10 Things You Need To Know Before Coming To Sierra Leone |🇸🇱 Travel Tips For Visiting Salone in 2023
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- Are you planning a trip to SIERRA LEONE 🇸🇱 ?!? Here's TOP 10 THINGS you NEED to know before you book that flight! ✈️
2023 UPDATES HERE - • What Not To Do In Sier...
Mariama Forbes and I compiled a resourceful list of things that will help make your trip to Sierra Leone smooth! These are our own personal experiences, and we knew you would benefit from every single one! We hope you enjoy, make sure to drop a comment if we left anything important out 🙏🏿
Sierra Leone is such a beautiful Country !! When traveling to places its important to do your research beforehand! I've managed to learn a ton from other travelers, so I figured what better way to "Pay it Forward" than create a SUPER helpful list to help you learn a bit more about Sierra Leone and its culture!
Here's a few of the items you need to keep you on point for your trip to Sierra Leone:
Learn from us so you don’t make the same mistakes...
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00:00 - Stuck!
00:13 - Intro
01:00 - #10 - Lungi Airport
03:09 - #9 - Cash Is King
04:08 - #8 - ATMs
04:57 - #7 - Don't Wear White
05:54 - #6 - Airbnb and Apartment Prices
08:32 - #5 - Unexpected Visitors
09:32 - #4 - How to Negotiate or Bargain
10:45 - #3 - Requests For Tips
12:04 - #2 - Mosquitoe Nets
13:22 - #1 - Local Contacts
15:35 - Where to find Mariama Online
16:10 - Outro
#MovingToAfrica #VisitingSierraLeone #AuthenticAfrican
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I loved filming this video! so many important tips shared. I hope you all find it useful!
It was great. Thanks for taking part
Peace, love and blessings. Thank you for the tips. I plan on living in Salone. I am African American that traced my Maternal lineage to Salone. I just want to assimilate and learn about the different cultures but mainly the Mende culture. I like the masquerades, historical museums, festivals, etc. Also I prefer to live in the village because I don’t like crowded cities because I am kind of a quiet person (Maybe I need to get out more and become outgoing. Lol) but I can’t wait to move there. Thank you so much again for sharing the tips. I really appreciate it. Peace, love and blessings to you. Have a wonderful morning/evening. 🙏🏿🌻⭐️
Peace. You are very welcome. Glad you found it helpful. Congrats on tracing your heritage...once you arrive you find people willing to help you transition. Lots of great people living there who came from the US etc.
@@AuthenticAfrican Thank you so much for all the information. I really appreciate it. Have a wonderful and blessed day. 💛🌻
You're becoming outgoing when you reschedule your homeland. 💯💛❣️
Another suggestion with tip number 4 : send your local relatives to go shopping for you! You’ll save money that way too 😁😂😂
Great idea!!
That negotiation is not a game....I just always take a cousin...I tell them exactly what I want and I hide...once the price is right I appear and pay...
Great idea. Its always helpful to have a local if you can.
😏😁
😂 I’m taking notes
Mosquitos took me out 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
When negotiating, what worked for me was setting a hard and set price and then if they don't come down, I'd walk away.
Then they would literally chase me all over big market and eventually come down to the price I wanted or let me go
Great advice!
and best to go with a local, someone who understands value better. cause u might find it cheaper even after they're over charging you
@@mariatt293 very true
Sometimes the ATMS are down....due to the cash needing to be refilled or the network is down. Plan ahead as much as possible.
Standard Bank ATMs allow 600,000 leones withdrawals
Great insights. Thanks for sharing.
Yes!!! So on point but Salone is a beautiful hidden gem of a country
I could not agree more.✊🏿🇸🇱
Great information!!! I found out last year that my mother's DNA is Mende of SL. I am planning to participate in the citizenship program in December. I am looking for sound contacts on the ground there. Hopefully, as i prepare to retire in the USA that i can participate in continuous development and progress of my mother's home country. Thanks again for the information👊👌🙏
Glad you found it helpful. Congrats on finding out your heritage.You absolutely need to make the trip. It is life-changing.
Welcome to the Family brother 😊
@@alphaleonee1683 thanks Brother. Are you in Sierra Leon or another part of the Continent?
Welcome ma,
Folks are VERY helpful and really will go out of their way to carry your stuff for you so be sure to tip.
You can always politely decline but keep in mind, every other person will also offer to help you lol
So true. You can always politefully decline.
