Getting Around Guinea-Bissau
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis for Bissau and coastal towns. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for interior exploration. Islands: Ferries to Bijagos archipelago. For convenience, book airport transfers from Bissau to your destination.
Bush Taxi Travel
Shared Taxis (Tacogares)
Primary intercity transport with minibuses connecting Bissau to regions like Gabu and Bafata with daily departures.
Cost: Bissau to Gabu 5,000-10,000 XOF (€8-15), journeys 4-8 hours on unpaved roads.
Tickets: Pay on board or at stations, no advance booking; arrive early for seats.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings (6-8 AM) when overcrowded; travel mid-day for space.
Multi-Trip Options
Informal passes via frequent riders or agencies for repeated routes, saving 20-30% on multiple trips.
Best For: Extended stays visiting multiple regions, ideal for 3+ journeys over weeks.
Where to Buy: Main taxi parks in Bissau or regional hubs, negotiate for group deals.
Regional Connections
Bush taxis link to Senegal (Dakar) and Guinea (Conakry) via border crossings with basic services.
Booking: No reservations; hire private for reliability, costs double but safer.
Main Hubs: Bissau central market for departures, with onward links to coastal areas.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for rural and island access. Compare rental prices from €50-100/day for 4x4s at Bissau Airport and city centers.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 25; 4x4 mandatory for most roads.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to poor conditions, includes off-road protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no highways; watch for animals.
Tolls: Minimal, but checkpoints require small fees (500-1,000 XOF); carry cash.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, no formal signals in rural areas.Parking: Free in most areas, secure guarded lots in Bissau €2-5/night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel scarce outside cities at 800-1,000 XOF/liter (€1.20-1.50) for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use offline Google Maps or Maps.me; GPS signals weak in interiors.
Traffic: Light but chaotic in Bissau with motos; avoid night driving due to potholes.
Urban Transport
Taxis in Bissau
Shared and private taxis cover the capital, single ride 500-1,000 XOF (€0.75-1.50), no fixed day pass.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront, shared taxis stop frequently for pickups.
Apps: Limited; use local apps like EasyTaxi if available, otherwise hail on street.
Motorbike Taxis
Motos widespread for quick urban trips, €0.50-1/ride with helmets optional but recommended.
Routes: Ideal for Bissau traffic, access to markets and beaches not reachable by car.
Tours: Informal guided moto tours for city exploration, bargain for half-day rates.
Local Ferries & Boats
Pirogues and ferries for coastal and river travel, 1,000-3,000 XOF (€1.50-4.50) per crossing.
Tickets: Buy at docks, cash only; schedules irregular, check tides.
Island Links: Regular services to Bolama and Vili, essential for archipelago access.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near taxi parks in Bissau for easy access, coastal spots for islands.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-May) and festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather disruptions in rainy season.
- Amenities: Confirm generator power, mosquito nets, and water supply before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for security and maintenance updates.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G/4G in urban areas, spotty in rural; 2G fallback in remote spots like Bijagos.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, covers major networks.
Local SIM Cards
Guinetel and Orbitel offer prepaid SIMs from 1,000-5,000 XOF (€1.50-8) with basic coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops; passport registration required.
Data Plans: 2GB for 2,000 XOF (€3), 5GB for 5,000 XOF (€8), top-ups easy.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes in Bissau, limited elsewhere; cafes charge 500 XOF/hour.
Public Hotspots: Available at main markets and airports, but security varies.
Speed: Slow (2-10 Mbps) in cities, unreliable for streaming outside urban zones.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Osvaldo Vieira Airport 9km from Bissau center, taxi 2,000 XOF (€3, 20 min), or book private transfer for €20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Limited at airports (€2-5/day) or hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Challenging due to unpaved roads; few ramps, plan for assistance in rural areas.
- Pet Travel: Possible on ferries (small free, large fee varies), confirm with operators.
- Bike Transport: Motos allowed on bush taxis for €2-5 extra, secure properly.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Guinea-Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Osvaldo Vieira (OXB): Primary international gateway, 9km from Bissau with taxi links.
Bijagos Airport (OXB alternative): Small island strips for domestic, charter flights only.
Bafata Airstrip: Basic for regional access, limited scheduled services from Bissau.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Nov-May) to save 20-40% on limited fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) cheaper; avoid holidays like Independence Day.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Dakar (Senegal) and bus/ferry to Bissau for cost savings.
Budget Airlines
TAAG Angola, Air Senegal, and TAP Air Portugal serve OXB with West African/European routes.
Important: Include baggage fees and ground transport in total cost calculations.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior; airport processes slow, arrive early.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited to Bissau and major towns, fees 500-1,000 XOF (€0.75-1.50); carry cash backup.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels, rare elsewhere; Mastercard spotty, cash dominant.
- Contactless Payment: Minimal; use mobile money like Orange Money in urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for all transport and markets, keep 20,000-50,000 XOF in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 500-1,000 XOF (€0.75-1.50) appreciated for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid informal exchangers with poor rates.