WHAT TO BRING ON A TRIP TO GUINEA?

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
TIPS FOR WHAT TO EXPECT
NECESSITIES
CONSIDER BRINGING
PACKING WEBSITES
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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passport with 6 months until expiration

Mandatory Visa
In New York: Consulate General of Guinea
140 E 39th St (between Lex and Third)
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 687 8115
Hours: M-F, 9:30 am - 5:00pm
no appointment needed
Visa Application (pdf)
$100 and a passport-style photo

Mandatory Evidence of a Yellow Fever Vaccination
Other health-related information at
www.cdc.gov/travel

Information for Customs in Morocco and Guinea:
Be sure to have the Conakry address and/or phone number for Fode or one of the brothers for where you will be staying in Guinea.

Photocopy of passport to carry separately from the real thing
A couple of extra passport photos

Strongly recommend Travel Insurance
Make sure you have Health Insurance if you are not covered outside of US.
Many options, search internet for "Travel Insurance"
One company, associated with Lonely Planet is:
www.worldnomads.com

TIPS FOR WHAT TO EXPECT:

  1. Cash: Bring cash in increments of $100.00 bills.  $100 bills will give you the best exchange rate. You will need cash for taxis, going out (expect to pay $10 - $20 U.S. dollars if going out to a club or restaurant), drinks and snacks, souvenirs, etc. You may want to take advantage of the chance to have clothes custom made from African fabrics, or to have a djembe or balafone made for you.
  2. ATM machine: There is one ATM located at the airport.  However, the exchange rate is not as good as having cash and then exchanging it for Guinea Francs (GF) on the street. 
    Make sure your bank card can be used internationally
  3. Cell Phones: 
    1. Make sure you have an international SIM card in your phone before leaving for Guinea.
    2. Cell phones can be purchased at the market in Medina for about 400,000 GF (U.S. $100)
    3. Calling cards can be purchased in Conakry.
  4. Email communication:  There are internet cafes located in Conakry.  The local name for them is “cyber city”.
  5. Electricity: 
    1. Electricity is not available in Conakry until 5:00 p.m. everyday. 
    2. Even then the lights may go dark for up to an hour at least once every night. 
    3. Bring an extra memory card and battery for digital cameras just in case you can’t charge up right away
  6. Cultural Sensitivity / The Realities of Life:
    1. People in Guinea are extremely generous with their time and talents. Unfortunately, the one thing that most people do not have is a lot of spending money. Avoid putting your hosts in an awkward spot by inviting them to go out and then expecting them to pay their own way.
    2. Bring clothes, shoes, and jewelry that you don't need or would give to Goodwill. By the end of the trip you will wish that you had something to give to all the generous people who have shared their lives with you.

CLOTHING:
It’s hot! - casual dress, modest shorts and short sleeves okay for ladies
Flip flops (a few pairs!), all types of flip flops can be purchased at the market in Medina
Light sweater / fleece / jacket for evenings
Clothing for going out in the evenings to clubs, dinner, etc.
Waterproof shoes for dancing on beach
Hat with a bill

DON'T FORGET:
Bedding and Bath: Clean sheets provided.  Bring blanket and pillow. 
Most nights are hot, sometimes it does get a little chilly at night.
Towels
Bathroom tissue
Bug Spray, Mosquito Net and Repellent: About Mosquito Nets
International adapter for plugging in your cell phone, camera battery, etc.
Photo Equipment / Contact Lens Supplies
Medications, Malaria Prophylaxis
Sunglasses
Lip balm with UV protection / Sunscreen
Flashlight(s)
Foot care (tape, ointments, bandaids, etc.)

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER PACKING:
Bandana (a zillion uses: dust mask, wet to cool down, wash cloth, sunshield, etc.)
Fold up bag to bring back loaded with souvenirs
Liquid Soap (Bonners or Camp Suds are multipurpose for washing hair, body, clothes, dishes, etc.)
Wet wipes / Tissues
Cortisone cream / Antibiotic Ointment / Bandaids
Pouch for dirty clothes
Paper / Pens
Security Pouch
Travel Iron
Comfort Foods: Granola bars, crackers, herb tea, whatever you love and would miss.  Great for in between class energy pickup
French phrase book and dictionary (comes in handy if you don’t know the language)

MISCELLANEOUS: shampoo, body wash, mouthwash, feminine products, etc.  can be purchased at convenience stores located at major gas stations in Conakry

There are several fun-to-read and useful packing lists for African travel at these websites:

http://www.tefl.net/tefl-diary/tips-checklist.htm
What to bring... Here's a sample:
"• An open mind
Some people read reams of information on their destination of choice, some aren’t sure if it’s in Africa or Asia! Either way, you are certain to see things which you weren’t expecting; this continues to occur regardless of how long you have lived there, pre-fabricated opinions don’t make for useful travelling companions. A willingness to adapt and be accepting of a new culture isn’t always easy but it is always necessary.
• Branston pickle, Heinz beans, Tetleys tea etc
Everyone has their little eating idiosyncrasies, some people even like to eat processed cheese. Your immune system takes a while to adapt to the different flavours in food from other countries whether it’s the extra garlic, oil, un-treated water, chillies or some other local 'delicacy'. A small amount of food that you’re used to eating may prove essential to fall back on in times of need! "

http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer/whattobring/#safari

http://www.real-africa.co.uk/what-to-pack.asp