Climate

Liberia has a tropical climate. This means it is hot and humid throughout much of the year. The seasons are split into dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights and wet, cloudy summers with frequent and heavy showers.

Accommodation

The majority of suitable expat housing is located within certain areas and there are many suitable free-standing homes monitored by personal security guards. Secure estates or “compounds” are also available and these are also monitored by security guards or companies.

Schooling

There are 2 International Schools in Monrovia – one of which follows the American curriculum.

Healthcare

Malaria is a serious problem throughout Liberia, including in Monrovia. Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Liberia are poorly equipped. There are no emergency services. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe, and medication is scarce. There is no effective public or commercial accident and emergency or ambulance service anywhere in the country. You should carry basic medical supplies. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation. Contact
your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

Shops

The chaotic & colourful Waterside Market offers almost everything for sale. Abi Jaoudi between Sekou Touré & Benson Sts, is well-stocked and sells everything from French cheese, croissants, wine & liquors. Stop & Shop sells US products.

Culture

Travellers to Liberia should not be unduly worried about transgressing social etiquette. Avoid boisterous behaviour and ostentatious displays of wealth, and make sure to smile at and greet people in the street (especially when they have made eye contact with you). Most Liberian’s have extended families that consists of a mother and father and includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and a number of other relatives who would be considered “distant relations” in context of the nuclear family.

Money

The unit of currency is the Liberian ‘unity’ dollar (L$). US dollars are also widely accepted. Money can be changed at the airport, foreign-exchange bureaus in Monrovia and banks. Avoid changing money on the street. The best rates are for the US dollar, though other major currencies are also accepted. Travellers cheques are virtually useless. Credit cards are not accepted anywhere, and there are no ATMs. Bring sufficient funds, in US Dollars cash, to cover all expenses.

Hospitality

It is ok to just show up at someone’s house without prior appointment or invitation. Unexpected visits are acceptable. Liberians are God-fearing, fun, loving, caring, and strong people. Most Liberian’s are not very punctual in terms of social activities. (When most Liberians invite you to a party and say the party starts at 8 PM, presumably what we are actually saying the party starts at 10 pm). Remember

Transportation

Driving is on the right hand side and generally very poor. Be alert to dangers from other vehicles swerving to avoid potholes and from taxis slowing or stopping unpredictably to pick up or drop off passengers and motorcycle taxis ‘Pein-Peins’ which are very dangerous. Vehicle rental can be arranged through better hotels. Expect frequent stops at security checkpoints.

Greetings

Greetings vary by region and ethnicity. Among many ethnic groups, people shake hands only with others of the same age group, so a young person greets an elder by bowing slightly at the knees. A person who joins a small group typically apologizes for the disruption and then shakes hands with each individual. Liberians hand objects to or accept them from others with the right hand or with both hands; using the left hand alone is considered rude. At social gatherings, it is polite for a man to offer his seat to an elderly or pregnant woman. People of the same gender may hold hands in public as a sign of friendship, but holding hands & other displays of affection between men & women are inappropriate.

Safety

The main security risks are violent crime and public order incidents. Visitors should avoid travelling alone, particularly at night and to secluded places. It is recommended that visitors do not overnight outside Monrovia. Visitors should check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country. Travellers should carry photographic identification at all times. Visitors to Liberia should practice extreme safety precautions. The country’s reputation and the relative absence of foreigners makes it hard to relax in Liberia, but although the people may be curious about visitors, and the dangers are real, mostly travellers will find that the locals are friendly and hospitable.

Other

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat, fish and vegetables.