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Somalia

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

Emergency888All emergencies

Plug typesC220 V · 50 Hz CurrencySOSSomali Shilling

Drives on theright

TippingRound up, or leave small change

Local time–+252 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 19.7 million people live in Somalia, on 637,657 km². The capital is Mogadishu.

Capital: Mogadishu
Population: 19,654,739
Area: 637,657 km²
Official languages: Somali and Arabic

Land borders

Djibouti Ethiopia Kenya

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in Somalia?
Sockets take plug type C, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Somalia?
Call 888 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in Somalia?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Somalia?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Somalia?
Prices are in Somali Shilling (SOS).
What language do they speak in Somalia?
Official languages: Somali and Arabic.
How do I call a number in Somalia from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +252.