Yemen — Shopping
Shopping
Souks (markets) are interesting places to shop and buy handicrafts. Purchases include foutah (national costume), leather goods, jambia (daggers), candlesticks, scarves (woven with gold thread), amber beads, brightly colored cushions and ceramics. Other items include gold- and silverwork, spice, perfume, bukhur incense with charcoal and pottery containers in which to burn it, colored mats and sharks’ teeth.
Shopping hours: Sun-Thurs 0800-1300 and 1600-2100.
Currency
Yemeni Riyal (YER) = 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of YER1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of YER10, 5 and 1.
Currency Exchange
Local currency can easily be reconverted at banks, bureau de change and hotels. US Dollars in cash are the easiest convertible currency.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
Cards generally have limited acceptance; American Express and Diners Club are the most widely accepted. There are very few ATMs.
Travelers Checks
Can be exchanged at some banks and hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Pounds Sterling.
Currency Restrictions
Import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, but amounts exceeding US$3,000 must be declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currencies must not exceed the amount imported.
Banking Hours
Sat-Wed 0830-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 343.5 YER |
| 1.00 USD = 213.83 YER |
| 1.00 EUR = 301.84 YER |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
