Sudan Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 14
Home Country: sudan
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 Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:56 am Post subject: SHOPPING IN SUDAN / SUDAN SHOPPING GUIDE |
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SHOPPING IN SUDAN
General
Weaponry, such as daggers and swords in leather sheaths, can be unearthed in the markets of Sudanese towns. Some local men still wear these as part of everyday attire, but this is becoming an increasingly rare sight. As an exotic souvenir, however, these weapons are an interesting purchase.
Ebony carvings are for sale in the souks at Omdurman and Khartoum, as well as gold jewellery. In the western region, in and around the town of Mellit, shoppers can find attractive carpets and some beautiful pottery.
Those interested in world wildlife and ecology will do best to avoid such purchases as ivory goods, stuffed crocodiles and purses made from crocodile skin. Animals are being massacred in large numbers to provide these goods, and they are -- unfortunately -- on sale throughout the Sudan and in other parts of Africa. Visitors must not buy cheetah skins: the killing of cheetahs is prohibited and they are a protected species under the World Wildlife Act.
Shopping hours
Sat-Thurs 0800-1330 and 1730-2000.
Banking hours
Sat-Thurs 0830-1200.
Currency
Sudanese Dinar (SDD) = 10 Sudanese Pounds; 1 Sudanese Pound = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of SDD1000, 500, 100, 50, 10 and 5. There are also a number of commemorative coins in circulation.
Note: The Sudanese Dinar is pegged to the Libyan Dinar. Exchange rates are liable to change significantly and rapidly. There is a black market with a premium of around 5000 per cent over the official rate.
Currency exchange
Currency should be exchanged only at official bureaux de change and banks, and receipts should be retained. There are severe penalties for changing money on the black market.
Credit & debit cards
Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Due to recent conflicts, it is recommended to bring plenty of cash rather than rely on card transactions in Sudan.
Travellers cheques
These are generally not recommended but should be in a major currency.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. |
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