Asmara Practical information

Money & costs

Money

Rates are fixed by the government and are the same everywhere in the country, whether for cash or travellers cheques. There’s a foreign-exchange booth at the airport; it’s open to meet all arriving flights and changes cash only. All transactions must be registered on your currency declaration form. There’s a black market, but it’s illegal and the risks incurred are huge.

There are currently no ATMs in Asmara.

Commerce Bank of Eritrea (122425; Harnet Ave; 8-11am & 2-4pm Mon-Fri, 8-11am Sat) Changes cash and travellers cheques. Also acts as an agent for Western Union.

Himbol Harnet Branch (123124; Harnet Ave; 8am-noon & 2-8pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon & 2-7pm Sat, 8am-noon & 2-6pm Sun); Main Office (120735; Bahti Meskerem Sq; 8am-8pm) Changes cash and travellers cheques, and can do cash advances on your credit card for a commission of 7%.