Guinea-Bissau
Businessmen wear safari suits (bush jackets without a tie). A knowledge of Portuguese is useful as only a few executives speak English. Visits during Ramadan should be avoided. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1400.
Foreign residents and businesses are increasingly becoming targets for armed robbery and petty crimes are common. Thieves have occasionally posed as officials to make off with bags and other personal items and roadblocks are common.
Several business class hotels include the 4-star Sheraton in north Bissau with 175 rooms and the 24 Septembre Hotel. There is also a brand new leisure hotel on the island of Maio that can be reached by ferry from Bissau, and another hotel in the north at the beach in Varella.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 245. Outgoing international calls must go through the operator. It is difficult to find public telephones or to receive international calls. Telephone services are also expensive. Telex Facilities are available at the main post office in Bissau. International telex code: BI.
Electricity is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz, but is subject to frequent disruptions.
Limited electricity supply on 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
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Guinea-Bissau’s few hotels and restaurants offer excellent food, though some places are expensive. Local specialties include jollof rice, chicken and fish dishes. Staples are cassava, yams and maize.
