Question 1

Google Maps (offline download)

Accepted Answer

Download offline maps of your destination before arrival; internet can be patchy outside major cities.

Question 2

Accepted Answer

Essential for communication; most Nigerians use WhatsApp over SMS and calls.

Question 3

Local SIM card (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile)

Accepted Answer

Buy a SIM at the airport or in-country for reliable mobile data; MTN and Airtel have the best coverage.

Question 4

eSIM alternative (Airalo or Ubigi)

Accepted Answer

If your phone supports eSIM, pre-purchase a Nigeria data plan to avoid airport hassle and have connectivity immediately.

Question 5

Nigerian visa or e-visa

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities require a visa; apply online via Nigeria Immigration Service e-visa portal or at your nearest embassy 4–6 weeks ahead.

Question 6

Passport validity (6+ months)

Accepted Answer

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and have blank pages for stamps.

Question 7

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever vaccination is legally required for entry; obtain it at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate.

Question 8

Malaria prophylaxis

Accepted Answer

Malaria is endemic; consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel about atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine, and use insect repellent (DEET 20–30%) and nets.

Question 9

Typhoid & polio boosters

Accepted Answer

Confirm typhoid and polio vaccinations are current; consider hepatitis A and B if not previously vaccinated.

Question 10

Travel health insurance

Accepted Answer

Medical care in Nigeria is variable; ensure your policy covers evacuation, hospitalization, and pre-existing conditions.

Question 11

Bottled or boiled water only

Accepted Answer

Tap water is not safe to drink; buy sealed bottled water, use a filtered bottle, or boil water for 1 minute.

Question 12

Nigerian Naira (NGN) cash

Accepted Answer

Withdraw NGN from ATMs in major cities (Lagos, Abuja) using your debit card; many vendors and markets accept cash only.

Question 13

Mobile money: Opay, Paystack, or Flutterwave

Accepted Answer

Download Opay or Paystack to send/receive money and pay vendors; these are widely used and safer than carrying large cash amounts.

Question 14

Credit/debit card backup

Accepted Answer

Carry a Visa or Mastercard as backup; not all ATMs work reliably and some charge high fees.

Question 15

Best season: November–February (dry)

Accepted Answer

Harmattan winds bring cooler, drier weather; avoid May–October (rainy season) when roads flood and malaria risk peaks.

Question 16

Dress modestly, especially outside cities

Accepted Answer

Wear long trousers/skirts and covered shoulders in conservative areas and religious sites; swimwear is for beaches/pools only.

Question 17

Greetings & respect matter

Accepted Answer

Use 'Sir' or 'Ma' when addressing elders; a handshake or slight bow shows respect and opens doors in business and social settings.

Question 18

Emergency number: 112 or 199

Accepted Answer

Call 112 (police) or 199 (ambulance) in emergencies; keep your embassy contact details saved.

Question 19

Avoid large cash displays & valuables

Accepted Answer

Petty theft and armed robbery occur in crowded areas; keep documents, cards, and excess cash in a money belt or hotel safe.

Question 20

LGBTQ+ legal caution

Accepted Answer

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria; avoid public displays of affection and exercise discretion.

Nigeria, as a local

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Shows & festivals by month

Before you go, when you land, once there

Reconsider travel

3 shows & festivals

13 cities