Travel Essentials › Guinea
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, F and K; 220 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: Police 117, Fire 18. Tipping: Not expected; small tips for drivers, guides and waiters are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C, F and K; 220 V, 50 Hz
| Police | 117 |
| Fire | 18 |
Not expected; small tips for drivers, guides and waiters are appreciated.
Greetings. Greet with a handshake (right hand only) and take time for polite small talk before business; rushing a greeting is considered rude.
Dress. Dress modestly, especially in the Fouta Djallon and other Muslim-majority areas; cover shoulders and knees.
Hospitality. Accept offers of food or tea when visiting a home; refusing outright can cause offense, though a polite decline is understood.
Guinea sees occasional political protests and roadblocks, especially in Conakry, and petty crime is common; rural travel is generally calmer but infrastructure is poor.
Overcharging at markets/taxis. Vendors and shared-taxi drivers often quote foreigners higher prices; agree a fare or price before paying.
Fake guides at sites. Self-appointed 'guides' may attach themselves at Conakry's port or Fouta Djallon waterfalls and demand payment; agree on a fee upfront or decline politely.
Women travelers. Harassment is not uncommon; dressing modestly and avoiding walking alone at night reduces most risk.
Criminalized
Homosexuality is criminalized (6 months to 3 years in prison plus a fine); there is little social tolerance, so discretion is strongly advised.
| Coffee (café) | GNF 15,000 | $1.75 |
| Local bus or metro ride | GNF 5,000 | $0.60 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | GNF 120,000 | $14 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | GNF 170,000 | $20 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | GNF 900,000 | $105 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | GNF 850,000 | $100 |
2026-09
The dry season (November-April/May) is best, with little rain and better roads; the rainy season (June-October) brings heavy downpours, especially in Conakry, and can cut off rural roads.