Transportation in East Timor

East Timor's transport scene is small-scale but functional. Shared microlets (minivans) are the everyday backbone, cheap, crowded, and running set loops through Dili until early evening. Taxis are plentiful and still a splurge by local standards. Agree on the fare before you set off because meters are rare. For day-trips outside the capital, chartering a private car with driver is the reliable fallback, moderate in cost and far easier than piecing together infrequent buses. Landing at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International, your first move is the prepaid taxi desk inside the terminal, skip the curb-side touts. The ride to most Dili guesthouses is short but can still cost a fraction of what you'd pay if you bargain poorly outside. If you're on a tight budget, walk out to the main road and flag a passing microlet. Locals will point you to the right one for little more than pocket change.