Location: West Africa
Local Time: GMT
Capital City: Freetown
Population: 6.2 million
Area: 71,740357,021 square km, 27,699 square miles.
Language(s): English, Krio more widely spoken
Dialling Code: 232
Emergency: Police: 999. Fire: 019. Ambulance: 222001
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required, valid for stays up to 1 month. Sierra Leone licence required for longer periods.
Electricity: 220/240V AC 50Hz
Currency: Leone (SLL 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: SLL: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000
Coins: SLL: 50, 100, 500
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and also in some commercial banks
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1530 Mon-Fri
0900-1400 Sat
Office: 0800-1200 & 1400-1645 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0800-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region.
Business/Social Hints: Most executives speak English. On social occasions, eg invitation to hotels or restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: When a service charge is included tips are not necessary, however discretionary tips in restaurants are around 10%
