Liberia
Travel tips for Liberia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Liberia is heavily cash-based, using both US and Liberian dollars. Cards are rarely accepted outside upscale hotels in Monrovia. ATMs are scarce and unreliable, so travelers strongly advise bringing plenty of crisp US cash.
Try the food
- Cassava Leaf Stew: A hearty, thick stew made from finely ground cassava leaves cooked with red palm oil, meat, and dried fish.
- Fufu and Soup: Sticky, fermented cassava dough balls swallowed whole with a spicy, rich pepper or palm butter soup.
- Palm Butter Soup: A rich, savory sauce made from boiled and pounded palm nuts, typically served over a large portion of rice.
- Liberian Jollof Rice: A flavorful one-pot rice dish cooked in a tomato and pepper base, often loaded with mixed meats and vegetables.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type A / Type B / Type C / Type F
- Voltage
- 120V/240V, 60Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 911 (all services)
- SIM tip
- Pick up a Lonestar Cell MTN or Orange SIM card at Roberts International Airport upon arrival for the most reliable nationwide coverage.
Etiquette
Greetings are extremely important in Liberia; always take the time to exchange pleasantries and ask about someone's well-being before getting to business.