The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Somalia: 400 cigarettes or 40 cigars or 400g of tobacco; 1 bottle of wine or spirits; Perfume for personal use. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Republic of Somalia
Rheinstrasse 10
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 23 63 00 10.
Mon-Fri 09.00-15.30.
Embassy of the Republic of Somalia
(Also responsible for Austria.)
Rue de Monthoux 64
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 731 54 50.
Mon-Thu 09.00-12.30.
Business
Business etiquette
A light suit without a tie or costume is sufficient. October to May is the best time for business trips. Business Hours: Sat-Thu 0800-1400.
Business contacts
Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce Lobkowitzplatz 1, A-1015 Vienna Tel: (01) 513 39 65. Internet: www.aacc.at Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Somalia PO Box 27, Mogadishu (currently vacant).
Communication
Phone
International direct dialing. Telephone connections from Somalia abroad are only possible via the switchboard (no direct dialing).
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operators are Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc., Nationlink, TELESOM and Telsom Mobile.
Internet
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, North East Telecom Company (NETCO) and SomaliNet (website: www.somalinet.com) are the two main internet providers.
Post office
Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks to arrive.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
