Welcome to Niger 😊
Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Algeria to the north, Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso to the southwest, and Mali to the west. The landscape of Niger is mostly desert plains and sand dunes, with some fertile valleys and hills in the south. Niger is a culturally rich country with over 20 ethnic groups, and is home to unique historical sites such as the ancient city of Agadez and the W National Park.
Quick Facts About Niger
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- Population: 23.31 million
- Languages: French,Hausa,Zarma,Tuareg,Fulfulde
Money and Finances
The currency of Niger is West African CFA franc. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 francs, while banknotes come in values of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in Niger's major cities and towns. However, they can be unreliable, and it is advisable to carry cash when traveling to remote areas.
Credit Cards
Credit card usage is limited in Niger, and it is not widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, while AMEX is rarely accepted.
Internet and Phones
Internet speeds in Niger are generally slow, with an average download speed of around 4Mbps and an upload speed of just 1Mbps. There are no government restrictions on internet use in Niger.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
There are a few telco companies in Niger, including Orange and Airtel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively cheap, at around 12,000 CFA francs ($20 USD) per month. There are some sim compatibility issues, so it is best to check with your provider before traveling to Niger.
Dialling to Niger
To call Niger from another country, dial +227 followed by the local phone number. The area code for Niamey, the capital city, is 20. Other major cities in Niger have different area codes.
Transport Around Niger
Air Travel
Niger has one major international airport, the Diori Hamani International Airport, located in the capital city of Niamey.
Train Travel
Niger does not have a functioning inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
Niger does not have a metro system.
Buses
There are few bus networks in Niger. The main public transportation in the country is made up of taxis and motorbikes. A typical taxi ride in Niamey costs around XOF 500 ($0.90) and can take around 15-20 minutes depending on the traffic.
Rideshare
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft do not operate in Niger. However, there are local taxi apps like E-Taxi and Citygo that provide similar services. The average cost for a ride in Niamey using these services is around XOF 2,000 ($3.60).
Driving by Car
Driving in Niger can be challenging, especially for foreigners. The country mostly uses right-hand drive. The usual speed limits are 90 km/h on highways, 50 km/h in cities, and 30 km/h in residential areas. It is recommended to avoid driving at night due to poor road conditions and insufficient street lighting.
Local Customs
In Niger, tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. Locals greet each other with handshakes and may say 'Salam Alaikum' (peace be upon you) or 'Ni sa ma?' (how are you?). Speaking with strangers is generally polite and respectful. Men and women usually address each other formally with titles like 'Monsieur' or 'Madame'.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in Niger is underdeveloped and limited, with a shortage of medical facilities and trained healthcare professionals. The cost of visiting a doctor can range from 5000 to 10000 CFA francs (approximately 9 to 18 USD). Health insurance is not widely available, and travelers are advised to have adequate medical coverage before visiting Niger.
COVID Situation
Niger has reported relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to other countries, with a total of [insert current number] cases and [insert current number] deaths as of [insert date]. The government has implemented measures such as travel restrictions, curfews, and social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of the virus.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a common health risk in Niger, particularly during the rainy season from June to September. Travelers are advised to take antimalarial medication and use mosquito repellent. Other common health risks include food poisoning, waterborne illnesses, and respiratory infections due to poor air quality and dust. Travelers should take precautions such as drinking bottled water, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding street food.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Niger, alcohol is legal and can be purchased in licensed stores. However, the consumption of alcohol is largely frowned upon and may be considered offensive in some communities.
Recreational Drugs
The use, possession, and sale of drugs are strictly prohibited in Niger, with severe legal consequences, including long-term imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are generally discouraged in Niger, and pre-marital sex is illegal, although it is not often enforced.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Niger and can be punishable with imprisonment. Same-sex relationships are widely discriminated against in the country.
Firearms / Guns
The use of guns and firearms is strictly regulated in Niger and requires a license. Unlawful possession or use of firearms can result in imprisonment.