Language: English is the official language, although each ethnic group has its own tribal language, used more widely in the interior of the country. Krio is a form of Pidgin English that is widely spoken in
Freetown.
Currency: The official currency is the Leone (SLL), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, foreign exchange bureaux or hotels and travelers cheques can be cashed at banks although they are not recommended. Banks are open on weekdays only. The use of credit cards is very limited, although a few top hotels and restaurants in
Freetown might accept them for payment. ATMs do not accept foreign cards.
Time: Local time is GMT.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts 50Hz, but supplies are erratic and power failures common. Round three-pin plugs or rectangular three-blade plugs are used.
Communications: The international dialing code for
Sierra Leone is +232. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
UK). The city code for Freetown is (0)22; other areas do not require a code.
Sierratel provides national and international telephone services. A prepaid GSM900 mobile network is available in Freetown and other towns around the country, and prepaid cards can be bought throughout the country. International roaming is available. The use of mobile phones is high due to the unreliability of landlines. Internet cafes are available in Freetown and other provincial towns.
Duty Free: Travelers may bring 200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco, and 1 liter of wine or spirits into the country without paying customs duty. Narcotics are strictly forbidden.
Getting Around: Main towns are connected by public and private bus services. Minibuses (poda poda) are the most common way to travel around Freetown. Car hire is expensive and not common. There are no domestic flights within Sierra Leone. Generally travel outside of the Freetown area is difficult and slow because of unreliable transport and bad roads.
Tourist OfficeNational Tourist Board, Freetown: +232 (0)22 236620 or www.welcometosierraleone.org
EmergencyEmergencies: 999 (Police)
Embassies
Sierra Leone Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States (also responsible for
Canada): +1 202 939 9261.
Sierra
Leone High Commission,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7404 0140.
Sierra Leone High Commission,
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia (also responsible for
South Africa): +251 (0)1 710 033.
Sierra Leone High Commission,
Beijing,
China (also responsible for
New Zealand): +86 10 6532 1222.
United States Embassy, Freetown: +232 (0)22 515 000.
British High Commission, Freetown: +232 (0)22 232 961.
Canadian Embassy,
Abidjan,
Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +225 (0)2 030 0700.
Australian High Commission,
Accra,
Ghana (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +233 21 701 2961-3.
South
African Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +225 2244 5963.
Irish Honorary Consul General, Freetown: +232 (0)22 222 017.