HA! That's the best tip. Just be ready and first person to offer wins. lol
Same when you go to Boracay Philipines. My (local) tour guide pretty much said the same as you. :D
Great insight. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I love thisssssss 🤗
Thank you! ✊🏿
Awesome!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks 😊
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful
Great information thanks.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Hope you like the rest of my content.
Thanks!
Thank you for the support! It means a lot!
Thank you for this video! Really helpful
You're so welcome! Glad you found it helpful. I will be doing an update video soon.
Excellent, and thanks for the clip.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. ✊🏿🇸🇱
This was so very helpful
Your welcome. Happy to help!
My Mum is Sierra Leonean but we live in UK and she still uses cash eventhough we have contact less. I never understood why until now haha.
😂😂😂 I guess that answers it! Yeah. so few places have contact less or card payment options.
These tips are so handy, thanks for filming this video. I’m going to Sierra Leone soon 🥰✨
You are very welcome. Glad you found it helpful. YOu will have to tell us about your trip when you go.
thank you
You're welcome. thanks for watching
This was thoroughly informative 👏
Glad it was helpful!
Well done
Thank you. Happy you liked it!
One love❤
One love. 💪🏿🇸🇱
Great video guys!! Really helpful.
The part about the mosquitoes though.😂😂
lol.Glad you found it helpful and you enjoyed it!
Helpful information! The mosquitos part, though.
Glad you found it helpful...Lol, mosquitos are a bit of a challenge.
Hiya Sierra Leone is one of the countries I’m. Most interested in.
😂😂😂The mosquito clips 😂😂😂😂
its real. 😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks you guys for this wonderful tips about Sierra Leone. While it’s my country of birth I find the tips very useful especially having been out of the country a couple of decades. Thanks to you and the sister for even considering and of course doing the video.
Our pleasure! Glad you found it useful.
Thank you, AA. I'm from NY and will be traveling to SL for a short visit. The info you both shared are like SL-101 for me.
Youre welcome. Glad it was helpful! Be sure to watch the updated video on the channel with more details.
Just realized I’m not subbed. Longtime viewer, love your content and your screen presence.
Thanks for watching and for subbing. Hope you like the content coming soon.
Good education for travelers in to SL
Glad you found it useful.
Great video joel of the conversation and i've learned a little bit more about sierra leone❤🎉🎉🎉 #businessWednesday
Thanks for the support! As always.
Wow prices are high compared to other places
Yes and they are on the rise.
Hey :) nice video! What’s your opinion of coming to Sierra Leone in the rainy season. Is it save or does for example flooding happen a lot?
Wish I’d seen this video before my trip. But I totally agree with your list. Glad I went with a friend from there. The negotiations were actually fun. I do that in the states at flee markets so the big market there was interesting! My experience was an experience I’m glad I had!
Thanks for watching and I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip. I am for sure doing another video that covers some of the more recent changes. Stay tuned for move videos.
Great editing by the way!
Thanks! Looking forward to putting out the next one.
My Nation my Country. Beautiful country see you in December mother land. 🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱. May I meet u in peace and love.
YES. I cant wait be back in Sierra Leone myself! ✊🏿🇸🇱
অপুর্ব সুন্দর ভিডিও। অনেক ধন্যবাদ ও শুভেচ্ছা আপনাকে🌹🌹🌹
✊🏿🇸🇱
Much blessing I'm from Jamaica my ancestors are from Sierra Leone I'm coming to visit there soon you talked about dual citizenship how is it easy to become a citizen Sierra Leone I got the African ancestry proof and I thinking about visiting soon I appreciate for give me some information thank you very much
Hey Alexander, I talked about it here: czcams.com/video/gdQLaHz1VC0/video.html
Very east
Dang. Freetown houses cost the same, if not more, then they cost in Las Vegas or Pheonix
Yeah. Its a bit costly
@@AuthenticAfrican I'm confused as to why. Locals afford to live in those houses? Or foreigners mainly but them?
👍👍❤❤🙏🙏
Thanks for watching!
Great video! How much are you tipping for bag handling, boats, etc.?
Depends. Mostly 5 or 10 leones.
Please visit us at Tyler Perry Town Sierra Leone
Sounds good. Can you email me the details? Contact@authenticafrican.com
Bro beard 🔥🔥🔥
No homo of course.
I appreciate the props on the beard.
Looking forward to coming to my mothers land
oh yes. You have to make the trip!
