Nigeria, the African Giant, aka Nollywood nation, is the most populous black nation on earth. Quite frankly, visiting Nigeria should be on everyone’s bucket list. Yea, I said it! While Nigeria is often overlooked for various reasons, you should totally reconsider.
However, before packing your bags and heading to the consulate for your visa, you gotta be prepared. In this post, in no particular order, I am breaking down 13 things you should know before visiting Lagos, Nigeria, so your only worry will be focusing on the enjoyment and the unforgettable experience you will have!
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This is the fifth post in the Nigeria travel series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Nigeria Travel Series
Bucket List: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nigeria At Least Once
Travel Guide: The Ultimate Lagos, Nigeria Travel Guide: For First-Time Visitors
Food: 9 Popular Foods To Eat In Nigeria
Packing Guide: The Complete Packing List for Your Trip to Nigeria
Travel Tips: 13 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Lagos, Nigeria
Inspiration: 15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Nigeria
Tourist Visa: 5 Tips for U.S. Citizens Applying for a Nigerian Tourist Visa
Lagos: 11 Best Things To do in Lagos
My Story: Homegoing: Reuniting with My Biological Family
Travel Itinerary: How to spend 5-day in Lagos, Nigeria
13 Useful Tips You Should Know Before visiting Lagos, Nigeria
1. Bring cash
Like most places, cash is king, but in Nigeria, you want to make sure to have enough money on you. While credit cards are widely accepted, I recommend only using cash. If you’re traveling from the U.S., bring cash in denominations of $100 bills.
You will get the best exchange rates when you exchange your money for Naira, the local currency. A bank or official money exchange office is the best place to exchange money.
Don’t be like me the first few times I visited; I brought $20 bills which wasn’t a good look because, with $100 bills, you’re less likely to get scammed. If you happen to be visiting family or friends who live in the city, they will be able to help you change your money.
Check out the Youtube clip to find out where to safely exchange your money in Lagos.
2. Get a tourist visa
Before entering the country, all international visitors need a visa. This is a step you can’t miss or wait until the last minute to do. You may risk not getting your visa or spending unnecessary money and stress trying to get your tourist visa.
Insider Tip: Be prepared when heading to the consulate to submit your visa. You want to have everything with you the first time; if not, you will be turned away.
Follow this one if you don’t take my advice on these tips!
3. Take the light
I am not going to lie or sugarcoat this next tip. The electricity supply in Nigeria is not consistent, and you may experience short stints of blackouts depending on where you are staying. The National Electric Power Authority, referred to as NEPA or the locals, is Never Expect Power Always, Nigeria’s electrical provider.
When you hear Nigerians say Nepa take the light, the electricity has gone out. Blackouts can be as long as a few minutes or a few hours. I will say Nepa takes light without notice to homes and businesses alike. Luckily they have backup generators to restore the power. However, having a generator is a luxury, and most people have candles, flashlights, or nothing.
The first time this happened, I was in my family’s home, shaking in my boots. However, I came to learn this is normal in the country. After a few minutes, I heard the generator’s noise startup, and we had light, and all was well in the world.
I am hopeful with Nigeria’s economy rapidly growing and expanding, blackouts will become a thing of the past.
Insider Tip: Be sure to charge your portables whenever you have access to electricity. If Nepa takes light, you will want to be able to still use your devices.
4. The traffic is next level
Living in New York, I used to think I saw crazy traffic but let me tell you, the traffic in Lagos is out of this world! No one follows the rules on the roads, especially during rush hour.
I noticed the city had very few traffic lights, but it didn’t matter because, again, no one follows the rules! During my first visit, we got stuck in traffic heading to the airport, and without traffic, it took about 40 minutes to get to the airport. It took us 3 hours to get to the airport on this day because of the traffic frenzy.
Cars, trucks, and buses drove over partitions, cut other cars off, and drove along the shoulder just to go less than a mile. It was madness.
If you’re staying on the island, I recommend staying there and waiting until the traffic dies down before heading back to the mainland.
A simple 30 mins could quickly turn into 2-3 hours.
Insider Tip: The best time to travel around Lagos is right after the morning rush, before the evening rush hour.
5. Get your vaccines and medication
Before visiting Nigeria, make an appointment with your doctor to ensure you are updated with all your vaccines. You will need a yellow fever vaccine to enter the country. Malaria is prevalent in the country, and you’re better at safeguarding yourself against the possibility of contracting malaria aboard.
