City in Lagos State, Nigeria
Lagos
Africa's biggest and most energetic city for Afrobeats, nightlife, tech and business. Exciting and expensive for a first visit; traffic, flooding, crime and strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws mean you need local contacts and planning.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,500–2,860Comfortable, one person · ₦2M–3.8MDetails
- Value for money16/100Better value than 15% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Feb, 30°CDetails
- Air quality27 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2010) · Very pollutedDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and bank transfers are common in malls and restaurants; cash for markets, buses and small vendors.Details
Where to stay in Lagos
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Victoria Island–Ikoyi | Business, hotels, restaurants and the safest bases; expensive |
| Lekki Phase 1 | Expats, gyms, cafés and nightlife; bad traffic to the Island |
| Yaba | Tech scene, coworking and cheaper rents; busy mainland |
| Ikeja GRA | Near the airport, music clubs and quieter streets |
Apps that work in Lagos
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chowdeck | Main local delivery app; restaurants and groceries |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Opay: Local wallet; needs a Nigerian account
- Air Peace: Domestic flights between Lagos and Abuja
- Taxis: Avoid street taxis and 'one chance' buses. If apps fail, hotels can arrange cars at fixed prices.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Nigeria.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and bank transfers are common 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.