Guinea-Bissau
Travel tips for Guinea-Bissau: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Recent 2025-2026 Reddit reports confirm Guinea-Bissau is heavily cash-dependent, with cards rarely accepted and a limited, often unreliable ATM network confined mostly to Bissau; travelers must bring sufficient EUR or USD cash to exchange.
Try the food
- Caldo de Mancarra: A rich, savory peanut stew typically simmered with chicken or fish and served over white rice.
- Cafriela de Frango: Tender grilled chicken heavily marinated in a tangy mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and onions.
- Caldo de Chabéu: A hearty, vibrant red stew made from palm oil and fish or meat, offering a deeply earthy flavor.
Say it in Portuguese
- Hello: Olá
- Thank you: Obrigado
- Please: Por favor
- Excuse me: Com licença
- How much is this?: Quanto custa isso?
- The bill please: A conta, por favor
- Yes/No: Sim / Não
- Goodbye: Adeus
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type C / Type F
- Voltage
- 220V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 112 (general), 117 (police), 118 (fire), 119 (ambulance)
- SIM tip
- Purchase a local SIM card from Orange or MTN at official kiosks in Bissau, as eSIM support is currently very limited.
Etiquette
Greetings are highly valued; always take a moment to exchange pleasantries and ask about someone's well-being before asking a question or conducting business.