Practical information Guinea

94927  sq.mi

London-Conakry: 9 hrs 40 mins.

10211437 hab.

Conakry airport is located 8 miles away from the centre of town. It is not a safe place and be careful, in particular, of people trying to offer help. Taxis are available at the exit to the airport (ride rates are negotiable).
The airport tax, on your way out, is 9,000 GNF (or 5 USD).

The situation in Guinea is pretty instable at the moment. The Foreign Affairs Ministry advises people against going to Guinea, where the reappearance of a phenomenon called the "road cutters" has been reported. Attacks take place in broad daylight, often on market days by gunmen dressed in military uniform, stopping vehicles in order to steal valuable items.
The persistence of tension areas in the south of Guinea makes divides the country into three regions: Conakry, the capital; the country's inlands and the border zone with Liberia.
In Conakry, beware of purse snatching and avoid showing any external sign of wealth. At night, the police and army carry out safety measures at many check points. Never be impolite with customs or police officers..
The visit of regions bordering Liberia and Sierra Leone (especially in the area going from Forecariah to Macenta) should not be visited due to the increase in the number of armed attacks.

The country's official language is French but every tribe has its own dialect (Malinke in the north, Fulani in the Fouta Djalon and Susu near Conakry).

A passport valid for six months after the return date, a visa and a return ticket are required. In order to get the visa, two identity photos and an invitation or a hotel reservation are necessary (delivery in 48 hours). If you are staying more than three months, contact the Ministry of the Interior of Conakry. During your trip, carry your personal papers and stay permit with you.

Guinea is a secular Muslim country (85% of the population). 8% of the inhabitants are Christian, and 7% have local beliefs. Guineans are strongly influenced by Animism.

The currency is the Guinean Franc (GNF). It is obligatory to change currencies on entering the territory and you cannot leave the country in possession of more than 5,000 GNF. It is fairly easy to exchange cash or travellers cheques in banks and bureaux de change. Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are only accepted in hotels in the cities, and there are no ATM machines here. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from
2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Buses and minibuses serve all cities in the country but for shorter distances, bush taxis are the quickest and cheapest way to get around (negotiate the prcie of the ride beforehand). The railroad network is non-existent for travellers.
For domestic flights, two private firms of bush planes connect Conakry to the country's main cities. It is possible to rent a car in Conakry (international driving license required). The road network is clearly improving but during the rainy season, many road axis are impassable due to mud and possible collapses. A four-wheel vehicle is absolutely necessary to drive within the country (form a convoy if you drive outside the main axis and plan to bring gas reserves). Police or military roadblocks are frequent and identity checks are finicky (always keep your papers with you). The very bad state of the vehicles is source of many accidents. In case of an accident, leave the premises and inform the nearest police station to avoid any violence from the population. Always have 100,000 GNF to offer as compensation for an accident, even the other person is responsible. It is preferable not to drive at night.

A certificate of a yellow fever vaccine is required. Vaccines against hepatitises A and B, tetanus, poliomyelitis, meningitises A and C, and typhoid are recommended. It is preferable to be immunized against rabies for long stays or adventurous travels. The country is listed in zone 2 concerning malaria. Consult a doctor to plan a chemoprophylaxy. Protect yourself against mosquitoes. Favour eating cooked food and bottled water, closed with a cap. Peal fruit and vegetables and use treated water to brush your teeth. It is recommended to subscribe to an insurance covering medical expenses and sanitary repatriation.

Voltage is 220V. Adaptors not needed.

To call Guinea from the UK: 00 + 224 (country code) + personal phone number you wish to call.
To call UK from Guinea: you have to go through a telephone operator.