Your doctor will also prescribe you anti-malaria pills. There are two types of malaria pills; one you can take daily or weekly. Check with your doctor to see what they recommend.
I experienced wildly vivid dreams and terrible headaches to the point where it felt like I had malaria. Although I’ve never had malaria, my cousin, a physician, immediately instructed me to stop taking the pills. The next day I felt like a brand new woman.
Be aware of the side effects; the anti-malaria pills are pretty harsh on your body. I am sharing this to let you know that side effects do happen and if the medication makes you feel funny and you plan to be in Nigeria for an extended period, try taking a pill every other day. That’s if you go for the daily malaria pill route.
Ask your doctor for antibiotics just in case you catch a stomach bug, and bring Immodium to help settle your belly if you happen to catch something while over there.
6. Boy, is it hot
Nigeria is hot and humid, so be prepared to always be hot. To combat the heat, I recommend wearing lightweight clothing, staying inside during the day, wearing hats, wearing sunblock, and drinking lots of water. I was pretty dehydrated for a few days, which wasn’t fun. I don’t know if the malaria pills made me feel loopy or sweating more than I was consuming liquids. Either way, stay indoors and take lots of cold showers.
7. Nigerians are friendly, boisterous people
Not to brag, but you will not meet friendlier and kinder people than Nigerians. It’s in our nature to be welcoming, loud and boisterous! Don’t be alarmed if you’re out and hear people screaming with laughter; chances are someone made a great joke. You’ll want to join in on the fun! We love a good party and will ensure our guests have the time of their lives.
We take joy in the little things and live life to the fullest despite what happened the day before or the hardships we face. We are genuinely resilient people.
8. Lagos is safe
I will not lie to you and say Lagos is the safest city in the world; in fact, no such place exists! I will be honest and say that the country’s ongoing political and economic instability invites additional crimes such as pickpocketing, muggings, and even kidnappings.
I share this not to scare you but for you to be aware and minimize the risk. I felt safe while getting around Lagos. I used the same level of caution as I would at home but was extra careful not to speak loudly while in public and wear flashy clothing. I like to keep a low profile while traveling, especially in Lagos.
9. Everyone speaks English
The official language in Nigeria is English. Although there are over 250 languages spoken in the country, you will have no problem talking to anyone. Depending on who you’re talking to, you will get major brownie points if you can say a few phrases in Igbo, Hausa, or Yoruba.
10. Don’t rely on public transportation
I know some frugal fannies out there prefer taking public transportation, but I will be the first to tell you when I say Lagos is just not that kind of city! You’re better off having a driver (sounds fancy, but it’s the norm) or taking a Bolt (similar to Uber) to get around the city. Given the traffic frenzy in the city, public transportation can be unpredictable and just plain chaotic. One day we took the bus to the local market across town, and well, let’s just say it, we got stuck in traffic on one of the hottest days!
11. Respect religion
Nigeria is a very religious country. Almost half of the population identifies as Christian, and the other is Muslim. Don’t be surprised to see people praying at work or on the side of the road. The country has churches and mosques practically on every block. You will see Nigerians proudly rocking their religious affiliations on their cars, doorposts, and even in the music. Nigerians are proud people and even prouder of their religion.
12. Food is spicy
Spicy food in Nigeria is pasta to Italy, you can’t avoid it! If you like spicy foods, then be prepared to enjoy the most flavorful and spicy foods you will need every try in your life!
13. Tsetse flies
Limit the amount of dark clothing you pack. The tsetse flies are drawn to these colors, and if they bite, you risk getting African Sleeping Sickness. There’s no cure for the disease. While I’ve, fortunately, and thankfully never experienced a bite from a tsetse fly, I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
Bonus: Don’t drink the water
The tap water in Lagos is not drinkable. You could risk getting really sick. Stick to bottled water even to brush your teeth. Don’t drink the water in a bag. You will see Nigerians drinking the water, but you may get sick for foreigners because your body isn’t used to the nutrients in the water.
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
There you have it. I hope these tips will help save you lots of unnecessary stress or headaches. I made so many rookie mistakes the first few times in Nigeria and want to ensure you don’t run into similar or preventable issues.
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