Welcome to Sierra Leone 😊

Quick Facts About Sierra Leone

Money and Finances

The official currency in Sierra Leone is the Leone (SLL). The Leone has both coins and notes, with denominations ranging from 10 cents to 10,000 Leones.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in Freetown and other major cities, but may not be as widespread in rural areas. It is recommended to bring enough cash for smaller purchases and emergencies.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Sierra Leone. Some hotels and larger businesses may accept Visa and Mastercard, but it is recommended to have cash on hand for most transactions. AMEX is not accepted.

Internet and Phones

Sierra Leone's internet speed is generally slow, with an average download speed of 1.5 Mbps and an upload speed of 0.41 Mbps. There are no major government interferences in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several telco companies operating in Sierra Leone, including Airtel, Africell, and Sierratel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively affordable, with some plans starting at around $10 USD for 1GB of data. However, there are some sim compatibility issues, and it is recommended to check with the local telco company before purchasing a sim card.

Dialling to Sierra Leone

To call Sierra Leone from another country, dial the international code for the caller's country, followed by the country code for Sierra Leone (232), then the recipient's phone number. Within Sierra Leone, the area code is not used when dialling local numbers.

Transport Around Sierra Leone

Air Travel

Sierra Leone has one major airport, Freetown International Airport, which is located in the capital city of Freetown.

Train Travel

Sierra Leone does not have an inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Sierra Leone does not have a local train network within its major cities.

Buses

Sierra Leone has a bus network that operates within the major cities. For example, a ticket from Freetown to Bo can cost around 30,000 SLL and take 4-5 hours.

Rideshare

There are some rideshare companies operating in Sierra Leone, such as Uber and Taxify. Average prices for a 10-minute ride can be around 10,000 SLL.

Driving by Car

Driving in Sierra Leone can be challenging due to poor road conditions and a lack of road signage. Speed limits are generally low and enforced by police checkpoints. Sierra Leone uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Sierra Leone, tipping is not generally expected, but a small tip may be appreciated for exceptional service. Locals often greet each other with a handshake or hug. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be polite and respectful. Men and women typically address each other with formal titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.'

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Sierra Leone's healthcare system is rated as one of the worst in the world. There are limited medical facilities, insufficient medical supplies, and a shortage of trained medical staff. Private medical services are available but can be expensive. Travelers are advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation to a more developed country in case of serious illness or injury. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is about $30.

COVID Situation

Sierra Leone has reported a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, but it is important for travelers to continue to take precautions. Entry requirements include providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers should also be prepared for possible quarantine measures and limited transportation options during their stay.

Common Health Risks

Sierra Leone's common health risks include malaria, typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis A and B. Travelers should take measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. It is also important to only drink bottled or purified water, and to practice good hygiene and sanitation habits.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Sierra Leone, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol is generally legal and can be consumed in public places, although there are restrictions on when and where alcohol can be sold. However, there are some areas that have banned the sale and consumption of alcohol due to cultural or religious reasons.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is illegal in Sierra Leone, including the use of soft drugs such as cannabis and party drugs. Violators can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are generally accepted in Sierra Leone, although traditional cultural norms may come into play in more rural and traditional areas.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Sierra Leone, and those who are caught engaging in same-sex relationships can face imprisonment, fines, and even public flogging. LGBTQ individuals are often subjected to harassment and discrimination.

Firearms / Guns

The use of firearms is regulated by law in Sierra Leone, and individuals must obtain a license before they can legally possess a gun. Most civilians are not allowed to possess firearms, and penalties for illegal possession are severe.