Welcome to Guinea-Bissau 😊
Guinea-Bissau is a small country in West Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east. It has a diverse landscape, including mangrove swamps, rainforest and savannah. The country is known for its beaches, wildlife and vibrant music scene, which blends traditional African rhythms with Portuguese influences. Despite its natural beauty, Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world, with limited access to basic services such as education and healthcare.
Quick Facts About Guinea-Bissau
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- Population: 1,874,000
- Languages: Portuguese,Crioulo,French,Pular,Balanta-Ganja,Mandjak,Mandjak-Bus
Money and Finances
The official currency of Guinea-Bissau is the West African CFA franc. The denominations of coins include the 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 francs, and notes include 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are not widely available in Guinea-Bissau, especially outside of the capital, Bissau. It is best to bring enough cash for your trip and exchange it at a bank or currency exchange office.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Guinea-Bissau and it is best to bring cash for all transactions. Visa and Mastercard are more likely to be accepted than AMEX, which is not commonly used.
Internet and Phones
Internet access in Guinea-Bissau is limited and slow, with an average download speed of 1.5 Mbps and an average upload speed of 0.5 Mbps. There is no significant government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The telco companies in Guinea-Bissau are MTN and Orange. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively expensive compared to other countries in the region. There may be compatibility issues with using foreign SIM cards.
Dialling to Guinea-Bissau
To call Guinea-Bissau from another country, dial the international code +245 followed by the area code and phone number. Within the country, the area code is 245.
Transport Around Guinea-Bissau
Air Travel
Guinea-Bissau has one major international airport, Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, located in the capital city, Bissau.
Train Travel
There is currently no inter-city train network in Guinea-Bissau.
Metro / Local Trains
There are no local trains or metro systems in Guinea-Bissau.
Buses
The main mode of public transportation within Guinea-Bissau is by bus. There are various bus companies that operate within the country, offering affordable prices and fairly short journey times. For example, a bus journey from Bissau to Gabu (a distance of about 200 km) costs around XOF 5,000 (USD 9) and takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do not operate in Guinea-Bissau. However, there are local taxi companies that offer transportation services at affordable prices. As with any taxi service, be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.
Driving by Car
Driving in Guinea-Bissau can be challenging due to poor road conditions and a lack of road signs. The speed limit within the city is generally 60 km/h, while on highways it is typically 90 km/h. Guinea-Bissau follows right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Guinea-Bissau, tipping is not a common practice. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, and men may give a slight bow while shaking hands. Speaking with strangers is generally polite, but it is best to avoid asking personal questions. Addressing others by their titles or formal names is respectful. Men and women usually address each other using their first names.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in Guinea-Bissau is limited with few health facilities and resources. Access to medical care is often difficult, especially in rural areas. Private health insurance is not available. A visit to a doctor in Guinea-Bissau can cost approximately USD 20-30.
COVID Situation
Guinea-Bissau has recorded a total of 3,509 cases of COVID-19 with 52 deaths as of October 2021. The vaccination rate in the country is low with only around 3% of the population fully vaccinated.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a common health risk in Guinea-Bissau, especially during the wet season. Other common diseases include dengue fever, yellow fever, and typhoid. Food and water-borne illnesses such as diarrhea and hepatitis A are also prevalent. Travelers should take necessary precautions such as mosquito repellent and practicing good hygiene and food safety measures.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Guinea-Bissau, the legal drinking age is 18. Public drinking is prohibited and there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol after a certain time at night. In some areas, alcohol is completely banned due to religious reasons.
Recreational Drugs
Drug use is illegal in Guinea-Bissau, including for soft drugs such as cannabis. Penalties for drug possession and use can include hefty fines and imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no laws in Guinea-Bissau that specifically address pre-marital relationships. However, the country is predominantly Muslim and has conservative views on pre-marital sex.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Unfortunately, homosexuality is illegal in Guinea-Bissau, and those found guilty can face imprisonment. There is little to no protection for the LGBTQ community and discrimination is common.
Firearms / Guns
Firearm ownership is legal in Guinea-Bissau but requires a license from the government. There are strict regulations around gun possession and unlicensed ownership can result in imprisonment.