Money:
The official currency is the Comoros Franc (KMF), which is
divided into 100 centimes. Its value is tied to the Euro and many
major tourist establishments accept Euros as payment. In towns,
foreign currency can be exchanged at banks on Ngazidja, but banking
facilities are limited on the other islands. The Banque
Internationale des Comores (BIC) is the only bank that will change
travellers cheques. To avoid additional charges take travellers
cheques in Euros. There is no bank on Mwali. Banks are open on
weekday mornings only, from 7am to 12pm. The acceptance of credit
cards is limited to a few upmarket hotels.
Time:
Local time is GMT +3.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin
plugs and one with receptacle with male grounding pin, are in
use.
Language:
French and Arabic are the official languages. Comorian is
the most widely spoken language however.
Health:
There is a risk of malaria throughout the year, and dengue fever
outbreaks occur. Cholera outbreaks also occur, but are a low risk
to travellers. Visitors should drink bottled or boiled water as a
preventative measure. Medical facilities are limited and
medications may not be available. Travellers are advised to bring
their own personal medical kit and travel insurance should be
comprehensive.
Tipping:
Tips of 10% are appreciated for good service.
Safety:
The islands are relatively crime-free, but visitors should be
aware that muggers and pick-pockets will target those who look like
they are carrying valuables. It is not advisable to walk around at
night, particularly in the town centres. Cyclones are possible
between January and April, and Le Kartala volcano on Ngazidja is
active and erupts periodically. It is advisable to check on the
situation before visiting that part of the island. Foreign
governments currently advise against travel to Anjouan due to the
unstable political situation.
Customs:
The islands are largely Muslim and visitors should respect local
traditions and sensitivities, especially during the month of
Ramadan. Women in particular are advised to dress conservatively,
covering shoulders and legs when away from the beach.
Business:
The slow pace of island life is a typical aspect of doing
business in the Comoros, where nothing happens too quickly or
professionally (French Mayotte is more Western in its approach to
punctuality and efficiency). Dress is tidy, but fairly casual, and
being an Islamic country, women are expected to dress
conservatively. Women are traditionally subservient to men and do
not hold key positions in business, so visiting businesswomen will
find that they are not treated with the same respect as their male
counterparts. Business is usually conducted in French, and
sometimes in Arabic, but few people speak English. Business hours
are generally 7.30am to 12pm and 3pm to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday,
and Fridays until 11am (Islamic holy day). During the holy month of
Ramadan very little business gets is conducted.
Duty Free:
Passengers of 18 years and older can bring 400 cigarettes or 100
cigars or 500g tobacco, one bottle of alcohol and one bottle of
perfume without paying customs duty.
Communications:
The international dialling code for the Comoros is +269. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). International calls made within the country
require operator assistance. There is limited cell phone coverage,
but this is growing. The Societe Nationale des Telecommunications
provides a GSM 900 network. Internet access is scarce. A few hotels
provide Internet.