VISITOR INFO
MONEY
Official Currency: CFA (Communauté financière africane) Franc=100 centimes.
Credit cards are accepted in the Capital and only few other places. It is ideal to carry traveller's cheques which can be exchanged at banks for US$. It would be wise to carry cash too.
The import and export of local currency is forbidden and the import of foreign currency is unlimited, however it has to be declared on arrival, especially if you plan to take any of it out with you.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking: Monday to Friday: 07:30 - 14:30
LOCAL TIME
Guinea-Bissau has the same time as GMT
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
By Air
The domestic airline provides services within the country and to outlying islands
By Public Transport
This consists of mini buses and bush taxis, (fares are nominal) which access the main routes and picks ups on the less frequented routes.
BySea/River
Ferries run services from Bissau to Bolama, Bubaqque Island, Bafatá, Catio and Enxudé. You can access most towns by boats.
BySelf Drive / Hire Cars
right hand driving is the norm and you are likely to need an international driving license. A temporary driving licence can be obtained from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK driving licence. Car hire is limited mainly to Bissau and is also very expensive. Roads are good except in the rains.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January New Years Day
20th January Death if Amilcar Cabral
8th March International Women's Day
1st May Labour Day
3rd August Anniversary of the killing of Pidiguiti
24th September Independence Day
14th November Anniversary of the Movement of Readjustment
25th December Christmas Day
Moveable holidays: Muslim Holidays
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is not possible to pay for your medical expenses in Gambia through your insurance company . The only option is to make full payments after treatments and later get them reimbursed at your insurance company through claims. However this is possible only if you are treated by licensed medical personnel and you provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. Always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers you for repatriation to your home country.
Payments will be simplified if you have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. The country's local embassy or representative will be able to help.
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