Practical Information: Comoros

Communication Essentials

A local SIM card is often the most reliable option.

Connectivity Details

Comores Telecom is the main provider; purchase SIM at airport or in town (passport needed).
Wi-Fi in mid to high-end hotels, some cafes; speeds can be slow and connections unreliable.
Postal services are available but generally slow and unreliable for international mail.

Navigating Language

Languages & Phrases

Comorian (Shikomor) is widely spoken, French is official and spoken by educated individuals. Arabic is also understood.
"Salama aleikum" (Hello), "Marahaba" (Thank you - Comorian), "Merci" (Thank you - French).
"Tafadhali" (Please - Comorian), "S'il vous plaît" (Please - French), "Maji" (Water - Comorian).

Business Hours & Banking

Schedules to Know

Government Offices: ~7:30 AM-2:30 PM (Mon-Thu), ~7:30 AM-11:30 AM (Fri). Closed weekends.
Shops/Markets: Typically 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (Mon-Sat); some close for lunch.
Banks: Generally 8:00 AM-1:00 PM (Mon-Fri). ATMs mainly in Moroni, can be unreliable.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Public and religious holidays impact business operations. Be aware of varying dates for Islamic holidays.

Dates & Impact

Public Holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Labour Day (May 1), Independence Day (July 6).
Religious Holidays: Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, etc.) vary annually, causing closures.
Seasonal Reductions: Services might be fewer during the wet season or major holiday periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social Interactions & Dress

Greetings: "Salama aleikum" is a common greeting. Handshakes common among men; women may shake hands with other women.
Attire: Modest dress required in public spaces and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Women must cover heads in mosques.
Dining: Traditionally, people eat with their right hand in local settings. Tipping not obligatory, but appreciated for good service.
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and children. Be discreet near religious sites.

Sensitive Topics & Considerations

Religion: Show deep respect for Islam. Avoid public displays of affection.
Politics: Avoid discussing local politics or expressing strong opinions on the government. The issue of Mayotte is sensitive.
Gender: Society is conservative. Interactions between unmarried men and women are formal.
LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is illegal and not socially accepted. Exercise extreme discretion.

Communication Tools

For reliable connectivity, consider an ESIM from Airalo or a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi. To bridge language gaps, exploring a language learning platform like Rosetta Stone before your trip can be beneficial.

Airport Services & Money

Airport Amenities

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (Hahaya) offers basic services. Lounge access is possible via Priority Pass.

Currency & Exchange

The local currency is the Comorian Franc (KMF). Euros are widely accepted in many establishments, notably hotels.

Card Acceptance

Credit cards have limited acceptance; cash is preferred. ATMs are mainly in Moroni and can be unreliable. Plan accordingly.

Flight Disruptions

Flight delays or cancellations can occur. Services are available to assist with compensation claims if eligible.

Compensation Assistance

For eligible flight disruptions (delays, cancellations, denied boarding), Compensair assists with claims.
This service navigates the claims process to help secure compensation.
Eligibility typically depends on the flight route, duration of delay, and airline.

Local Transport & Costs

Public transportation is largely via shared taxis (taxi-brousse). Negotiating fares for private taxis is a common practice.

Transportation Tips

Taxi-brousse: Cost-effective for inter-town travel.
Private Taxis: Agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.
Inter-Island Travel: Flights are faster but more expensive than ferries.

Money Management Insights

Budgeting for Comoros

Carry sufficient cash (KMF, Euros, or USD) as card acceptance is low.
Local eateries and markets offer more budget-friendly dining.
Factor in potential delays and unforeseen expenses.

Financial Preparedness

Exchange currency at banks during operating hours.
Keep smaller denominations for daily transactions.
Track your spending to stay within your budget.

Financial Planning

For airport convenience, explore Priority Pass for lounge access. If facing flight disruptions, Compensair offers support in claiming flight compensation.

Accessibility Information

Comoros currently has limited infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges. Planning ahead is important for an accommodating journey.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure for mobility impaired visitors is very limited. Uneven pavements, lack of ramps, and absence of elevators can create difficulties.

Infrastructure Landscape

Pavements are often uneven, non-existent, or obstructed.
Ramps and elevators are rare in most buildings and public spaces.
Movement for individuals using wheelchairs or with limited mobility will be challenging.

Accessible Transport & Attractions

Comoros lacks specific infrastructure for accessible travel. Public transportation is not adapted, and many attractions have access limitations.

Access Limitations

Public transportation (taxi-brousse) is not accessible for wheelchairs.
Many attractions, especially historical sites and natural trails, lack ramps or smooth pathways.
Mobility challenges will significantly influence movement across the islands.

Sensory Impairments

Dedicated services or facilities for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not readily available in Comoros.

Support Limitations

Information is not typically available in Braille.
Sign language interpretation services are not common.
Travelers may need to rely on personal assistance or technological aids.

Planning & Resources

Specific resources or organizations providing detailed accessibility information for Comoros are not widely found. Proactive planning is recommended.

Recommendations for Planning

Consider planning your trip with a specialized travel agent experienced in accessible travel.
Directly contact accommodations and local tour operators to confirm accessibility for specific locations.
Local contacts can provide real-time assessments of accessibility conditions.

Important Accessibility Note

Manage Expectations

Be prepared for significant limitations regarding accessible facilities and services.
Prioritize direct communication with service providers to verify arrangements.
Consider bringing essential personal mobility aids.

Personal Assistance

Travel with a companion who can provide assistance if needed.
Bring any personal assistive listening devices or visual aids.
Local guides can sometimes be arranged for personal support.

General Recommendations

Planning Ahead

Thorough research and advance arrangements are strongly encouraged for all travelers with accessibility needs.
Confirm accessibility features directly with accommodations before booking.
Plan routes that minimize physical barriers.

Local Support

Consider engaging a local guide who understands your needs and can assist with navigation.
Be aware of limited medical facilities; carry necessary medications.
Private vehicle rentals with a driver might offer more flexibility than public transport.

Accessibility Summary

While Comoros offers stunning natural beauty and cultural experiences, its infrastructure presents challenges for travelers with accessibility needs. Careful research and proactive communication with local providers are highly recommended to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Practical Information