Unexpected visitors, lol! Yes, they expect lunch and sometimes transportation money! But you just have to be upfront about your own expectations. People will usually understand....unless it's a family member, then you have no choice, lol.
True story!
Lolol
apartment prices are getting over
they can be expensive
good day am come Jamaica and I w like to go to sierra leone one day can u please tell me w r u going back place so I can come was u
ok great. I will be there in December. maybe we will cross paths.
I’ve been watching you all the way from Australia. How can I contact you sir? Need some more advice.
Thank you. glad you found it useful! email me at Authnenticafricanlife@gmail.com.
Hi - Thank you so much, this was on point! I'm a first generation American heading there (never been),and have limited distant family in Freetown! This was so helpful. A couple questions -
- How bad was the experience getting through customs solo? Would you recommend having some cash with you coming into Sierra Leone or is it feasible to transfer from a US bank once you arrive?
- Are there any local guides that you would recommend for a first-timer or places to go that will be useful as a beginner from America?
So glad you found this content helpful. ✊🏿🇸🇱
- How bad was the experience getting through customs solo? Would you recommend having some cash with you coming into Sierra Leone or is it feasible to transfer from a US bank once you arrive?.......Customs is not really an issue. much like any othe travel. Fingerprints and info on where you are staying. As for cash, you can use an atm locally but limits you to $40 per transaction. You can use World Remit to send yourself money as well.
- Are there any local guides that you would recommend for a first-timer or places to go that will be useful as a beginner from America?...Unfortunately this is a tough one. I have someone that my family trusts who I have been working with for a few years. I recommend if you are staying in a hotel, to ask the staff to help in this area. They tend to have info or can help you navigate.
Hope this helps.
Thank you. Invaluable information. I’m visiting a place called Hastings. I’m not expecting to have Wi-Fi. Do you know the nearest local down that I would have to travel to ? Also replenish cash as I’ve heard there would be no atms in this town. Thank you in advance
You can get a mifi at the airport. Orange Telecom has an office there and they sell them. I recomend getting one and setting it up so that you can connect while in Hastings. if you have wifi you can get cash. You can use World Remit to send yourself cash. You will be able to pick up the cash at the nearest MoneyGram/Afro International location. Otherwise, you will need to ask the people you are coming to meet where the nearest town is with an ATM. Unfortunately, I do not know the nearest one.
@@AuthenticAfrican thank you. This is the information you don’t get from travel agents. Can’t thank you enough. X
What about navigating peanut allergies in Sierra Leone to eat, etc
You can do it. I just recommend that what ever you are asking to be made, you mention this and verify with the server and have them repeat back to you that you can not eat peanuts. You also will need to do the same with homecooked meals.
@Authentic African thank you. I'm asking for family members. For example, if we have a long visit, we could I guess bring olive oil or canola oil if the cooks would oblige or do they have other oils to cook with?
Ah, I see. There are other oils to cook with for sure, but brining your own is always a good bet. You can have your own and then with you go out to supermarkets, you can double check and see what options are available.
I am from Philippines my boyfriend is from sierra leone he wanted i visit to him country in this year we are long distance relasyonship in 8years he wanted to marriege us in this year thank you for your tips godbless to both of you ❤️
Your welcome. Happy to have helped you with information. I wish you the best in your relationship.
@@AuthenticAfrican thank you so much more video plss 😘 godbless you
Hi I have never seen a video that talks about water safety in Sierra Leone. Can you find distilled water in Freetown? Do people filter the water/ and or boil it before drinking? Thanks.
Some people boil it before drinking but most people just buy water. I have not yet seen any company distilling the water and selling it widely.
No way forget about what your western mainstream media use to tell you about Sierra Leone come and see for yourself and you’ll know.
How did you find local contacts and how much will you pay them to help you .
Both of mine came through referrals. That is the best way. If there are people who's opinions you trust, have them recommend people. Otherwise you have no idea who you might be getting. Trust comes over time so you need people who you have had in your family or with friends for many years.
Hi Dear, I'm in NY. I plan on traveling to Freetown Freetown Sierra this July, 2023. I need a car to get around. Do they have any good car rental spot out there?!
yes I do. here are a few:
Freetown Rent A Car Ronald (3 phone numbers but highly recommend) "+232 72 903 336
'+232 90 212 445
'+232 72 903 334
info@freetownrentacar.com"
Ma Dezzo Car Rental Alfredo +232 789 19 777
D&M Car Rental Abdul Rahman +232 767 00 909
@14:05 can you share this local contacts info? I'm trying to get my business registered in Sierra Leone as well and a business bank account. How much does he charge?
