Many people still have the idea that East Timor is in chaos and there are trouble everywhere. That's not true. Dili is generally safe to walk around in the day although care must be taken when night comes as it can get very dark. I lugged my D70 around in the day and took many pictures without much problems. But if you want to show off your flashy gold watch or jewellery, then I think you're courting trouble.

You can get to anywhere in Dili with a taxi(they are everywhere). However, if you do not know your way, then hope for the best because if you ask whether they know the place, every taxi driver will say 'Yes' (even if they do not know). The fare is US$1 for a trip around Dili town and if you're not sure whether a place is too far from town, always make sure you agree the fare with the driver first. Getting a taxi at night can be more difficult and sometimes the taxi driver will charge $2 (especially after 10pm). It is good if you can get some taxi drivers' mobile number so that you can call them in emergencies or when you have difficulty getting one. There is no extra charge for calling a taxi.

For dinner places, the safest bet will be to eat at restaurants near or in prominent hotels because most taxi drivers know where they are. eg: Hotel Audian, Hotel Dili 2001. If you are more adventurous, hail a taxi to Pandai Kelapa(the stretch of road along the beach to the west). You will find delicious BBQ fish, chicken and ketupat(rice in coconut leaves) along the beach. The fish and chicken is about US1 per stick and the rice is 50cents. You can enjoy your food right there at the beach if you want. The stalls opened from the evening till about 3am in the morning.