Togo
Moov Africa Togo and Togocel are the main mobile operators. Both have good coverage in Lomé and reliable 4G data. Purchase a SIM at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport or official stores. Your passport needed for registration. SIM cards are low cost; prepaid credit is widely available. A local SIM for mobile data often makes for the most consistent and affordable connection, using maps, translation apps, and messaging services.
Wi-Fi is in most mid-range to luxury hotels and some cafes. Quality and speed vary. Do not expect consistently fast connections. Mobile data via a local SIM is generally more steady for internet in Lomé. Coverage outside the city center might be slower. For convenience, consider an eSIM from Airalo for global connectivity, or rent a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi.
French is the official language. Most hotel staff and guides use French. Ewe and Mina are common local languages in Lomé. English speakers are less common generally. Download Google Translate App with French offline for quick translations. A Small French phrasebook for common travel situations can be useful. Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning before your trip.
La Poste Togolaise mails postcards or parcels. It is not widely used by tourists, and reliability can pose an issue for international mail. For important documents or valuable parcels, international courier services like DHL are a more steady option.
Learning basic phrases in French and Ewe fosters positive interactions. A simple "Bonjour" or "Akpé" (thank you in Ewe) shows respect.
Interactions with Togolese people are positive with cultural awareness.
Government Offices: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM. Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM. Shops: Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Market stalls have flexible hours. Restaurants: Lunch around 12:00 PM. Dinner from 7:00 PM.
Banking hours are typically weekdays with a midday break. ATMs are at major bank branches (e.g., Ecobank, Orabank, Bank of Africa) and some large hotels. Cash limitations can occur.
Public Holidays: Independence Day (April 27), May Day (May 1), Christian holidays (Christmas, Easter), Islamic holidays (Eid al-Adha, Mawlid). On public holidays, banks, government offices, and many businesses close.
Handshakes are standard. Extend your right hand. Always greet people upon entering a shop or before starting a conversation. "Bonjour Monsieur" or "Bonjour Madame" is polite. Show respect to elders. If an elder offers their hand, accept it.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially children. "Puis-je prendre une photo, s'il vous plaît?" shows respect. Be discreet near military sites, government buildings, and police. Photography is often not permitted there. At the Fetish Market, fees or direct guide permission may be needed. Always inquire first. Accept a "no" if someone does not want to be photographed.
When eating traditional meals by hand, use your right hand only. The left hand is considered unclean. Dress with modesty, covering shoulders and knees in public and at religious sites.
Lomé's infrastructure presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs.
Lomé's infrastructure is not generally adapted for mobility challenges. Sidewalks are uneven or absent. Ramps and elevators are rare in older buildings. Pavements can be broken. Few attractions or transport options are for accessibility. Modern hotels might have some features, but not throughout the city.
No specific services or adaptations are widely available for tourists with visual or hearing impairments. Navigating the city would need significant self-reliance or assistance from a travel partner. For specific advice, try contacting local disability organizations in Togo before your trip. General tourist infrastructure is limited, and independent planning is needed.
If you face mobility challenges, plan to use private transport. Hiring a car with a driver presents the most flexible and comfortable way to move around Lomé, bypassing public transport limits.
