The ongoing fighting has so badly affected the medical care system that it is practically non-existent. International organizations are currently trying to set up a supply network. In addition to a high security risk, significant bottlenecks in medical and drug care are to be expected nationwide. Adequate equipment of the first-aid kit is advisable. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who intend to enter within six days of stay or transit in the infected areas designated by the WHO. Exceptions are transit travelers in Somalia who do not leave the airport. Attention: only provided from infected areas, the vaccination is usually required by everyone upon entry. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. Attention: A valid proof of vaccination against cholera can occasionally be requested, deviating from the official regulations. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is recommended obtain medical advice in good time before the start of the journey. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. [3] Malaria protection against the predominant, more dangerous form, Plasmodium falciparum, is required all year round in all parts of the country, especially in the central and southern parts of the country. Chloroquine resistance has been reported. [4] Poliomyelitis occurs. The WHO requires Somalia to ensure that all those leaving the country with a stay of at least 4 weeks in Somalia certify a valid vaccination against poliomyelitis, which must have taken place four weeks to 12 months before departure. For shorter stays, a vaccination should be given upon departure. Somalia can prevent people who are not vaccinated against polio from leaving the country. [5] Water should only be boiled and filtered. Water is scarce in Mogadishu (some neighborhoods often go without water for months); Supply by tanker. Stomach upset may occur. Bottled water, which is available everywhere, is therefore recommended for the first few weeks of your stay. Water outside the cities is not sanitized and should be sterilized or bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers across the country, particularly in the Whebi-Skebeli and Ghenale Djuba river basins. Swimming and wading in inland waters should therefore be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis occurs mainly on the south coast. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Leishmaniasis occurs nationwide. Skin-covering clothing and insect repellents offer protection. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur from December to May in rural regions, especially in the north and west. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide.
Money
Currency
1 Somali shilling = 100 centesimi (senti). Currency abbreviation: SoSh, SOS (ISO code). Banknotes circulate mainly in denominations of 1000 and 500 SOS. Note: Means of payment in Somalia are, in addition to the Somali shilling, the US dollar, euro and dirham, in the border regions also birr, Djibouti franc and Kenyan shilling. In Somaliland, the Somaliland shilling has prevailed regionally.
Credit cards
Credit cards are not accepted.
ATMs
There are no ATMs available.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Somalia.
Bank opening hours
Sat-Thu 08.00-11.30.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is limited to 200 SOS. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared. The amount must be exchanged at the official bank within five days. Receipts should definitely be kept. The export is limited to the declared amount.
Currency Exchange
US dollars are the easiest to exchange. For years, however, there has been no official exchange rate for the Somalia shilling (the proportion of counterfeit money is estimated at 80%). The best and safest way to change money is in hotels. We recommend taking US dollars and euros with you in cash.
Currencies
Code
Symbol
Exchange rates (no guarantee)
SOS
S
1 EUR = 581.85 S
1 CHF = 692.96 S
1 USD = 564.00 S
