Essential Information

TRANSPORT

An airport shuttle service is provided from Sana’a International Airport to the Old City for US$15 fees to be paid upon arrival. Students arriving in Sana’a are requested to notify CALES’ staff of their complete flight-information 5 days prior to arrival. This may be done by phone, fax or email.

Sana’a has a good public transport system that allows one to travel round the city with ease. Transport includes public buses, which are extremely inexpensive, and taxis. Inter-city buses leave regularly and connect with most of the main cities in Yemen. Four wheel drive (4WD) vhicles can be hired from tour agencies (with or without a driver), for travel outside of Sana’a.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

It is relatively inexpensive to live well in Yemen, but you should still ensure that you arrive with sufficient funds. Yemeni Riyals are the official currency and are universally used. Major credit cards are accepted in a few large shops and more expensive restaurants, as are US Dollars. Although ATMs are not common, there are more than enough spaced throughout the city..

Yemeni Riyals are not sold on the international market, which means  you will have to bring in cash. It is best to travel with US Dollars, although Euros and Sterling can be changed in larger towns.

Currency exchanges are common in Sana’a and give good rates, especially for the US Dollar. Banks also exchange money, but at a less favorable rate. Travellers’ checks are not accepted by banks.

CALES is equipped with a safe, in which you may store valuables and money. This is advisable if you choose to travel with a large quantity of cash.

CLIMATE

At 2350m above sea level, the temperature in Sana’a is pleasant all year round. Although in winter the nights may become a little chilly (around 7ºC). The daytime temperature is probably one of the most comfortable in the Middle East averaging between 20º - 25ºC with little seasonal variation.  Daytime highs of 35º can be reached in the height of summer and lows of 15ºC in the winter, because in winter the nights may become chilly (round 5º to 10º)

There are two rainy seasons, one in April and the other in August-September. Good waterproof clothing is essential during these periods.

CLOTHING

Yemen remains a conservative society and visitors should try to respect local customs. As a result, you should adhere to the following guidelines on acceptable dress.

Most men in the Old City still wear traditional dress, which consists of the futa or thobe (a mid-calf length shirt) with a suit jacket. Traditional clothes can be bought in Sana’a and are inexpensive. Shirt and trousers are worn by some, but are not as common as in Aden. Shorts are unacceptable at all times, unless on a private tourist beach.

Almost all women in Sana’a wear the niqab (a veil that covers the whole face, but usually shows  the eyes). Although this is not expected of foreigners, you should ensure that your limbs and torso are fully covered by loose clothing at all times. While not essential, many female students feel more comfortable wearing a headscarf and balto (long black over-dress), both of which can be purchased in the Old City for under $10.

TIPS FOR WOMEN

" The following, penned by a 24-year-old, French student, provides some advice for female students concerned about coming to Sana’a.

‘As a female student of Arabic, you might think that coming alone to Yemen to study might be either dangerous, awkward or simply difficult. You also might have questions about how to dress, if it is possible to live by yourself, etc.

As a 24-year-old French woman working and studying in Yemen for the past year, I might be able to answer some of these questions, and share my experience.

The first thing I would like to emphasise is that Yemen is a perfectly safe place to live as a woman. I have always felt confident and safe when I come back late to my house, and I really think it is safer for a woman to walk in the streets of Sana’a than it is sometimes in Paris, or New York.

Concerning dress, I personally don’t wear either the veil or balto (the long black dress women wear here). I always try to wear proper clothes (baggy pants and a long-sleeved shirt), and I have never felt that people are shocked by this mode of dress. Some female foreigners living here choose to veil, but I think it is more a matter of personal choice than an obligation. Of course as a foreign woman (veiled or unveiled), you attract more attention in the streets, but after a while, you get used to it, and it will not bother you so much.

I also have my own house, where I live alone and this is also safe. As for travelling on your own, I have done it a couple of times. Everything was fine, but still, I think it is better to travel with other people.  Lone travelers in Yemen are rare and so people are not at all used to seeing a woman travelling around unaccompanied.  Yemen is a fantastic country, and I recommend everybody, women and men come to see it "

Aline Tran

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Email: cales@ust.edu;info@calesyemen.com