Port Harcourt Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Staying connected in Port Harcourt is straightforward with various options for local communication and internet access.

Local SIMs & Internet

Local SIM cards are available from MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. A valid passport is needed for registration. Consider an ESIM from Airalo for convenience.
Internet access is widely available. Mobile data on local SIM cards or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi often provide the most consistent connection.
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) operates, but courier services like DHL and FedEx are more reliable for international mail.

Business Hours and Schedules

Plan your days around typical business operations to get the most from your visit to Port Harcourt.

Operating Times

General shops and businesses operate Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Supermarkets and malls generally operate 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, seven days a week.
Banks typically operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. ATMs are widely available 24/7, but use them during daylight hours in secure locations due to security risks.
Nigeria observes Christian, Muslim, and national public holidays. On such days, banks, government offices, and many private businesses will be closed.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Respect for traditions is to a positive experience.

Social Guidelines

Handshakes are common. Greet elders respectfully. Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is appropriate for public spaces.
Use your right hand if using your hands to eat. It is polite to accept food offered.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Be cautious with government buildings or sensitive areas.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is very limited in Port Harcourt.

Accessibility Challenges

Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent. Public transportation is not accessible. Many buildings lack ramps or elevators.
Very few attractions are explicitly accessible. Higher-end hotels may offer some features, but these are not universal.
A private car with a driver is the exclusive practical transportation option for those with devices for mobility.

Language & Cultural Phrases

English & Local Languages

English is the official language and widely spoken, especially in urban settings.
Local languages like Ikwerre, Igbo, Kalabari, and Okrika are commonly spoken in Rivers State.
The Google Translate app can be useful for quick translations of local phrases or text.

Helpful Igbo Phrases

Kedu (keh-doo): Hello / How are you?
Ututu oma (oo-too-too oh-mah): Good morning
Imela (ee-meh-lah): Thank you
Ego ole? (eh-go oh-leh?): How much?

Language Tip

Learning a few basic phrases in a local language, like Igbo, shows respect and contributes to your interactions with locals. Consider Rosetta Stone for in-depth language learning.

Local Insights

Understand the distinctions of daily life, cultural protocols, and accessibility information.

Business Operations

Shops and businesses operate generally From monday To saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Supermarkets and malls stay open later, often until 9:00 PM, daily.

Banking & ATMs

Banks operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. ATMs are widely available, but using them during daylight hours in secure locations is advisable.

Public Holidays

Nigeria observes various Christian, Muslim, and national holidays. Expect closures for banks, government offices, and many private businesses on these days.

Tourist Seasons

No specific seasonal closures for tourism exist in Port Harcourt.

Holiday Operations

No specific tourist season closures apply to Port Harcourt.
During major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Eid, some businesses might operate on limited schedules or close temporarily.
Staff often travel to their hometowns during these festive periods.

Helpful Phrases

While English suffices, learning some local phrases shows goodwill.

Basic Igbo & Pidgin

Kedu (keh-doo): Hello / How are you? (Igbo)
Ututu oma (oo-too-too oh-mah): Good morning (Igbo)
How far?: Common greeting meaning "How are you?" (Pidgin English)

Etiquette Essentials

Greetings and Dress

Handshakes are common between men and often between women upon first meeting. A respectful nod also finds use.
Modest, lightweight, and breathable clothing is best. Shoulders and knees covered are appropriate for public spaces.
For religious sites, less liberal dress is necessary, with long sleeves and long skirts or trousers. Women might need a head covering in mosques.

Dining and Photography

Use your right hand if using your hands to eat. It is polite to accept food offered.
Always ask for get permission to photograph people, especially children.
Exercise caution when photographing government buildings, military installations, or sensitive areas.

Cultural Awareness & Sustainability

Ethical tourism practices and cultural understanding contribute to a positive experience in Port Harcourt.

Environmental Considerations

The Niger Delta region, where Port Harcourt lies, is ecologically significant but faces severe environmental challenges.