I will have to talk to him about if he has the bandwidth and what he might charge. He is a family friend that mostly does work for my uncle. I will email you once I speak to him.
Im planning a vaca to the Continent for the first time. Sierra Leone is one of my option. I am a bit reluctant because what I've heard regarding safety. Is safety a big concern at this time?
Good question. I would recommend you travel with someone. Always better to travel anywhere with someone else. Its not very dangerous but there is crime. Its all about how you move and where you go. Dont walk alone in dark places at night, and generally you should be fine. However, I think that is good advice for anywhere in the world. Hope that helps.✊🏿🇸🇱
Sierra Leone is super safe,don’t listen to what people are saying!you should definitely visit!
I’m a generous tipper in the west. Any ideas on tempering it? I would feel compelled to over tip to help locals but would that eventually become a burden? Thanks.
Feel free to tip but be careful because everyone wants a tip and you can run low on cash if you tip everyone for everything. I recommend that you stick to the Restaurants and when someone does something you truly find helpful.
@@AuthenticAfrican nice. Thanks.
@@nyk3334 If youre just visiting it fine, but if youre having an extended stay, you need to be conservative.
Good that they hint that they want a tip. I've seen you interviewed in a country where the game is to ignore or argue to delay travelers to the point of missing flights. The reason they're vexed may have no rhyme or reason. When negotiating they don't understand or care that all you have is 10 of any currency, all that matters is getting too much of your money, even if they don't provide products or services that you want. Maybe going to Salone instead can save many people's sanity. Sadly for locals, they chase away their opportunities to make money smh...
I know that it is difficult for them so I am a bit more understanding than most. However, its also that fact that everyone see americans as rich, because so many come back and flash money like they are. I just want to do what I can to ensure that Sierra Leone can be a place where our poeple feel like they dont need to leave for a better life.
Say are the fee's waived at the atm due to the multiple transactions you have to make?
Unfortunately, no. There is a fee for each transaction. Some ATMs dont do that but most do.
No, and don't forget that you will pay fees on both sides. You pay the local fee of that ATM (anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 leones, plus the fee that your international bank charges (for me anywhere from $3-5 per transaction) and the exchange fee (based on daily exchange rate). It can add up.
Do you need to take COVId test in SL before travelling to Uk. The government website gives contradicting advice.
COVID test yes. Vaccine is not required but you might be on a mandatory quarantine. That was what they were doing in December.You will also want to pay for the COVID test you will need to take when you arrive as well. You have to have a negative test to fly there and must show it when you arrive as well.
Would it better to book a air bnb or a hotel? I am coming from U.S and this my very 1st time visiting sierra leone, I want to be comfortable and some time my wife would like to cook, frigerator, microwave and a stove to cook. We also going to need wifi and AC.
I would say an AirBnb would be best if you want to cook. You would need to book asap. Just check to see if they have wifi and ac. However, hotels will guarantee ac and wifi.
It depends on expectations as far comfort and your flexibility. If you are looking for a western experience, stay at Radison Blue, Atlantic Lumley, Sierra Palms, The Place Tokeh or other hotel on the beach. If it's your first visit, I would suggest a hotel and as you get to know the country, venture out to a house. Houses are nice, but there are aspects that are very different from the US.
As far as cooking, the supermarkets are very different and expensive. Local outdoor markets are another beast. I would suggest restaurants until you get yourself accustomed to the environment.
All good points
@@AuthenticAfrican Thank you everyone for your Tips
Peace how long can you stay without leaving?
Hello. I will be around until the 15th Jan
@@AuthenticAfrican not asking about you just mean in General
Usually 6 weeks or so. The last two trips were that long. Now that iblive on Ghana, I can move back and forth more easily.
Can you open a bank account as European? what is needed?
Great question. I used my Sierra Leone passport of set up a bank account locally, but I will have to get back to you on this one. However, you can use World Remit to send yourself cash and can pick up $1000 per transaction if needed.
@@AuthenticAfrican Bro I am interested in local bank account as foreigner. I am even coming to Guinee/Sierra Leone. very soon. But I want to be able to open a Company within those Country. Having a Business operating from these 2 countries. I will advise you to make a video on this. This will be so informative. On how to: 1: What is needed to open a bank account 2: What is needed to open your business and how it takes...merely for entrepreneurs. Have a look into it. Stay with peace brother. One love from Holland.
