Dili - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable but not exactly safe. - Aug 2021
Taxis are cheap, although there is only one reputable service provider (Blue Taxi). Plenty of yellow cars are on the roads, but they aren't metered and are known for taking advantage of expats. Microbuses are also available (about 25 cents to get all the way across town), but they are recommended for safety reasons. - Sep 2017
Stay away from the yellow taxis and buses. The blue taxis are good though and are metered. - May 2017
Local taxis come in two varieties, the yellow taxis, where fares have to be negotiated every time and the drivers are hit or miss. Newer on-demand taxis are a bit more expensive and harder to find, but safer, offer better customer service and have a/c. Getting taxis after dark becomes very difficult unless you are in a well-trafficked tourist area. No trains. Bus service is offered between main cities at a reasonable fare, but given Timorese roads, the quality of bus drivers and the number of passengers would not be the option I take. Inside Dili, microlets, or minibuses run set routes, cost under a $1 and while crowded and not always safe, are an easy way to get around. Once again, after dark, hard to find. - Sep 2016
I used to use them but apparently now they are not so safe anymore..? - Nov 2013
Taxis are affordable and generally safe. Most fares are $1-2 each way. All other public transport is not safe and not recommended for use. - Apr 2013
No trains much to my oldest boys dismay :) Local buses are pretty hilarious to watch. They are basically Volkswagen mini-buses. They are super cheap and usually stuffed to capacity with many people hanging on outside to the luggage racks. Taxi's are great and super cheap-- for locals. Everyone else they will rip off. Make sure you establish the price before you get in. - Mar 2010
Local transportation is not recomended. - Feb 2010