Environmental Issues

Oil pollution and deforestation pose significant challenges. Conservation efforts, often led by NGOs, generally do not face tourists directly from Port Harcourt.
Waste management is a major challenge. The city experiences inadequate collection and recycling infrastructure, and littering is common. Recycling options for tourists are limited. Minimize waste generation.
Water resources are abundant frequently polluted. Access to clean, potable water remains a concern for many locals. Tourists rely on bottled water. Reduce plastic bottle usage by using larger water containers or purification methods for tap water only if certified safe after treatment.

Cultural Sensitivity

Engaging Respectfully

Cultural preservation actions are ongoing, with institutions like the Rivers State Cultural Centre striving to preserve local traditions.
Be polite and respectful in your interactions. Use appropriate greetings, and avoid loud or aggressive behavior. Be patient, as things may operate on a versatile schedule.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, for kids especially. Be discreet in sensitive areas or during religious ceremonies. Remove shoes before entering mosques.

Economic Impact

Supporting the local economy responsibly makes a tangible difference in Port Harcourt.

Support Local

Community-based tourism initiatives are not a developed aspect for Port Harcourt. Buying directly from local artisans in markets supports the local economy.
Patronize local restaurants, shop at local markets, and use local service providers. This local spending circulates within the community.
For donations, use established, reputable local charities or NGOs. Avoid giving money directly to individuals, for kids especially begging.

Affiliate Sustainable Choices

Make choices that support environmental and social wellbeing.

Sustainable Travel Resources

Find eco-friendly accommodation with Ecobnb.
Offset your carbon footprint via Terrapass.
Discover sustainable outdoor gear at Patagonia.

Ethical & Conservation Resources

Ethical Tour Operators

Choose tours from G Adventures for responsible travel.
Reduce waste with products from Package Free Shop.
Support rainforest conservation at The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).

Important Advisory

Exercise extreme discretion regarding LGBTQ+ matters. Homosexual acts are illegal in Nigeria and bring severe penalties.
Avoid begging interactions. Support reputable local charities instead of giving money directly to individuals on the street.
Do not engage in activities that could be considered exploitative or illegal.

Accessibility Considerations

Infrastructure Limitations

Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent, posing challenges for mobility.
Public transportation is not accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
Many buildings lack ramps or elevators, restricting access.

Services & Planning

Limited specialized services exist for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.
A private car with a driver represents the only practical transportation option for mobility aids.
Extensive pre-planning and private arrangements are for an accessible visit.

Sustainable & Ethical Travel

Making ethical choices while traveling to Port Harcourt.

Environmental Choices

Conscious choices help minimize environmental impact.

Sustainable Living

Consider offsetting your flights through international programs like Terrapass.
Minimize your plastic waste. Carry a reusable water bottle and bring a reusable shopping bag for markets. Shop Package Free Shop for reusable products.
Few accommodation options explicitly market themselves as eco-friendly. Select trustworthy hotels and services that demonstrate good environmental practices. Locate alternatives on Ecobnb.

Cultural Awareness

Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches your journey.

Cultural Respect

The Rivers State Cultural Centre promotes local traditions.
Be polite and patient, as things may operate on a flexible schedule.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children, and be discreet in sensitive areas.

Economic Contributions

Your spending can positively impact the local community.

Local Support

Buy directly from local makers in markets to ensure money directly supports the local economy. Support conservation efforts with The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).
Eat at local restaurants, shop at local markets, and use local service providers.
For donations, use established, reputable local charities or NGOs rather than giving money directly to individuals on the street.

Ethical Tourism

Choose tour operators that prioritize ethical travel and local community support.

Conscious Journeys

Consider ethical tour operators such as G Adventures.
Community-based tourism initiatives are not a developed aspect of the travel industry in Port Harcourt due to security concerns.
Avoid engaging in any activities which could be considered exploitative or illegal.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel Resources

Eco-Friendly Stays

Explore accommodations that prioritize sustainability.

Find Stays

Carbon Offsets

Mitigate your travel carbon footprint.

Offset Now

Ethical Adventures

Book tours with a focus on local impact.

Explore Tours

Eco-Friendly Tip

Minimize your plastic waste. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it. Bring a reusable shopping bag for markets. Consider purchasing sustainable products from Package Free Shop.

Port Harcourt Travel Tips