Language
Because of the long history of colonization under France, French is the official language of Guinea. However, most of the ethnic languages are still spoken. Among the most prevalent are Pular (Peuhl or Foulah), Susu, and Malinke. Susu is used in the capital city and the coastal region, while people in the interior region (Sacred Forest) bordering Ivory Coast, Mali, Liberia, and Sierra Leone speak Guerzé, Toma, Kissi, and other local dialects.
Currency
Guineans use the Guinea franc (GNF), which comes in GNF 5,000, 1,000, and 500 denominations. ATMs are nonexistent and credit cards have limited acceptance throughout the country, so bring cash or travelers’ checks instead.
Time
GMT + 0:00.
Electricity
Hotels, homes, and other facilities use 220-240V standard voltage (compared to 110-120 in US and Canada), so bring a step-down transformer and a plug adapter for your electronics.
Communications
The country code for Guinea is +224, followed by a two-digit area code. Mobile phones are sold in the market in Conakry and phones are available in hotels and other establishments. Internet access may be slow but is fairly reliable.
Duty-free
You may bring in up to 1,000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or a kilogram of tobacco without incurring customs duty when entering Guinea, along with one bottle of opened alcoholic beverage, and a reasonable quantity of perfume.
Tourist Office
Office National du Tourisme, Guinea: +224-60-455-163 or http://www.guinee.gov.gn/
Consulates in Guinea
US Consulate, Conakry, Guinea: +224-65-104-000
Canadian Consulate, Conakry, Guinea: +224-60-236-022
French Consulate, Conakry, Guinea: +224-30-471-000
Malian Consulate, Conakry, Guinea: +224-30-461-418
Dutch Consulate, Conakry, Guinea: +224-60-215-123
Austrian Consulate, Conakry, Guinea: +224-60-213-697
Emergency
Police, Taouyah, Gbessia, Hamdallaye, airport area districts: +224-60-20-10-67
Police, Kaporo and Ratoma districts: +224-60-25-81-60
Police, Matoto district: +224-60-25-81-62
Police, Enta District: +224-60-25-81-63