Capital city in Western Area, Sierra Leone
Freetown
Hilly Atlantic capital with warm people, fish markets and clean peninsula beaches within an hour. Infrastructure is basic, humidity high and the airport sits across the estuary.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,140–1,830Comfortable, one person · Le28,000–45,000Details
- Value for money46/100Better value than 45% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid street ice and ice cubes.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$16–49Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPoda-poda (minibus)You'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in a few hotels and restaurants; cash for everything else.Details
Where to stay in Freetown
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen and Lumley | Beaches, hotels, restaurants and the expat scene |
| Hill Station and Wilberforce | Cooler hills, views, embassies, quieter stays |
| Central Freetown (Tower Hill) | Markets, government buildings, daytime only |
Apps that work in Freetown
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Orange Money: Local mobile money for residents
- Taxis: No ride apps found; keke and taxis have no meters, so agree fares. Hotels will arrange airport transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Sierra Leone.
- Mostly cash Cards work in a few hotels and restaurants; cash for everything else. Foreign cards often fail at ATMs, so bring US dollars to change.
- Currency: Leone (SLE). US$1 ≈ Le24.65 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Few ATMs accept foreign cards (mostly Visa), and they cap withdrawals low; carry cash from abroad.
- Tipping: Not required; 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added, and a few leones for guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Orange Money and Afrimoney are used locally but need a Sierra Leone SIM and account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- A visa is required for most visitors; apply for an e-visa online or pay about USD 80 cash on arrival.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry.
- Complete the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal form online within 72 hours before travel and keep the confirmation code.
Emergency numbers
Police 999
Plugs
Type D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at Freetown airport or carrier shops with your passport. Roughly 150–300 Le for a month of data.
Going to Freetown solo?
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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.