Difference between revisions of "Guinea"

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{{Limited_country}}
 
 
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Bissau is often overlooked when moving through West Africa. With easily the best hiking, mountains, waterfalls and friendly people, don't miss this spectacular country. '''NOTE:''' Exchange US dollars or Euros on the street to get a better rate than official. Don't use an ATM, you get a bad rate. The street rate was about 30% better than official in late 2016.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">Sept. 2016</span>'''
 +
 
 +
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
The visa for {{PAGENAME}} is extremely easy to obtain at virtually any bordering country.<br/>
 +
The Embassy in Bissau [[Guinea-Bissau]] is very friendly, and the process is very easy. Expect to pay <price cost="30000" currency="XOF" /> for one month single entry, <price cost="60000" currency="XOF" /> for two months multiple entry and progressively getting higher the more you ask for.
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Required Paperwork==  
{{visa_country}}
+
* Passport of registered owner.
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
 +
* Go to Duane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
 +
* If you are at a small border, they might not issue a Passavant at the border, you just continue to the next big town and do it there.
 +
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the Passavant.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
In late 2016 the Passavant cost <price cost="50000" currency="GNF" /> (50,000GNF, remember, that's not much money using the street exchange rate), though that clearly went in the pocket of the senior officer that wrote it out.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
Passavant is good for one month.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Unsure.
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
Line 31: Line 40:
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Hand in your Passavant to Duane.
 +
* Get yourself stamped out at immigration.
 +
 
 +
All should be free, do not pay for this.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
Line 41: Line 53:
  
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
Liability Insurance is required, and the corrupt police will ask repeatedly to see it. <br/>
 +
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.
  
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
Expect to pay <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" /> to <price cost="20000" currency="XOF" /> per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Unknown within Guinea.
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
 
Right. <br/>
 
Right. <br/>
Unknown if RHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. They even checked the expiry date and amount of gas on the gauge.
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
The main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built. <br/>
 +
In Conakry the roads are horrible. <br/>
 +
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season. <br/>
 +
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Not overly common.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
There are no toll roads in Guinea.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is extremely common, with every police stop and checkpoint an attempt to get money out of you. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.  
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
Unknown.
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">December 2013</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">September 2016</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 89: Line 105:
 
! Price
 
! Price
 
|-
 
|-
| Unleaded
+
| Unleaded (called Essense)(Pump said 98 octane - doubtful)
| <price cost="0.94" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="8000" currency="GNF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
| Diesel
+
| Diesel (called gasoil)
| <price cost="1.00" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="8000" currency="GNF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. <br/>
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Seemed to be no problem with quality.
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended due to hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and extremely bad roads.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the cities, especially Conakry.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 122: Line 135:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
There are a few campsites in Guinea, and a few hotels allow camping.
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Expect to pay between <price cost="2000" currency="XOF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XOF" /> per person per night. <br />
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
Wildcamping is possible in Guinea, especially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift. If you do camp in a town, ask the Chief of the village for permission (he will always say yes)
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 130: Line 143:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=

Latest revision as of 01:07, 1 February 2021


Currency to display:

Visiting Guinea[edit]

Bissau is often overlooked when moving through West Africa. With easily the best hiking, mountains, waterfalls and friendly people, don't miss this spectacular country. NOTE: Exchange US dollars or Euros on the street to get a better rate than official. Don't use an ATM, you get a bad rate. The street rate was about 30% better than official in late 2016.

Entering Guinea with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: Sept. 2016

Travel Visa for Guinea[edit]

The visa for Guinea is extremely easy to obtain at virtually any bordering country.
The Embassy in Bissau Guinea-Bissau is very friendly, and the process is very easy. Expect to pay CFA30,000.00 XOF for one month single entry, CFA60,000.00 XOF for two months multiple entry and progressively getting higher the more you ask for.

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
  • Go to Duane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
  • If you are at a small border, they might not issue a Passavant at the border, you just continue to the next big town and do it there.
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the Passavant.

Cost of entry[edit]

In late 2016 the Passavant cost FG50,000.00 GNF (50,000GNF, remember, that's not much money using the street exchange rate), though that clearly went in the pocket of the senior officer that wrote it out.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

Passavant is good for one month.

Extension of stay[edit]

Unsure.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Hand in your Passavant to Duane.
  • Get yourself stamped out at immigration.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Guinea[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Guinea[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet West Africa (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet West Africa (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet
From $32.99 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Footprints On The Door: Fifty Years In Papua New Guinea
Footprints On The Door: Fifty Years In Papua New Guinea
by Bruce Blowers, David Blowers, Brendan Blowers
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Guinea[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Liability Insurance is required, and the corrupt police will ask repeatedly to see it.
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Expect to pay CFA10,000.00 XOF to CFA20,000.00 XOF per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown within Guinea.

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. They even checked the expiry date and amount of gas on the gauge.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

The main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built.
In Conakry the roads are horrible.
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season.
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.

Road signs[edit]

Not overly common.

Toll roads[edit]

There are no toll roads in Guinea.

Bribery in Guinea[edit]

Bribery is extremely common, with every police stop and checkpoint an attempt to get money out of you. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay.

Traveling with pets[edit]

Unknown.

Gas price in Guinea and Diesel price in Guinea[edit]

Last updated: September 2016

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded (called Essense)(Pump said 98 octane - doubtful) FG8,000.00 GNF per Liter
Diesel (called gasoil) FG8,000.00 GNF per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Seemed to be no problem with quality.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended due to hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and extremely bad roads.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the cities, especially Conakry.

Special driving considerations[edit]

As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Guinea[edit]

There are a few campsites in Guinea, and a few hotels allow camping. Expect to pay between CFA2,000.00 XOF and CFA5,000.00 XOF per person per night.
Wildcamping is possible in Guinea, especially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift. If you do camp in a town, ask the Chief of the village for permission (he will always say yes)

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Guinea

Papua-neuguiea, Indonesien: West-papua, Molukken = New...
Papua-neuguiea, Indonesien: West-papua, Molukken = New...
by Reise Know-How Verlag
From $13.65 on Amazon
Asia Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referenc...
Asia Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referenc...
by National Geographic Maps - Reference
From $14.95 on Amazon
New Guinea 1:1.65m / 1:1.2m Travel Map (international ...
New Guinea 1:1.65m / 1:1.2m Travel Map (international ...
by ITM Canada
From $7.65 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Bushwalking In Papua New Guinea
Lonely Planet Bushwalking In Papua New Guinea
by Yvon Perusse
From $25.24 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Guinea[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Guinea[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Guinea[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.