Life in Guinea Bissau is easy and relaxed. Although there isn’t a big expat community, the country has been endeavoring to promote their beautiful landscape, a mixture of African influences and Portuguese colonial inflections. Here’s a bit of info.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Guinea Bissau and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
There are no known international schools in Guinea Bissau. There are however international schools in its neighboring countries:
1. Gambia
2. Guinea
Local News in English
allAfrica – Guinea Bissau
AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic.
Website: allafrica.com/guineabissau
Country Information
Location: Africa
Capital City: Bissau
Other Important Cities:
Currency: CFA Franc
Language: Portuguese
Calling Code: +225
Internet TLD: .gw
Electricity: The country runs on 220V 50Hz. Electricity is provided by the government-owned Electricidade e Aguas da Guine-Bissau. However the electricity is unreliable, so most establishments also rely on power generators.
Embassy Information
gw.embassyinformation.com
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Only a few countries from the African continent may enter and stay in Guinea Bissau visa free. The rest may obtain a visa-on arrival that is valid for up to 90 days.
Accommodation
There is a handful of hotel located mostly in the capital. Hotel bookings must be done in advanced prior to arrival. The official tourism website Bissau Tourism has a list of hotels: www.bissautourism.com/tourism-information/hotels.html
Driving License
An international driving license is recommended to legally drive in Guinea Bissau.
Healthcare
The facilities in the country are very limited including medication. Cash payment is to be expected. A comprehensive health insurance that covers or reimburses the cost of medical evacuation is highly advised.
Insurance Companies
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com
Hospitals
Iamat Center
Address: Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Tel: +245 215 202
Hospital de Bolama
Address: Bolama, Guinea-Bissau
HR Mansoa
Address: Mansôa, Guinea-Bissau
Hospital do Mal de Hansen de Cumura
Address: Prabis, Guinea-Bissau
Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes
Address: Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Hospital 3 de Agosto
Address: Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
