Practical Information
Visa & entry
Most nationalities require a visa. Apply at a Guinea-Bissau embassy before travel or at some land borders on arrival (process is slow). Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond stay. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended and proof is often requested.
Money & payments
Guinea-Bissau uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), shared with WAEMU countries. ATMs in Bissau accept major cards but are unreliable elsewhere. Bring USD or EUR cash as backup. Exchange rates are better at banks than street changers. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside Bissau.
SIM cards & internet
SIM cards from Guinetel, MTN, and Zap are available at the airport and shops. 4G is patchy in Bissau, 2G elsewhere. Internet speeds are very slow; download maps and content before arrival. Mobile money services exist but are underdeveloped. Cash is the default.
Getting around
Shared minibuses (carros) connect towns along rough roads. Taxis in Bissau operate informally; negotiate fares beforehand. Motorcycle taxis (motos) are cheap but risky. To reach the Bijagos Islands, arrange boat transport through hotels or tourism operators (2-5 hours depending on destination). International flights use Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (BIS).
Health
Yellow fever, malaria, dengue, and typhoid are present. Vaccinate before arrival (yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A). Begin malaria prophylaxis. Tap water is unsafe; drink bottled water. Medical care is extremely basic; serious illness requires evacuation to Senegal or beyond.
Language & etiquette
Portuguese is official; Creole, Balanta, Fulani, and Bijagos languages are spoken. Few people speak English outside Bissau hotels. Learn basic Portuguese greetings. Handshakes are common and often held briefly. Always greet before business. Respect for elders and authority is important.
When to go
Dry season (November-April) is best; temperatures are warm and humidity is moderate. Rainy season (May-October) brings intense afternoon rains and high humidity. Roads become impassable in remote areas. The harmattan wind (December-February) brings dust from the Sahara but cooler temperatures.
Getting there
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau receives limited international flights, mainly via TAP Portugal or Air Senegal. Arriving by sea remains common; ferries connect to Senegal. The overland route from Dakar crosses the Casamance region with minimal infrastructure but rewards with pristine mangrove wilderness.