Welcome to South Sudan 😊
South Sudan is a young country that gained its independence from Sudan in 2011. It is located in northeastern Africa and is known for its great wildlife diversity, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. Visitors can explore beautiful national parks and reserves, or experience the culture and traditions of the 64 different ethnic groups in the country. Despite its natural beauty, South Sudan has faced ongoing challenges, including conflict and economic instability. Regardless, the people of South Sudan are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming spirit.
Quick Facts About South Sudan
- Currency: South Sudanese pound
- Population: 11.2 million
- Languages: English,Arabic,Bari,Dinka,Zande
Money and Finances
The official currency of South Sudan is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP). There are coins in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 paise and notes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 SSP.
ATM Network
ATMs in South Sudan are not very widespread and are mainly found in the capital city of Juba. Travelers are advised to carry enough cash with them for their stay.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in South Sudan. Visa and Mastercard are more likely to be accepted than AMEX, but it is best to carry cash for most transactions.
Internet and Phones
Internet access in South Sudan is limited and unreliable, with slow speeds averaging less than 1 Mbps for both uploads and downloads. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
South Sudan has several telco companies offering mobile phone services, including Zain, MTN and Vivacell. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively high compared to other countries in the region. There may be some sim compatibility issues, so it is recommended to check with your provider before travelling.
Dialling to South Sudan
To call South Sudan from another country, dial the country code +211, followed by the phone number. Within South Sudan, area codes are generally not used for dialling, but some cities may have their own codes, such as Juba (18) or Wau (21).
Transport Around South Sudan
Air Travel
South Sudan has several airports, including Juba International Airport and Malakal International Airport. These airports serve as the main gateways to the country and offer multiple international and domestic flights.
Train Travel
Currently, there is no inter-city train network in South Sudan.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no metro or local train system in South Sudan's major cities.
Buses
Buses are the primary mode of transport in South Sudan, although the infrastructure is not well developed. The cost of a bus ticket depends on the distance traveled, with short journeys costing around $5 and longer trips costing up to $20. Journey times can vary greatly depending on the condition of the roads and the distance traveled.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft do not operate in South Sudan. However, there are local rideshare services available in Juba and other major cities.
Driving by Car
Driving in South Sudan can be challenging due to poor road conditions and a lack of traffic signals. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h and 80 km/h on highways. South Sudan drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Local Customs
In South Sudan, it is customary to greet with a handshake. Men may also hug and pat each other on the back. Women may also exchange hugs or kisses on the cheek. Tipping is not common in South Sudan. Locals usually address each other with respect, using titles such as 'father', 'mother', 'brother', or 'sister'. Men and women generally do not directly address each other unless they have a prior relationship or are working together. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to ask about their health and family before getting to business.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The medical system in South Sudan is underdeveloped, with a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, facilities, and medications. Private medical care is also limited and expensive. The cost for a visit to the doctor can range from $10 to $50 USD. It is strongly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel health insurance before visiting South Sudan.
COVID Situation
South Sudan has reported a low number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, with a total of approximately 10,000 cases as of September 2021. However, the actual number of cases is likely much higher due to limited testing and healthcare infrastructure. The government has implemented some restrictions and preventative measures, such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing measures.
Common Health Risks
South Sudan has high rates of various infectious diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, and Ebola. Other health risks include food and waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and typhoid fever. It is important to take preventative measures, such as getting appropriate vaccinations and avoiding mosquito bites, to minimize the risk of contracting these diseases.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In South Sudan, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is legal, but it is prohibited during certain religious holidays and events.
Recreational Drugs
Drug use is illegal in South Sudan. Both possession and trafficking of drugs is punishable by imprisonment and/or fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Cohabitation outside of marriage is not illegal but socially frowned upon in South Sudan. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by imprisonment.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in South Sudan and is punishable by imprisonment. Discrimination against LGBTQ people is widespread.
Firearms / Guns
South Sudan has strict gun control laws. Firearms are only legal for authorized individuals such as police and military personnel. Unauthorized possession of a firearm is punishable by imprisonment and fines.