Money:
The unit of currency is the CFA franc (XOF), which is tied to
the Euro and divided into 100 centimes. Only currency issued by the
Bank of West African States (
Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest)is considered
valid. Lomé and other major cities have bureaux de change and banks
will also exchange currency; banks are usually open on weekdays.
Travellers cheques, as well as most major credit cards are
accepted, but mostly only in Lomé and other major cities, so it is
best to carry cash. American Express is the most widely
accepted.
Time:
Local time in Togo is GMT.
Electricity:
The electrical current in Togo is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz
(127 volts, 50 Hz in Lomé). Round 2-pin attachment plugs are
standard.
Language:
The official language in Togo is French, but Ewe and Mina
are spoken (especially in the south), as well as Kabye and Dagomba
(mainly in the north).
Health:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all
visitors to Togo over the age of one year. Malaria is prevalent
countrywide and insect protection, as well as a prophylactic that
has not shown signs of being resisted in the area, are essential.
Insect protection is also essential against other insect-borne
diseases, like dengue fever. Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid
vaccinations are recommended. Cholera is a fairly common disease,
though travellers are at low risk. Bilharzia is present, and it is
best to avoid swimming in fresh water. African trypanosomiasis
(sleeping sickness
),meningococcal disease and rabies can also occur.N1 avian flu is present, and travellers are advised to avoid
contact with poultry. It is recommended that travellers be
up-to-date on all routine immunisations. Tap water is to be
avoided, unless boiled, filtered or disinfected with chemicals and
it is safest to drink bottled water. Avoid drinks with ice. Milk is
unpasteurised and should be boiled; any diary product made from
milk should be avoided. Food must be well-cooked, and all fruit and
vegetables should be peeled or cooked. Medical facilities are poor,
and health insurance is recommended, as is a supply of basic
medication (e.g. for travellers' diarrhoea, headaches etc).
Tipping:
A service charge is often included in Togo, but if not, 10% is
customary. Taxi drivers do not usually expect a tip.
Safety:
There has been relative calm in Togo since the Presidential
elections in April 2005, but civil unrest can occur at any time and
some westerners (particularly expatriates) have been the targets of
attacks by demonstrators. The threat from terrorism is low. Pick
pocketing, theft and carjackings are common in Lomé, especially on
the seafront. It is best to travel in groups, especially at night,
and the area near the Hotel Sarakawa should be avoided. Attacks
have also occurred during the day. Roads can be hazardous and some
taxis poorly maintained, so care should be taken. Border entry and
exit points can be open and closed without warning, and roadblocks
(official and unofficial) can occur, even in city centres.
Vehicles, as well as passport/identity documents can be subject to
checks by military and police. The ocean currents along the coast
can be very strong and there is some risk of drowning.
Customs:
Voodoo and animism are central to Togolese indigenous beliefs
(though a small percentage of the population are Muslim or
Christian) and visitors should respect local customs, as well as
religious ceremonies and festivals. Beachwear should be restricted
to pools and beaches, and casual, practical clothing is the most
appropriate. Women should dress modestly in the more strictly
Muslim areas.
Business:
Togo is a relatively relaxed country and it is acceptable to
dress casually to some smaller business meetings, but at formal
business meetings, it would be advisable to wear a suit. French is
the official language of business and very few people speak
English. It is advisable to make appointments in advance of
meetings. Business cards are commonplace. Office hours are 7am to
5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free:
Visitors over 15 years of age may import 100 cigarettes, or 100
cigarillos, or 100g tobacco or 50 cigars, as well as 1 bottle of
wine, 1 bottle of spirits, 500ml eau de toilette and 250ml perfume,
without incurring customs duty. All fruit and vegetable products
require a phytosanitary certificate.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Togo is +228; no city/area
codes are necessary. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the
relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Internet
cafes are widely available and mobile phone signal is strongest
around urban centres. There are two GSM 900 networks.