Currency & Payments in Somalia
What You Need to Know Before Arriving
Traveling to Somalia in 2025? Whether you’re heading to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Barawe, Hargeisa, or Bosaso, understanding how money works here is essential for a smooth trip. Here’s everything you need to know:
What’s the Local Currency?
Somalia’s official currency is the Somali Shilling (SOS). However, in day-to-day life, US dollars (USD) are more widely accepted, especially for hotels, flights, and other large transactions.
Important Tip:
If you pay in cash (USD), your change is often returned via mobile money, so it’s good to have a local SIM card ready.
Mobile Money is King:
Don’t expect to use your credit or debit card — card systems are almost non-existent, and ATMs are very rare. Instead, the entire country runs on mobile money. Locals pay for everything from groceries to taxis using phone-based payment apps.
To use mobile money:
- Get a local SIM card from a network provider
- Register for the appropriate service based on your travel area
Most Popular Mobile Payment Services:
✅ EVC Plus (Hormuud) – Southern Somalia
✅ eDahab (Somtel) – All Regions in Somalia
✅ Zaad (Telesom) – Somaliland
✅ Sahal (Golis) – Puntland
These services allow you to send, receive, and store money easily on your phone.
Currency Exchange – What to Expect
You can exchange USD to Somali Shillings or load USD into your mobile wallet at local money exchange offices in cities or markets.
However, here’s something most travelers don’t know:
Somali Shilling is no longer being printed by the government, so the physical SOS notes in circulation are very old and often damaged, torn, dirty, or worn out.
This surprises many visitors who ask to take some Somali Shillings as a souvenir or for the cultural experience. Just know:
If you request to receive Somali Shilling, expect it to be in poor condition. It’s completely normal and part of the current system.
Final Advice
- Bring clean USD notes, especially $10, $20, and $50 bills
- Get a local SIM as soon as you land
- Use mobile money for day-to-day payments
- Only exchange small amounts of SOS for the experience, it’s not widely used for large purchases
- Don’t expect “fresh bills” if you’re collecting shillings for memories
Have questions about how money works in Somalia? Or want help setting up mobile money when you arrive?
Contact us at Dalmar Plus, we’re happy to assist every step of the way.
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