In January 2007, a new currency, the Sudanese Pound, was introduced. The government plans to phase out the Sudanese Dinar by July 2007. Until then, both currencies will be legal tender. 1 Sudanese Pound = 100 Sudanese Dinar = 1,000 old Sudanese Pounds; 100 piasters = 1 Dinar.

Sudanese Pound = 100 piasters. Notes are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Pounds. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 2 and 1 piasters.

Sudanese Dinar (SDD) = 10 Sudanese Pounds; 1 Sudanese Pound = 100 piasters. Notes are in denominations of SDD1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10 and 5. There are also a number of commemorative coins in circulation.

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.

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.

These are generally not recommended but should be in a major currency.

Sat-Thurs 0830-1200.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	SDD396.51
$1.00=	SDD200.51
Eur;1.00=	SDD267.94

Note: An official exchange rate is not currently available for the new Sudanese Pound. However, according to the Central Bank of Sudan, 1 Sudanese Pound = 100 Sudanese Dinar.

The following items may be imported into Sudan by visitors over 20 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450g of tobacco.
• A reasonable amount of perfume and eau de toilette for personal use.
• A reasonable amount of gifts.

The import of goods from Israel and South Africa is prohibited. Sudan also adheres to the list of prohibited goods drawn up by the Arab League and these include alcoholic beverages. Fresh fruit and vegetables and blank pro-forma invoices may not be imported. Firearms require a permit from the Ministry of Interior. Meat and fish products are prohibited without prior permission from the Ministry of Animal & Fish Resources.