There wasn't a great deal of tourist infrastructure before the most recent war with Ethiopia and in the aftermath of the conflict there's even less, but what the existing tourist services lack in their extensiveness they make up for in their affordability - Eritrea is generally a pretty cheap place to visit. In terms of accommodation, budget rooms (without bathroom) cost around US$5.00-10.00 , while mid-range rooms are priced from US$15.00-20.00 . Food and drink costs more in the country than it does in the towns due to transport costs - an average meal (without alcohol) in rural areas is about US$5.00 , while in towns it's US$1.50 ; a beer is US$0.50 . The most expensive parts of a trip to Eritrea will prove to be car hire, organised tours and trips out to the Dahlak Archipelago.

Carry US dollars in cash or travellers cheques as many transactions (eg government hotels, visa extensions, permits for the islands) require them. If you need to change money, the banks are your best bet - don't bother with unofficial moneychangers as they're illegal and you would take serious risks.

Tipping is not expected in the hospitable Eritrean countryside, but it is expected in the towns, particularly where the large hotels and restaurants who are used to dealing with tourists are concerned. As a general rule of thumb, tips are usually 10% of the bill in a main restaurant and US$0.50-1 in the main hotels. In the smaller restaurants in towns, do as the Eritreans do and only tip if the service deserves it - about US$0.20-0.50 is fine. Haggling of the light-hearted and polite kind, as opposed to haggling of the abrasive and aggressive kind, will generally get you good deals in local markets and shops, where prices are rarely displayed. Haggling in places other than local shops and markets can offend Eritreans.

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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