Travel Essentials › Guinea-Bissau
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type C; 220 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 117, Ambulance 119, Fire 118. Tipping: Not expected; a small tip for guides and drivers is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Open The Guinea-Bissau Trip Kit
Type C; 220 V, 50 Hz
| One number for everything | 112 |
| Police | 117 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire | 118 |
Not expected; a small tip for guides and drivers is appreciated.
Greetings. Greetings are unhurried and important socially; a handshake and a few pleasantries before getting to business are expected.
Dress. Dress modestly, particularly in rural and Muslim communities; swimwear is fine on Bijagós beaches but not in villages.
Cash and bargaining. Bring enough CFA francs in cash, as cards are rarely accepted, and expect to negotiate prices at markets.
Guinea-Bissau is generally calm for the small number of tourists who visit, mostly on organized Bijagós Islands trips, but political instability has recurred historically and infrastructure/healthcare are very limited.
Overcharging foreigners. Boat operators and taxi drivers may quote inflated prices; agree costs in advance, ideally through a known tour operator.
Unofficial guides. Self-appointed guides may attach themselves at the airport or port and expect payment; agree terms upfront or use a vetted operator.
Women travelers. Few reports of specific risk to women tourists, but the low volume of tourism means less established safety infrastructure; take standard precautions.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex activity is legal, but same-sex marriage is banned and there are no anti-discrimination protections; society is conservative, so discretion is advised.
| Coffee (café) | XOF 500 | $0.85 |
| Local bus or metro ride | XOF 300 | $0.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | XOF 6,000 | $10 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | XOF 10,000 | $17 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | XOF 40,000 | $67 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | XOF 35,000 | $58 |
2026-09
November-April is best, with virtually no rain, calmer seas for reaching the Bijagós Islands, and easier road travel; the June-October rainy season floods roads and pauses most organized tours.
Basic Portuguese phrases · Basic Guinea-Bissau Creole phrases · Basic Mandinka phrases