Welcome to Guinea 😊
Guinea is a country located in West Africa known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse terrain, and welcoming people. The country is home to many different ethnic groups each with their own distinct traditions, music, art and cuisine. The terrain is characterized by lush tropical forests, rolling hills and savannas, and beautiful coastlines. Despite its natural beauty, Guinea is still a developing country and faces challenges such as poverty, disease, and political instability.
Quick Facts About Guinea
- Currency: Guinean franc
- Population: 13.78 million
- Languages: French,Fula,Mandinka,Soussou,Kpelle
Money and Finances
The official currency of Guinea is the Guinean franc (GNF). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 francs while notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are relatively scarce in Guinea, especially outside of the capital, Conakry. Visitors are advised to bring cash with them or use a debit card to withdraw money from bank branches.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Guinea. However, Visa and Mastercard can be used in some major hotels and restaurants in Conakry. AMEX is rarely accepted. Visitors are advised to carry cash for most transactions.
Internet and Phones
The average internet speed in Guinea is relatively slow at around 3.15 Mbps for downloads and 2.25 for uploads. There are also reports of government interference in internet use, with cases of social media being blocked during times of political unrest.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies operating in Guinea are Orange and MTN. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 250,000 GNF per month. There may be some sim compatibility issues with certain types of phones, so it's a good idea to check with your provider before travelling.
Dialling to Guinea
To call Guinea from another country, you would need to dial +224 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used in Guinea are 30 for Conakry, 31 for Boké, 32 for Kindia, 33 for Mamou, and 34 for Fria, Labé, and Kankan.
Transport Around Guinea
Air Travel
Guinea has several major airports, including Conakry International Airport, located in the capital city, with flights to destinations across Africa and Europe. Other airports include Fria Airport, Kankan Airport, and Nzerekore Airport.
Train Travel
Guinea does not have an inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
Guinea does not have a metro system.
Buses
Guinea has a limited bus network, primarily used for short distances within cities and towns. Example ticket prices range from 2000 to 5000 Guinean francs, and journey times vary depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are not available in Guinea. However, taxis are widely available and can be used for longer distances as well.
Driving by Car
Driving in Guinea can be challenging due to the poor road conditions and unpredictable driving habits of other drivers. The speed limit on highways is generally 80 km/h (50 mph), with lower limits in urban areas. Guinea uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Guinea, tipping is not a common practice. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, and it is considered rude to not give a proper greeting. It is common for men to engage in conversations with strangers, while women may be more reserved. Men and women typically address each other using formal titles or last names. Some Guineans also practice bowing as a sign of respect.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in Guinea is still developing and most medical facilities are not up to international standards. Private clinics and hospitals in Conakry are generally better equipped than those in rural areas, but medical costs can be high. It is recommended to have travel health insurance before travelling to Guinea. A visit to the doctor can cost approximately $50 USD.
COVID Situation
Guinea was one of the first African countries to report cases of COVID-19, but the government has taken measures to control the spread of the virus. As of October 2021, the rates of coronavirus in Guinea has been relatively low, with around 200 active cases reported. It is recommended to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks and social distancing.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a common risk in Guinea, especially during the rainy season from June to November. It is recommended to take anti-malarial medication and use mosquito nets. Other health risks include typhoid fever, yellow fever, and hepatitis A and B. Travelers should be cautious when consuming food and water to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Guinea, but its sale is prohibited to minors under the age of 18.
Recreational Drugs
The use and possession of all drugs, including marijuana, is illegal and can result in severe punishment, including imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Guinea does not have laws specifically prohibiting pre-marital relationships, but the government and society generally frown upon them. It is recommended to be discreet in public displays of affection.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Guinea and same-sex relationships are not recognized by the government. LGBTQ individuals can face discrimination, harassment, and even violence.
Firearms / Guns
The ownership and use of firearms in Guinea is heavily regulated and requires special permits. Unauthorized possession of firearms can result in severe punishment.