VISITOR INFO

MONEY

Official Currency:  1 Niara=100 kobo
Current Exchange Rate

Credit cards are only accepted by few large establishments and cash advances unobtainable. High commissions are charged for exchanging travellers cheques and the process is very slow. Therefore cash is best taken either in US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling.


BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday 0800-1500     Tuesday to Friday: 0800-1330
Shops:     Monday to Friday: 0800-1700    Saturday: 0800-1630


LOCAL TIME

Nigeria is one hour ahead of GMT 

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:

International Flights

Air France : Flies into Lagos and Port Harcourt
British Airways

KLM Flights - into Lagos

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights operate between Lagos and Maiduguri, Kano, Jos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Sokoto and Yola. Fares can be paid for in local currency.

Rail:
The service connects Lagos to Kano and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri with stopovers at various towns. The service is unreliable and poor and often does not run. but when it does it is a cheap way of getting around.

Public Transport:
The southern part of the country is well connected by a bus service but further north the main form of transport is shared taxis of up to six people.. Motorcycle taxis are common in the cities and outskirts.


Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Road conditions are deteriorating and there are many pot-holes. Some lesser used roads are impassable during and after the rains. Beware of unmarked roads blocks. Petrol is very cheap in Nigeria. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. Car Hire is available in Lagos and Abuja.
 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pins with ground -
Rectangular blade plug 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Nigeria, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.