Capital city in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Abuja
Planned, calmer capital with wide roads, embassies, good restaurants and easy access to Zuma Rock and Aso Rock. Safer and quieter than Lagos, but expensive, spread out and car-dependent; kidnapping risk on the outskirts.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,350–2,480Comfortable, one person · ₦1.8M–3.3MDetails
- Value for money12/100Better value than 11% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Mar, 35°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–45Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and transfers work in malls and restaurants; cash for markets, buses and small vendors.Details
Where to stay in Abuja
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Maitama | Upscale, embassies, restaurants; safest for first stays |
| Wuse 2 | Central, cafés, nightlife, malls and shops |
| Jabi–Utako | Mid-range apartments, Jabi Lake Mall and expats |
| Garki | Cheaper stays and local food; busier, older |
| Asokoro | Quiet, leafy, near government buildings |
Apps that work in Abuja
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chowdeck | Main local delivery app in central districts |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Opay: Local wallet; needs a Nigerian account
- Air Peace: Domestic flights between Lagos and Abuja
- Taxis: Street taxis need a negotiated price. Apps are safer and give a trip record.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Nigeria.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and transfers work in malls and restaurants; cash for markets, buses and small vendors. POS fees and shortages occur.
- Currency: Naira (NGN). US$1 ≈ ₦1,330.64 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Limits are often 20,000–100,000 NGN per withdrawal; foreign cards may be declined, so carry a second card and some USD.
- Tipping: 10% is normal in sit-down restaurants if no service charge is added; small tips for porters and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Local bank transfers and POS terminals dominate; foreign Apple/Google Pay is rarely accepted. Opay and Moniepoint need a Nigerian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- A visa is required for most visitors; visa on arrival has ended. Apply on the official Nigeria Immigration Service e-visa portal before travel.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required (exempt: infants 8 months or younger, adults 61 or older).
- Complete the online landing card (lecard.immigration.gov.ng) before entry; a similar exit card applies on departure.
Emergency numbers
Police 199 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy from carrier shops or Lagos airport kiosks; SIM registration needs your passport and a National Identification Number (NIN) step for foreigners. Allow 3,000–10,000 NGN for monthly data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Nigeria
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.