Welcome to Equatorial Guinea 😊

Quick Facts About Equatorial Guinea

Money and Finances

The currency in Equatorial Guinea is the Central African Franc (XAF). There are coins valued at 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 francs, and notes in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 francs.

ATM Network

ATMs in Equatorial Guinea are not always reliable and there are not many of them. They are mostly located in major cities like Malabo and Bata. It is recommended to carry cash in smaller denominations.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally not widely accepted in Equatorial Guinea, especially outside of major cities. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but it's best to have cash on hand. AMEX is not commonly accepted.

Internet and Phones

Equatorial Guinea has limited access to the internet with an average speed of 1 Mbps for downloads and 0.50 Mbps for uploads. The government has been known to restrict access to certain websites.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The two major telco companies in Equatorial Guinea are Orange and Muni. The average cost for a mobile phone plan is relatively high compared to other countries. Some sim cards from other countries may not be compatible with the local network.

Dialling to Equatorial Guinea

To call Equatorial Guinea from another country, dial the international access code followed by 240 (the country code). Within the country, dialing requires the use of two-digit area codes.

Transport Around Equatorial Guinea

Air Travel

Equatorial Guinea has two major airports - the Malabo International Airport and the Bata Airport. Malabo airport is located on Bioko Island and is the main airport for international flights, while Bata airport is located on the mainland, offering domestic flights within the country.

Train Travel

Equatorial Guinea does not have an inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Equatorial Guinea does not have a local train network.

Buses

Equatorial Guinea has a limited bus network. One of the major bus operators is called GE3V-Trans. A journey from Malabo to Bata (a distance of approximately 160 km) can cost around 5,000 CFA francs and take around 4 hours.

Rideshare

There are no known rideshare companies operating in Equatorial Guinea.

Driving by Car

Driving in Equatorial Guinea can be challenging due to poor road conditions and lack of road signage. The speed limit is usually 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Equatorial Guinea uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Equatorial Guinea, tipping is not a common practice. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, and it is polite to ask about each other's families. When speaking with strangers, it is important to maintain a respectful tone and avoid interrupting. Men and women generally address each other formally, using titles and last names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Equatorial Guinea's healthcare system is generally poor, with inadequate resources and limited access to medical care in some areas. Private healthcare is available but can be expensive. Travelers should ensure that they have comprehensive travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation. The cost of a visit to a doctor can range from $30 to $100.

COVID Situation

Equatorial Guinea has had a low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to other countries. However, the risk of COVID-19 still exists and travelers should follow the local guidelines, wear masks, and practice social distancing.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is a risk in Equatorial Guinea, particularly in rural areas. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are also present. Food and waterborne diseases, such as typhoid and cholera, are common. Travelers should take precautions, such as using insect repellent and drinking only bottled or boiled water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Equatorial Guinea, alcohol consumption is legal for those over the age of 18. However, public drinking is considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use, possession, and trafficking are all illegal in Equatorial Guinea. Penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws regarding pre-marital relationships in Equatorial Guinea.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Equatorial Guinea and can result in imprisonment. Same-sex marriage is also not recognized.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in Equatorial Guinea is heavily regulated and requires a license. Automatic weapons are strictly prohibited.