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West Africa
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When to go and weather
High Season (Nov–Mar): Cooler temperatures and dry weather make getting around easy.
Mid-Season (Apr–May): It can be unbearably hot in the Sahara; the dry season begins in the tropical south. Rains can arrive in May, and humidity is very high along the coast.
Low Season (Jun–Oct): High humidity and heavy rains in coastal countries, extreme temperatures in the Sahara and Sahel, but dry conditions in the tropical south.
About West Africa
Popular Places to Visit
Ghana | Nigeria | Congo | Senegal | Burkina Faso | Ivory coast
Currency
West African CFA franc (eight countries), Central African CFA franc (four countries) and nine other currencies
Physical Cash
Although ATMs are arriving, cash remains king. Don't bring anything except euros in former French, Portuguese or Spanish colonies, while US dollars are preferred in Anglophone countries.
Credit Cards
It is not a hard and fast rule, but you can rarely use a credit card to pay for items. Such occasions are limited to top-end hotels and restaurants, car rental companies, and air tickets. An extra commission is often attached, usually ranging from 3% to 15%.
Bargaining
Bargaining is a staple of most informal transactions across the region. As a general rule, bargaining is usually expected in markets and street stalls, especially those that sell handicrafts aimed at tourists. It is sometimes possible to negotiate a discount for taxis and even accommodation, but this varies from one country to the next.
Etiquette
Although West Africa is changing, social customs remain conservative. Most locals don’t expect you to know all of the rules and will forgive any faux pas. Even so, please keep in mind the following guidelines:
Attitude: If you’re in a frustrating situation, be patient, friendly, and considerate. A confrontational attitude can easily inflame the situation (especially when dealing with police officers and immigration officials) and offend local sensibilities.
Islam: Be respectful of Islamic traditions and don’t wear revealing clothing; loose, lightweight clothing is preferable.
PDAs: Public displays of affection are usually inappropriate, especially in Muslim areas.
Photography: Always ask permission to photograph people.
Conversation Topics: Avoid vocal criticism of the government or country; the former could get your friends in trouble, and many West Africans take the latter personally.