The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the month of Ramadan (2011: August 1-31; 2012: July 20-August 19), which precedes the feast of Eid al-Fitr. During this time, Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking or smoking from sunrise to sunset, which can lead to interruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore to restrictions for travellers.
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
Import regulations
There are still no uniform regulations for the import regulations. Therefore, individual decisions may have to be taken into account when entering the country. Alcohol and cigarettes may be imported in quantities customary internationally. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Finds from ancient excavation sites and protected plants and animals (including ivory, see also the Annex to the Washington Species Protection Agreement) may not be exported.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan
(Also responsible for Austria.)
Leipziger Platz 8
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 20 64 45 90.
http://embassy-southsudan.de
http://embassy-southsudan.de
Embassy of South Sudan
23 Avenue de France
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 740 57 36
http://www.southsudanmission.ch
http://www.southsudanmission.ch
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00.
Business
Business etiquette
A light suit or costume is appropriate. Punctuality ranks lower than patience and courtesy. A personal introduction to the business partner is an advantage.
Petroleum and petroleum products, wheat and wheat flour, means of transport, food, finished goods.
Main trading partners
Sudan, Uganda, Kenya.
Communication
Overview
Country code: +247. (According to Abbreviationfinder.org, this country code is for Sudan and will remain valid (at least for a time) for independent South Sudan.)
Phone
No landline connections. There are roaming contracts with some international mobile phone companies. Reception is in larger cities.
Internet
Internet access is available in larger cities.
Press
The largest English-language daily newspaper is the Sudan Tribune (Internet: www.sudantribune.com).
