Guinea — Shopping
Shopping
Although department stores in the major cities are poorly stocked, local markets sell a unique display of goods. Special purchases include brightly colored, distinctive Guinean clothes, woodcarvings, leather rugs in bold black-and-white designs, skins, locally-produced records, calabashes and jewelry. Gueckedou is well known for its enormous market where travelers can buy absolutely anything.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800.
Currency
Guinea Franc (GNF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of GNF5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of GNF25, 10, 5 and 1.
Currency Exchange
Hotels will accept some foreign currencies in payment. Inter-bank fund transfers are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
Limited acceptance. Guinea has a cash economy. ATMs are not available.
Travelers Checks
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars or Euros. These are only accepted in some banks and hotels.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival. The export of local or foreign currency is limited to US$5,000 or equivalent.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1430-1700.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 10722.9 GNF |
| 1.00 USD = 6675 GNF |
| 1.00 EUR = 9422.64 GNF |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
