Niger
Visitor Information
Climate | Latest Travel Advice |
Visas & Immigration | Money |
Local Time | Getting Around |
Public Holidays | Electrical Power
| Travel Insurance
CLIMATE
Niger is one of the hottest countries
in the world, particularly in the north, where the intense heat often cause the
rain the evaporate before it hits the ground. On the average, rainfall in the
Air Massif is limited to 7 inches annually, and most of this comes during a
single two month period. In the south, rainfall averages some 22 inches
annually, varying from about 9 inches in Zinder to 30 inches at Niamey; the
rainy season is from June through September, with most rain falling in July and
August. From November to February the weather is dry and cooler. The
temperature fluctuates from 29.4°C (85°F) during the dry season to
40.5°C (105°F) during the humid season.
Climate Chart for Niamey
For
today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather
Forecasts
LATEST TRAVEL
ADVICE
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel
Warnings
VISAS &
IMMIGRATION
Visas are required by all except nationals from
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy and UK. and most North & West African
countries. Visa are usually issued for 1 month but are extendable in Niamey.
MONEY
Official
Currency: West African CFA=100 centimes
Current Exchange
Rate:
Today's Exchange
Rate
Credit cards are accepted on a limited basis. Travellers
cheques are exchangeable in bank and are acceptable by a few businesses.
. BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking: Monday to Friday: 0800-1100 and 1600-1700
Shops: Monday to Friday: 0800-1200 and
1600-1900 Saturday: 0800-1200
LOCAL TIME
Niger is one hour ahead of GMT
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Domestic Flights:
A domestic service is
available from Niamey to Agadez, Arlit, Zinder and Maradi.
Public
Transport:
The government runs bus service is fairly efficient and
comfortable. but expensive. Most the most centres are connected. Bush taxis
also cover all the major routes and are cheaper but slower, and more crowded.
You can also hitch rides with private cars or lorries, but agree a price before
setting out.
Self Drive / Hire
Cars:
Map &
Atlases for Sale
Hire cars are available on a limited basis but
are expensive. Petrol stations are few and far between. Many lesser used tracks
become impassable during the rains and often a 4 wheel drive vehicle is needed.
Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is
required. If you are entering the country in your own vehicle you will need a
Carnet de Passage.
| The Africa Guide's recommended
Map |
 |
|
Niger - Sheet map
(Maps Worldwide)
Full colour - Institut Geographique
National (IGN) - Countries and Cities of the World
General road and relief
map with index and town plans
|
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
| 1st January |
New Year's Day |
| 1st May |
Worker's Day |
| 3
August |
Independence Day |
| 5
September |
Settler's Day |
| 18th December |
Republic Day |
| 25th December |
Christmas Day |
| Variable holidays |
Good Friday and Easter Monday, and various Islamic
Holidays |
ELECTRICAL POWER Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz.
The Plug types used are :
Flat blade attachment plug -
view
Round pin
attachment plug - view
Round pins with ground - view
Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding
pin - view
"Schuko"
plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts -
view
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you need medical care whilst in
Niger, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
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Insure and Go - UK Travellers
whether
it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're
off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away. |
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- UK Travellers
Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line.... |
| |
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Insure My Trip - USA travellers
offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. . |
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 Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers
offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age. |
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