Freetown Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Sierra Leone features two major mobile network providers: Africell and Orange.

SIM Card Details

Purchase SIMs at Lungi Airport or vendor stalls.
Passport for registration.
Inexpensive SIMs, affordable data bundles.
Consider an ESIM from Airalo for instant data.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi in most mid-range/luxury hotels, some Freetown cafes. Speed and reliability vary.

Access Options

Mobile data with a local SIM card often reliable.
Consider a portable Solis Wi-Fi device for constant internet.
Postal services (SALPOST) can be slow for mail to other countries.
Courier services (DHL, FedEx) for important items.

Language Guidance

English is official, widely spoken in Freetown's business, government, tourism.

Local Languages

Krio (Creole English) is the lingua franca, widely understood.
A few basic Krio phrases improve interactions.
Download Krio/English on Google Translate for offline use.
A small Krio phrasebook is helpful.
Learn Krio or other languages with Rosetta Stone.

Essential Krio Phrases

Learning a few Krio greetings brings a warm local response.

Pronunciation Guide

Hello: Ah-wa-boh (How are you?)
Good morning: Goo-moh-nin
Thank you: Tenk yoo
Please: Du-ya
Yes: Yehs
No: No
How much?: Ow moch?

Money & Banking

Banking Hours

Banks: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Some extended hours or Saturday mornings.
ATM reliability varies; use during banking hours.
Daily withdrawal limits.

ATM Locations

Freetown ATMs at bank branches (Ecobank, Standard Chartered).
Always have local currency available.
Card issues can happen, have backup funds.
Security at ATMs; be aware of surroundings.

Operating Hours & Holidays

Understand local business schedules and public holidays.

Government

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Shops & Markets

Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Some street vendors longer.

Restaurants

Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Dinner 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM+.

Public Holidays

Sierra Leone observes Christian and Islamic holidays, plus republic days. Services may be reduced or closed.

Dates

New Year's Day (January 1).
Independence Day (April 27).
Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26).
Islamic Holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha).
Christian Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday).

Seasonal Adjustments

The wet season may see schedule changes.

Wet Season June-October

Outdoor-focused businesses may reduce schedules.
Challenges for accessibility due to heavy rains.
Some remote lodges may temporarily close.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Travelers with Priority Pass access independent airport lounges.
Comfortable waiting areas.
Refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair can assist.
Service helps with compensation claims.
Applicable for denied boarding too.

Plan Ahead for Closures

Public holidays and the wet season can disrupt business hours.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Navigating social interactions with grace and respect in Freetown.

Social Greetings

Always greet people when starting an interaction.

Customs

Handshake common, with "Ah-wa-boh".
"Sir" or "Ma'am" for elders/authority.
Modest dress appreciated; shoulders/knees covered for women.

Dining & Gratitude

Observe local dining customs and consider tipping etiquette for good service.

Table Manners

Use right hand if eating traditional food from communal bowl.
Wait to be invited to eat.
Tipping is not mandatory but welcomed for good service.

Visual & Verbal Caution

Be mindful when taking photos and discussing sensitive subjects.

Guidelines

Ask for permission before photographing people, especially children.
Avoid photographing government buildings, military, police.
Politics: Listen, avoid strong opinions.

Social Respect

Sierra Leone is a patriarchal society; modesty and respectful conduct apply.

Personal Conduct

Women: Modesty and respectful conduct advised.
LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is illegal, severe penalties.
LGBTQ+ travelers: Use extreme discretion for safety.

Respect Local Traditions

Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly for a respectful and positive cultural experience in Freetown.

Accessibility Information

Freetown's infrastructure poses considerable challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure Challenges

Freetown's infrastructure is not commonly for accessibility. Uneven sidewalks or non-existent pathways.

Building Access

Buildings rarely have ramps or elevators.
Many areas involve steep hills and unpaved walkways.
Few, if any, attractions are formally accessible.

Mobility Support

Private transport is the practical option for movement. Public transport is inaccessible.

Special Needs

Private transport with driver/assistance is .
Restricted formal services for visual/hearing impairments.
Independent research for specific needs.

Planning for Accessibility

Direct communication with accommodations and tour operators.Very Important

Thorough pre-trip planning.A Must

Hiring private vehicle and driver.Advised

Confirmation of specific accessibility features.Before booking

Preparation for infrastructure limitations.Anticipate

Resources/associations for accessibility information.Seek out

Accessibility Advisory

Travelers with mobility challenges: extensive planning, private transport, and direct confirmation with service providers is needed.

Freetown Travel Tips