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NEWS

Togo

CLIMATE

Togo has a humid, tropical climate, but receive less rainfall than most of the other countries along the Gulf of Guinea. In the south there are two rainy seasons, from March to early July and from the end of September to early November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the mountains of the west, southwest and centre. North of the Atkora Mountains, the rainy season lasts from April to October. Annual rainfall averages about 40 inches in the north and 70 inches in the south. Lomé average about 30 inches and Klouto get over 70 inches of rain annually. Average temperatures range from 22°C to 35°C (72°-95°F).

Climate Chart for Lomé

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 of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Individual passports are required by all (joint passport are not acceptable) except some nationals of West African countries.

Visa regulations can change at any time and Embassies do NOT always update us when they change their entry requirements - we strongly advise you contact your nearest embassy to find our the lastest information.

Listing of Embassies and/or Consulates for Togo located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency: West African CFA=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

American Express is widely accepted, other credit cards have a limited use. Cash withdrawals can be made with Visa (but not Mastercard) at some banks in Lomé. Travellers cheques are accepted.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking: Monday to Friday: 0800-1600
Shops: Monday to Friday: 0800-1730 Saturday: 0730-1230

LOCAL TIME

Togo has the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Public Transport:	The country has an excellent and relatively cheap network of minibuses connecting all the main towns. Taxis are widely available in Lomé and shared taxis are available between towns.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Togo Sheet Map (Maps Worldwide) Full colour Published by Institut Geographique National (IGN) - Series: Countries and Cities of the World Format Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. There are several car hire firms, mainly in Lomé.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Year's Day
13th January	Liberation Day
24th January	Anniversary of failed attack at Sarakawa
24th April	Day of Victory
27th April	Independence Day
1st May	Labour Day
15th August	Assumption
24th September	Anniversary of failed attack at Lomé
1st November	All Saint's Day
25th December	Christmas Day
Moveable holidays	Easter Monday Variable Islamic holidays

Electrical Power

Electric Power is 240V (Lome 127V) running at 50Hz. The Plug type used is:
Round pin attachment plug - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Togo, 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.

	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.

	- 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....

	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. .

	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.