Current Time in EastTimor
Culture of time in Timor-Leste
Culture of time in Timor-Leste
A relaxed attitude towards time
In Timor-Leste, there is a culture of being flexible about the time of plans and appointments, and delays of several tens of minutes are common. People tend to value relationships with others more than time.
Life rhythm that moves with nature
In a life centered on agriculture, a sense of time that follows nature is deeply rooted, where activities begin with sunrise and rest when the sun sets, and sensory time is sometimes prioritized over mechanical time.
Public transportation and event times are also only guidelines
Buses and local events rarely start on schedule, and there are many situations where it is assumed that people will "wait until it starts."
Values regarding time in Timor-Leste
Community-centered values
A culture that values connections with family and the local community more than personal plans is deeply rooted, and flexibility in accepting sudden changes in plans is appreciated.
It is ideal to proceed calmly without rushing
Rather than prioritizing efficiency and speed, it is considered preferable to act calmly and use time with consideration for others.
Religious events and customs affect time allocation
Catholicism is widely practiced, and masses and religious events are at the center of life. It is not uncommon for these events to be a priority in the schedule.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or relocating to Timor-Leste
Assume that things will not go according to time
Even in business situations, it is not uncommon for schedules to be delayed. It is necessary to not be too strict about time and to be tolerant of some delays.
Be aware of the opening hours of public institutions
Government offices, banks, hospitals, etc. tend to have short opening hours and are concentrated in the morning. It is important to visit with plenty of time to prepare for lunch breaks and early work finishes.
A more relaxed sense of time in rural areas
Compared to urban areas, rural areas have a more flexible sense of time, and schedule changes occur frequently. It is desirable to act in accordance with the local rhythm.
Delays due to underdeveloped infrastructure are expected
Because transportation and communication infrastructure is still underdeveloped, plans may change due to traffic jams and power outages, so flexibility is required.
Interesting trivia about time in Timor-Leste
It is common for events and ceremonies to "start late"
Even at village festivals and public ceremonies, people are often not present at the scheduled start time, and it is not uncommon for them to start several hours late.
The habit of knowing the time by the height of the sun
Some elderly people and rural residents who do not have a watch still judge the approximate time by the position of the sun. Coexistence with nature is also the standard for time.
The spirit of "relationships are more important than time"
The value of "not ruining relationships" is more important than "being punctual," and the atmosphere and relationships of the moment often take priority over plans.