Medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. There is a pronounced shortage of medical specialists. Medical care in Freetown is currently very limited. The doctors usually speak English. In Freetown there are some German-speaking general practitioners and specialists. Church missions and international aid organizations maintain some medical facilities and social services. A first-aid kit should be taken with you. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers. Exceptions are transit passengers who do not leave the airport in Sierra Leone. Regardless of official regulations, vaccination against yellow fever is generally recommended for all travelers to Sierre Leone. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required upon exiting Sierra Leone. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. There are always cholera epidemics with several thousand sufferers every year, as in 2012. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before starting the trip. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Malaria protection against the predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is required all year round (increased risk during the rainy season May-October) in all parts of the country. Chloroquine resistance has been reported. [4] Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: Unprotected sexual contacts, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Lassa fever infection is endemic in Sierra Leone and small outbreaks occur periodically. The transmission route to humans is through oral or inhalative contact with food or aerosols contaminated with rat urine. Caution should be exercised, especially when traveling inland in simple conditions. Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur during the dry season. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. Sleeping sickness occurs nationwide. Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing and insect repellent.
Money
Currency
1 leone = 100 cents. Currency code: Le, SLL (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 Le; Coins in denominations of 500 and 100 Le.
Credit cards
With the exception of a few large hotels and supermarkets, major credit cards are rarely accepted. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in some banks. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Sierra Leone.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Thu 08.00-13.30, Fri 08.00-14.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency is limited to 50,000 Le. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation from US$ 5,000. Export maximum of the amount declared upon entry, minus the exchange amounts (keep official proof, e.g. bank receipts).
Currency Exchange
Euros, US dollars and British pounds can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and major hotels.
