Sierra Leone
While local businessmen tend not to wear suit and tie for meetings, visitors are typically expected to do so. English is the most common language in business circles. Appointments and punctuality are expected. Visiting cards are essential. Office hours are 0800-1200 and 1400-1700 Monday to Friday.
Scams abound and thefts of property are increasing. Thefts during daylight hours in populated areas are rare and usually non-confrontational. Purse snatching have occurred in the beach areas and eastern parts of the city. Expatriate residents employ guards against nighttime home invasions and robberies.
Police assistance is better than in the past, but the force is still poorly equipped, lacking radios, transport and fuel. Salaries are low and corruption is common. Few recoveries of stolen property are ever made. Often when a thief is caught in the act they are subjected to mob street justice.
Visitors in Freetown are cautioned to carry limited cash and not to wear expensive jewelry. Visitors are advised to keep control of their bags at all times, as unattended property is likely to be stolen. Taxi drivers are known to stage car breakdowns, asking passengers to push the car to a jump-start, and then driving off with the passenger's belongings. There are many beggars on Freetown's streets. Visitors are advised not to encourage their actions, as it is very difficult to help just one.
Visitors traveling in vehicles should make sure that all doors are locked and windows rolled up. Visitors hiring taxis should make it clear that no other passengers are allowed to ride along.
Hotels in Freetown tend to be run down. Thefts from rooms of visitors are common occurrence. Recently, outside investors have refurbished a small number of hotels in the beach area. With the rehabilitation has come an effort to provide adequate security for hotels in the city. Additionally, there are three luxury hotels located on the peninsula at Lakka and Tokay. Hotels in the interior are rare, although in Bo there is now the Hotel Sir Milton, which is of international standard.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 232. Outgoing international calls must go through the operator. Telex and telegram facilities are available at Slecom House, 7 Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown. Electricity is a 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Supply is subject to fluctuations.
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Supply subject to fluctuations.
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Restaurants in the capital serve Armenian, English, French and Lebanese food. African food is served in hotels.National specialties:
• Excellent fish, lobster and prawns.
• Exotic fruit and vegetables.Tipping:
Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge of 10 to 15 per cent. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.Nightlife
Freetown has nightclubs and two casinos and there is music, dancing and local entertainment arranged by the hotels along Lumley Beach in the Cape Sierra district. Some beachside clubs organize concerts by local pop bands.SHOPPING
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1400-1700.
