Geographical map & Climate |
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The
climate is tropical, with air temperatures ranging from 24
to 30 degrees C.
There are only two seasons: the hot and humid season (November
to March) and the dry season
(milder with less rain) from April to October. The hottest
months are January and February.
The sun rises at c. 6 a.m. and sets at c. 6 p.m.
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Water & Electricity |
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Electrical
devices, plugs and power points are similar to European norms:
220 volts, 50 hz.
Water is drinkable, but it is advisable to drink bottled water
only (available in all shops).
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Timetable & Schedule |
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Shops
are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (some are closed from
1 to 4 p.m.). |
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Government services are open :
- Monday to Thursday : 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Friday : 7:30 to 11 a.m.
- Saturday : 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
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Banks
are open:
- Monday to Thursday : 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday : 7:30 to 11 a.m.
- Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
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Language |
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The
national language is Comorian, a dialect derived from Swahili
and Arabic.
The official language is French.
English is spoken by a minority (mostly shopkeepers of Indian
ascent).
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Lexicon |
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How
do you do : Kwezi
Good morning : Bariza subuhi
Good afternoon : Bariza husha
Good evening : Bariza masihu
Hello, how are you ? : Edjé
I’m fine : N'djema
Good bye : Lalawunono
Good night : Masihu mema
Can I come in ? : Hodi ?
Come in : Karibu
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Water
: Madji
Yes, O.K : Ewa
No : An-An
Thank you very much : Marahaba menji
It’s very good : Udjipva ndro
Man : Mwanamme
Women : Mwanamshe
The white man, the Frenchman : Mzungu
White men, French people : Wazungu
France : Farantsa |
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Useful Phone Numbers |
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You
can buy coded callcards. Dialling codes are (00269) for France
and (0044) for the United Kingdom.
There is a duty office (24 hours a day) at the
- French embassy: (00269) 73 06 15.
- Consular department in Moroni: (00269) 73 06 15/ 73 07 53.
- Itsandra Plongée (diving club and restaurant): (00269)
73 44 09/ 33 44 09. |
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Currency & Change |
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After
the Comorian franc (set rate: 1 euro = 492 Comorian francs),
the euro is the second currency in the Comoros. Changing them
is not necessary, as you will be given Comorian francs in
exchange for your euros. Credit
cards: Except for one or two hotels, credit cards are not
accepted. However, you can withdraw cash at the Banque Internationale
du Commerce des Comores (BIC, place de France, near the
General Post Office), which is a subsidiary company of the
BNP-Paribas. You will thus depend on the opening hours (Monday
to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Friday: 7:30 to 11
a.m.).
In an emergency, some hotels and shops will accept French
cheques
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Visas |
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You
must provide yourself with a valid passport and a visa which
can be issued at the airport.
Rates :
- 5 day visas: 15 euros
- 7 day visas: 24 euros
- 2 day extension: 12 euros
- 1 week extension: 24 euros
For visa extensions, bring two identity photographs. |
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Vaccinations |
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Preventive
measures against malaria are recommended.
No compulsory vaccinations. |