Djibouti is not as cheap as some of the countries to its south. If you're intent on sleeping in budget accommodation and eating cheaply, you should get by on US$50.00 a day in Djibouti City, a bit less in the rest of the country. If you're seeking a few more creature comforts, the privacy of your own, air-conditioned hotel room - and you'll need that outside of the cool weather - and more to choose from in meals, expect to pay around US$95.00 a day. If you want to stay in the best hotels and don't mind what you spend on food, expect to spend US$150.00 and upwards.

There is no currency exchange at the airport, and banks in central Djibouti are only open from to . Authorised moneychangers, most of whose shops are on the southeast side of Place Ménélik, are open all day. You'll get a better exchange rate on cash for euros or US dollars than for any other currency. Most of the larger and Western shops, restaurants and hotels in Djibouti city accept credit cards, but you'd be better off to rely on cash in the smaller towns.

In the more 'European' restaurants you normally tip about 10% of the bill, but otherwise try and find out what locals are tipping, if they are at all. Bargaining is normal in the markets, and even in some places to stay, but not, of course, in top of the range hotels.

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