Djibouti Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Djibouti City
- Currency
- Djiboutian Franc (DJF Fdj)
- Best time to visit
- The cooler season from November to February is best, with whale sharks typically present from October to January; summers are brutally hot.
Visa requirements
Most visitors need an e-visa arranged online before arrival, or a visa on arrival for some nationalities.
Getting around
4x4 tours reach the remote lakes, while taxis and minibuses serve the capital; the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway links the country to Ethiopia.
Safety
Djibouti is relatively stable and safe in main areas, with petty crime the main concern in the capital. Avoid border zones with Eritrea and Somalia, and prepare for extreme heat when traveling.
Tipping customs
Tipping around 10% in restaurants is appreciated, and gratuities for guides and drivers are customary.
Travel tips
Carry Djiboutian francs in cash, though US dollars and euros are easy to exchange and cards work in top hotels. French and Arabic are useful, and lightweight clothing plus sun protection are essential. Buy a Djibouti Telecom SIM and arrange tours for remote lakes.