Niamey Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Local mobile providers like Airtel, Moov Africa, and Zamani (Orange) provide budget-friendly SIM cards. Your passport is needed for registration. Prepaid data and call plans are common.

Internet & Postal Services

Wi-Fi is available in most mid-range to luxury hotels and certain cafes.
Mobile data (3G/4G) from local SIM cards provides service in Niamey.
The Office de la Poste du Niger operates postal services; international mail reliability varies.

Language Guidance

French is the official language. Major local languages are Hausa and Zarma (Djerma). English speakers are few, mainly in upscale hotels or international organizations.

Phrases

French: Bonjour (bon-ZHOOR - Hello), Merci (mer-SEE - Thank you).
Hausa: Sannu (SAHN-noo - Hello), Na gode (NAH GO-deh - Thank you).
Zarma: Barka (BAR-kah - Hello), Fofo (FOH-foh - Thank you).

Communication Tools

Stay connected with global eSIM options and straightforward to carry Wi-Fi devices. Language learning apps assist with local interactions.

Staying Connected & Learning

eSIM for international data: Airalo
Portable Wi-Fi device: Solis Wi-Fi
Language learning platform: Rosetta Stone

Business Hours & Schedules

Government offices typically operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Shops and markets generally open from 8:00 AM/9:00 AM to 6:00 PM/7:00 PM.

Banking & Holidays

Banks are open Monday to Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Islamic holidays (Eid-Fitr, Eid-Adha) the dates are different annually.
National Public Holidays: January 1ST, Apr 24, May 1ST, Aug 3, Dec 18.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greetings & Dress

Extended greetings and handshakes are customary.
Modest dress with covered shoulders and knees is appropriate.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Remove shoes before entering mosques; dress very modestly.

Dining & Sensitive Topics

Eat with your right hand, particularly from communal dishes.
Tipping (5-10%) is appreciated for good service but not obligatory.
Avoid discussing politics or religion unless invited by a trusted local.
Public displays of affection are not common and generally frowned upon.

Traveler Tips

Download offline dictionaries for French plus local languages. ATMs are for the most part at major bank locations; carry cash. Be aware of conservative societal norms and traditional gender roles.

Airport Services

Enhance your airport experience and address potential travel disruptions.

Airport Lounge Access

Gain access to independent airport lounges worldwide with a Priority Pass membership.

Flight Compensation

Seek compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane with Compensair.

Passport & Visa

Ensure your passport is valid and obtain any necessary visas before travel to Niger.

Priority Pass Benefits

Priority Pass provides frequent travelers with access to an international network of independent airport lounges, regardless of airline or ticket class.

Lounge Access Features

Complimentary Wireless access-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating.
Access to charging stations for devices.
Some lounges include shower facilities.

Compensair Service

Compensair assists travelers in claiming compensation for flight disruptions, handling the process from claim submission to resolution.

Claim Eligibility

Delays over 3 hours.
Flight cancellations.
Denied boarding due to overbooking.

Airport Travel Resources

Lounge Access

Priority Pass: Airport lounge access.
10% commission, 30-day cookie (Priority Pass).
Check lounge availability for Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM).

Compensation Claims

Compensair: If your flight is disrupted.
€5-12 fixed commission, 30-a daily treat (Compensair).
Documentation of flight issues supports claims.

Accessibility Information

Niamey has significant hurdles for travelers with mobility challenges due to basic facilities.

Mobility Infrastructure

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is quite scarce. Roads, sidewalks, public transport, and many edifices are not designed for accessibility.

Challenges Faced

Wheelchair users will encounter significant difficulties due to uneven terrain.
A lack of ramps and inaccessible facilities.
Public transport is not adapted for mobility needs.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

No specific services or infrastructure for visual or hearing impairments are widely available to tourists in Niamey.

Planning for Support

Travelers with visual needs should plan for personal assistance.
Travelers with hearing needs should arrange for personal assistance.
No dedicated accessibility resources are known for Niger travel.

Accessible Attractions

No designated accessible attractions or transportation options are widely noted as available for travelers in Niamey.

Considerations for Access

Upscale hotels might offer better, though no guarantee, accessibility.
Private vehicle hire may provide the most adaptable transport.
Pre-arranging assistance for all activities is recommended.

Personal Planning

Travelers with accessibility necessities are advised to conduct thorough personal research and meticulous planning, considering the main lack of specialized infrastructure.