everyone is advised to follow whether in Dili or anywhere else in Timor-Leste:  Don’t carry large amounts of cash or credit cards  Don’t travel at night unless absolutely necessary  Don’t walk alone during hours of darkness  Don’t travel alone in isolated areas  Don’t display expensive jewelry or flash money  Don’t go to isolated beaches  Don’t leave valuables unattended  Don’t be involved in disputes between indigenous people

 Do remain aware of your surroundings and situation  Do report any incidents to UN Security and UNPOL

Residential Security:  Choose a secure neighborhood.  Reside in close proximity of other international staff.  Contact UN Security for assistance and advice to improve residential security.  Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home.

Office Security:  Secure all doors and windows at close of business.  Items such as laptops, VHF sets, mobiles, cameras should be securely stowed away at night.  If office keys are lost notify UN Security at once.

Vehicle Security:  Park your vehicle in a secure location.  Always lock the vehicle and double check all locks.  Ensure all windows are up.  Do not leave valuables in the car.  Use restaurants that provide security. Several vehicle break-ins have occurred at ‘good’ restaurants.

Payments & Currency: [Your salary will be paid in US Dollars. Financial arrangements will be explained to you on your arrival in Dili. However, if you wish to transfer money overseas, please make sure that your home bank account is in your name (it can be a joint account). Also, if you do not want your USD payment to be converted to your local currency, you might want to open a USD bank account to transfer to.]

The USD is the official local currency. Banking facilities are limited however the BNU and ANZ banks have recently opened in Dili, offering all banking facilities including Visa, MasterCard and ATM.

UNDP Assistance: While on assignment in Timor Leste, you will be assisted locally with your contracts, payments, administrative backstopping, briefing, deployment etc, by the UNDP staff; UN Agency House, Caicoli Street, Dili. You will be briefed upon arrival in Dili by one of the staff, who will advise you more on the local situation and how you will be supported throughout your assignment.

Communication/Contact Addresses: Communicating with the outside world is possible by a mobile phone or email, the latter is available at all the district centers. Mobile phones work in Dili and some districts. Mail can be received via the UNDP office in Dili at the following address: Your Name,

UN Agency House, Caicoli Street, Dili, Tel: (+670 390) 312 481 Fax: (+670 390) 312 408 11 www.undp.east-timor.org UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME c/o UNDP, UN Agency House, Caicoli Street, Dili, Timor-Leste. There is a Post Office in Dili.

Emergency Contacts: In case of urgent messages when your friends or family need to reach you while on assignment, the UNDP office can be contacted at (+670 3) 312 481.

We hope the above information will be helpful in preparing for your upcoming assignment. Again, you will each receive a full oral briefing and many briefing handouts concerning your assignment once you arrive in Timor-Leste.

Some interesting and useful web-links: http://www.gov.east-timor.org/ http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_east_asia/east_timor/history.htm http://www.discoverdili.com http://www.unmiset.org/ http://www.undp.east-timor.org/

We wish you a successful and enjoyable stay.

UNDP, Timor-Leste

ANNEX I Basic Facts about Timor-Leste

 Official Name: Republica Democratica Timor-Leste (not East Timor !)

 Capital: Dili

 Administrative Divisions: 13 Districts - Dili, Baucau, Manatuto, Lospalos, Viqueque, Ermera, Bobonaro, Liquica, Ainaro, Covalima, Aileu, Same, Oecussi.

 Composition of Timor-Leste: Eastern part of Timor Island, the enclave of Oecussi, Atauro Island and Jaco Islet.

 Total Area: 19,000 square km

 Position: The crocodile shape island of Timor is located about 600 kms North of Darwin, Australia. It is the biggest island of the lesser Sunda group lying between 8- 15' and 10-30' S longitude and 123-20' and 127-10' E latitude. It is bounded to the South by the Timor Sea, on the Northwest by the Savu Sea and to the North by the Wetar Sea.

 Topography: Timor-Leste is largely undulating hills and valleys. The main important highland plains are located around Baucau and Lautem. Lowlands are found around the coast and river valleys, mainly around Maliana, which is located near the Indonesian border. The central area is dominated by a west-east mountain range. Its highest peak is Mount Ramelau, near Bobonaro, rising approximately 3000 mtrs above sea level.

 Climate: Timor-Leste has a tropical climate and is subject to monsoons from November to March/April. This forms the wet season in northern parts of the territory. In the southern region the rainy season is longer spanning from December to August and this allows the farmers to harvest two crops. The average annual rainfall ranges between 1200 - 1500 mm. The southern coastal plain receives between 1500 - 2000 mm while the mountain areas receive between 2500 - 3000 mm. The coast is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 19-C to 31-C (Dili is located on the coast) while in the mountainous areas, temperatures can reach low as 4-C. July, August and September are the months with lower average temperatures.

 Mineral Resources: Gas, oil, gold (including alluvial gold), silver, salt, manganese, marble, copper, coal & granite.

 Population: The current population is estimated to be approximately 850,000.

 Ethnic Groups: Over the many centuries, the successive waves of migration that travelled through East Timor such as Malay, Melanesian, etc left their physical traces

on the population, as did the Portuguese, Chinese, African, Arab and Indian. The large majority is described as proto-Malay with dark complexion features.

 Languages: There are 15 native languages that belong to two major language families, the Malayo-Polynesian, or Austronesian, and the Papuan, or non- Austronesian (Trans-New Guinea phylum). Tetum, an Austronesian language, has become the lingua franca in East Timor. Under the RDTL Constitution, Portuguese and Tetum are the official languages while English and Bahasa Indonesia are considered the working languages.

 Religion: 97% of the population is Roman Catholic.

UN Agency House, Caicoli Street, Dili, Tel: (+670 390) 312 481 Fax: (+670 390) 312 408 14 www.undp.east-timor.org