Will do. I will look into that.
Is sierra leone cheap to live is it a stable to live
It sure can be. As long as you know where to go.
I have another questions, Me and my wife found a house that we will be staying that is comfortable for us. The only issue is getting Wifi. What is the best way to get reliable Wifi in Freetown? Is there a certain company that provides a router for WIFI for a house? We will need reliable WIFI because my Wife is will be logging on to do do College assignment. We also wanted Wifi for our cell phones and be able to stream movies and shows.
I would get one of the two orange or Qcell. Maybe get a myfi of the other just in case one goes down. Buy a big enough package (~$40-$60/month) and you should be able to stream what you want.
Hilarious
Glad you liked the video. Hope you found it helpful too. ✊🏿🇸🇱
The tip stuff is fine but should not happen with airport workers. That was a little annoying to be honest. I politely declined with no issue but didn't like that.
Very good advice. You are right on all of your points!
Watched your youtube videos before landing in Sierra Leone, I must say its a beautiful country but super boring compared to Kenya. Landscape is awesome , beaches awesome BUT hang out joints empty, music close to none, and again I'm comparing to Kenya. But its a safe nice place, thus far.
Thanks for watching. I hope you found the videos helpful...Compared to Kenya, Sierra Leone has a much smaller population so locations will be less crowded. December and April are times when its more packed. Hope you still enjoy your stay. ✊🏿🇸🇱
Who would want to visit those places?
Its a great place to be.You just need to be prepared. We are working together to make it a place that people will want to come more often.
I’m currently living in the US, Philadelphia is worse than Sierra Leone
1 Letter that I, Prophet Kacou Philippe, prisoner until May 20, 2021 because of the Gospel of Christ, addressed on January 31, 2018, to the black race, to let them know their true condition and their position on earth according to God’s revelation and in virtue of the vision of April 24,1993.
2 This morning, I woke up filled with the Holy Spirit. I wore two different shoes and of different colours. I wore a short and a jacket. And with the tie, I girded my loins. I went and rolled around in the dust. And after putting a rosary around my neck and taking the picture of William Branham with the pillar of fire and my Bible, I went down into the valley. But every place I wanted to enter, I was driven out. Then I started to look for a church filled with the Holy Spirit. I entered a Catholic church but they threw me out, pouring holy water on me. And after I left that place, I entered a Protestant church and started to recite the Apostles’ creed. But they threw me out again. And after I left that place, I was still speaking in tongues when I entered an evangelical church. But they still threw me out. And after I left that place, I entered a Branhamist church because I believed in Brother Branham but without giving any reason, they threw me out. And from there, I went back up to the wilderness to prophesy, saying: You kings and presidents and nobles and rich of the earth, and all of you, men and women, great and small, woe unto you, because you have heard my name on the earth.
3 One day, I will be the judge of all mankind just as every prophet will be the judge for his generation. It is written that the apostles will only judge the twelve tribes of Israel for the period of time in which the Lord Jesus Christ was on the earth. Romans 2:16 says that Paul will be the judge of all mankind for the period of time in which he was on earth. And I, Kacou Philippe that speak to you, I will be your judge before God. Look at the presidents of the nations. Look at the religious leaders and the leaders of organizations such as the UN, the UNESCO, politicians, heads of corporations, of companies,… I, Kacou Philippe, it is by my Gospel that you will all be judged. [Kc.21v6] [Kc.117v29] [Kc.135v13] [Kc.136v31]
www.philippekacou.org
#PKPCHANNELTV
#ProphetKacouPhilippe
Sorry. I don't understand.
Hey you bla bla bla !!!God bless Sierra Leone n there is nothing wrong with Sierra Leone.
I love Sierra Leone! ✊🏿🇸🇱
itches..
Mosquitoes will do that
Lol, the property value is waay to high. Waaay to high.
agreed!
Rule #1 in doing collaboration is to shut up and let the other party speak. You keep cutting the girl off and don’t let her say a word is beyond annoying.
Thanks Ruby. Well noted. Have a great weekend!
I saw the video you about how you positively described the double sided/double morals of the dating in Sierra Leone. I am a white woman and i think what you described is disasterous to any society. There s no loyalty, no trust, no comittment, no accountability, no real beauty of love? Scandalon.
I'm sorry but I don't know what you speak of. Maybe comment on that video and describe specifically what I was talking about so I can underhand what you mean.