Togo - basics - Countries Guide

Time: Local time is GMT.

Electricity: The electrical current in Togo is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz (127 volts, 50 Hz in Lomé). Round 2-pin attachment plugs are standard.

Language: The official language is French, but Ewe and Mina are spoken (especially in the south), as well as Kabye and Dagomba (mainly in the north).

Health: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all visitors over the age of one year. Malaria is prevalent countrywide and insect protection, as well as a prophylactic that has not shown signs of being resisted in the area, are essential. Insect protection is also essential against other insect-borne diseases, like dengue fever. Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Cholera is fairly common, though travellers are at low risk. Bilharzia is present, and it is best to avoid swimming in fresh water. African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), meningococcal disease and rabies can also occur. It is recommended that travellers be up-to-date on all routine immunisations. Tap water is to be avoided, unless boiled, filtered or disinfected with chemicals and it is safest to drink bottled water. Avoid drinks with ice. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled; any diary product made from milk should be avoided. Food must be well cooked, and all fruit and vegetables should be peeled or cooked. Medical facilities are poor, and health insurance is recommended, as is a supply of basic medication (e.g. for travellers diarrhoea, headaches etc).

Tipping: A service charge is often included, but if not, 10% is customary. Taxi drivers do not usually expect a tip.

Safety: There has been relative calm in Togo since the Presidential elections in April 2005, but civil unrest can occur at any time and some westerners (particularly expatriates) have been the targets of attacks by demonstrators. The threat from terrorism is low. Pick pocketing, theft and carjackings are common in Lomé, especially on the seafront. It is best to travel in groups, especially at night, and the area near the Hotel Sarakawa should be avoided. Attacks have also occurred during the day. Roads can be hazardous and some taxis poorly maintained, so care should be taken. Border entry and exit points can be open and closed without warning, and roadblocks (official and unofficial) can occur, even in city centres. Vehicles, as well as passport/identity documents can be subject to checks by military and police. The ocean currents along the coast can be very strong and there is some risk of drowning.

Customs: Voodoo and animism are central to Togolese indigenous beliefs (though a small percentage of the population are Muslim or Christian) and visitors should respect local customs, as well as religious ceremonies and festivals. Beachwear should be restricted to pools and beaches, and casual, practical clothing is the most appropriate. Women should dress modestly in the more strictly Muslim areas.

Communications: The international dialling code for Togo is +228; no city/area codes are necessary. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Internet cafes are widely available and mobile phone signal is strongest around urban centres. There are two GSM 900 networks.

Duty Free: Visitors over 15 years of age may import 100 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 100g tobacco or 50 cigars, as well as 1 bottle of wine, 1 bottle of spirits, 500ml eau de toilette and 250ml perfume, without incurring customs duty. All fruit and vegetable products require a phytosanitary certificate.

Climate: Despite its size, the Togolese climate is diverse, ranging from tropical to savannah. The south of the country is humid, and temperatures can range from 75°F to 90°F (23°C to 32°C), while the north, described as semi-arid, experiences greater extremes, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 100°F (18°C to over 38°C). The south experiences two rainy seasons, from March to early July and September to October, while April to August is the wettest time north of the Togo Mountains. Evenings can be cool in all regions, and dust storms are not uncommon. The best time to travel to Togo is in August, early September, and from November to April, as these are the driest periods.