Social ConventionsMusic and dance are the most popular forms of culture. The Togolese have had a varied colonial heritage which has resulted in the variety of Christian denominations and European languages; the voodoo religion is a strong influence in the country and many young girls, after fulfilling an initiation period, will devote their lives to serving the religion and the voodoo village priest. Practical, casual clothes are suitable. Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe main airline
running services to Togo is
Air Afrique (RK) (website:
www.flyafriqiyah.com).
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsAéroport International Gnassingbé Eyadema (AIGE) is 6km (4 miles) northeast of the city.
To/from the airport: Taxis operate to the city center.
Facilities: Bar, restaurant, snack bar, shops, bank, post office, duty-free shop and car hire.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Lomé.
Ferries from Benin and Ghana call at Lomé and coastal ports. For details, contact the port authorities (website:
www.togoport.tg/index.html).
Getting There by RoadThere are routes from Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana (a coastal route runs from Benin through Lomé to Ghana) but conditions are unreliable. The border with Ghana is closed periodically.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Togo by persons over 15 years of age without incurring customs duty:
100 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco;
one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine;
500ml of eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirAir Togo runs services to Sokodé, Mango, Dapango, Lama-Kara, Lomé and Niamtougou.
Getting Around by WaterFerries run along the coast. For details, contact the port authorities.
Getting Around by RailThere are services between Atakpamé, Blitta and Lomé; Kpalimé and Lomé; and Aného and Lomé. Trains run at least daily on each route.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. Tarred roads run to the border countries and the major northern route is called 'The Highway of Unity'. There are roads linking most settlements, but these are largely impassable during the rainy season. Police checkpoints are frequent and may cause delays. It is advisable to keep windows rolled up and doors locked.
Bus/taxi: National bus, minibus and taxi systems are reasonably efficient and cheap. Taxis and minibuses are widely available in Lomé and shared taxis are available between towns. There is a surcharge for luggage. Drivers do not expect a tip.
Cycling: Bicycles can be rented in large towns and often incur less delays than cars.
Car hire: This is available in Lomé; elsewhere the cost of car hire is very high and it is usually better to hire a taxi.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
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