Most visitors to Liberia come to Monrovia to work with aid agencies, the government or businesses, and the few tourists head for the surf at Robertsport, the beaches near the capital or the rainforest of Sapo National Park. Flights land at Roberts International Airport, a long drive from the city on a busy and hazardous road. Liberia falls outside the EU's Roam Like at Home rules, so a European SIM roams there at its operator's prices.
Key facts for Liberia
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Cellcom (now Orange Liberia) (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 911; ambulance 5888 (services are unreliable)
- Embassies: in Monrovia
Monrovia
Coverage is good across Monrovia. Armed robbery is common: thieves often carry knives or machetes, foreigners have been mugged in Mamba Point and Sinkor, and criminals operate in nightclubs and on beaches, even in daytime. Do not walk around after dark, avoid isolated places, including beaches at night, and carry little cash. Assaults and robberies have been reported in taxis, and the motorbike taxis known as pein-peins are particularly dangerous. Protests can start with little warning, so keep away from demonstrations, rallies and large crowds.
The beaches and the sea
The beaches can have rip tides and other dangerous currents, there are no lifeguards, and the sea in central Monrovia is dirty. Never swim alone or after dark, and avoid canoes and fishing boats offering passenger services.
Roads upcountry
Outside Monrovia, most roads are unlit and unpaved, apart from the main routes to Buchanan, Bo Waterside and Ganta, and many become impassable in the rainy season, from May to November. Travel by day in a convoy of at least two vehicles, and beware of illegal checkpoints at night. After a road accident, crowds can turn hostile, so stay in your locked car unless it is unsafe. The airport road is often congested, so allow plenty of time for your flight.
Laws to know
Drug smuggling and possession bring long prison sentences, same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and you should carry photo ID at all times.
Health and paying
Medical care is very limited, hospitals expect payment upfront, and emergency services are unreliable, so make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation. The US dollar circulates widely alongside the Liberian dollar and is accepted everywhere, but only international hotels and a few upscale restaurants take cards, and Monrovia's cash machines are few, often out of order and quick to run out of notes.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up before departure connects on landing at Roberts International Airport, and your own SIM stays available for texts and bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Ghana.
Liberian SIM cards from Orange or Lonestar Cell MTN are sold at the airport and in Monrovia, and you need your passport to register one.
Consular protection: who to call in Liberia
- Call 911 for the police and 5888 for an ambulance, but emergency services are unreliable and the police lack resources, so also save the numbers of your hotel and your embassy.
- Embassies are in Monrovia. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If your EU country has no embassy or consulate in Liberia, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- English is the official language, so you can report a problem in English.
Questions travellers ask about Liberia
Does my EU plan work in Liberia?
No. Liberia is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator's own roaming rates apply.
Do I need cash?
Yes. US dollars are accepted everywhere, while cards and cash machines are unreliable.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Liberia?
The former Cellcom network, which now operates as Orange Liberia, with 4G where available.
What are the emergency numbers?
911 for the police and 5888 for an ambulance, although services are unreliable.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, carry US dollars in cash, stay off the streets and beaches after dark, travel upcountry by day with a second vehicle, and save 911.
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