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 Eritrea (persons aged 18 and over): – 200 cigarettes; – 1 liter of alcoholic beverages; – 500ml perfume. Electronic devices for personal use must be declared upon entry and exported again. The declaration receipt must be presented upon departure. If the imported devices remain in Eritrea, duty will be charged. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the State of Eritrea
Consulate without a visa in Wettingen.
Rue de Vermont 9, PO Box 85
Geneva 20
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 740 49 40. Embassy of the State of Eritrea
Local business people often speak English or Italian. Knowledge of French can also be useful. Business cards are not common everywhere. October to May are the best months for business travel.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Thu 07.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00, Fri 07.00-11.30 and 14.00-18.00, private shops Sat 08.00-12.00. Regional deviations possible.
Business contacts
Eritrean Chamber of Commerce PO Box 856, Abiot Av. 46, Asmara, Eritrea Tel. +291 (0)1 12 15 89.
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code of Eritrea is 00291. Public telephones can be found on the main streets. In Asmara there is a telecommunications building near the theater. Long-distance calls can easily be made from there. All major cities are connected to the telephone network. The national telephone company is called the Telecommunications Service of Eritrea.
Mobile phone
GSM 900 network since 2004. Network operator is Eritel (Eritrea Telecommunications Services Corporation). There are no roaming contracts. A residence permit for Eritrea is required to purchase a SIM card locally.
Internet
The main internet providers are the Eritrean Post and Telecommunications Company, Tfanus Enterprises, EWAN Technical Solutions and Computer Technology Services (CTS). Internet access is available in the larger cities, including in the isolated Internet cafes. The connections are often not stable and there may be longer interruptions.
Post office
International postal services have not yet resumed with all countries. Delays must be expected.
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.
