Travel Essentials › Equatorial Guinea
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and E; 220 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: Police 666 404 040, Ambulance 3101. Tipping: Not expected; small tips for hotel staff and drivers are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Open The Equatorial Guinea Trip Kit
Types C and E; 220 V, 50 Hz
| Police | 666 404 040 |
| Ambulance | 3101 |
Not expected; small tips for hotel staff and drivers are appreciated.
Greetings. A handshake is standard; use titles and formal address until invited to be informal, reflecting a fairly formal, hierarchical culture.
Photography. Avoid photographing government buildings, ports, airports, or military/police personnel; permits or permission are often required for other photography.
Bureaucracy. Carry ID/passport copies at all times and expect checkpoints; officials may ask for paperwork, so patience and politeness go a long way.
Equatorial Guinea is generally safe from violent crime for visitors, but petty theft occurs in urban areas, and the country has a heavy security and surveillance presence; travel requires permits in some areas.
Romance and financial scams. Online 'relationships' or claims that a local official needs money are common; never send money to someone you haven't met.
Taxi overcharging. Taxis in Malabo and Bata often quote inflated fares to foreigners; agree the price before the ride.
Street currency exchange. Street money-changers may give counterfeit notes or bad rates; use official banks or exchange bureaus.
Women travelers. Generally safe in tourist and business areas of Malabo/Bata; usual precautions about walking alone at night apply.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex acts are not explicitly criminalized in the penal code, but there is no legal recognition or protection, a draft law targeting LGBTQ+ people has lingered since 2020, and social stigma is high, so discretion is advised.
| Coffee (café) | XAF 1,500 | $2.50 |
| Local bus or metro ride | XAF 500 | $0.85 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | XAF 12,000 | $20 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | XAF 20,000 | $34 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | XAF 70,000 | $118 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | XAF 60,000 | $100 |
2026-09
Dry seasons (December-February and June-August) are best for travel, with less rain and easier road conditions; the rest of the year is hot and humid with frequent downpours.