English is the official language and widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.
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Nigerian currency is the Naira (NGN), which is divided into 100 kobo. Approved exchange facilities include the major hotels and the airport, but official rates are very high. It is illegal to change money on the street. Credit card fraud is a problem and visitors are advised against the use of credit cards throughout the country; credit card facilities are also limited. Facilities for changing travelers checks are also very limited. Prior to travel, visitors should ensure they have a variety of currency options available to them (Sterling, U.S. dollars or Euros) in cash. Travelers should be aware of the prevalence of commercial fraud in, and emanating from, Nigeria.
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Full international direct dialing is available. The country code for Nigeria is +234, and the outgoing international code is 009, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0091 for the U.S.). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Lagos . There are good GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks covering Lagos, Abuja and some other major towns. Internet cafes can be found in Lagos.
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Tips of about 10 percent are expected for almost every service. In better restaurants waiters expect a 10 percent tip if a service charge hasn't already been added. Negotiate taxi fares inclusive of the tip before embarking on a journey.
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Violent street crime, armed robberies, muggings and car jackings are prevalent in Lagos and elsewhere in the more populous south of the country. Recent gang violence in central Port Harcourt means that visitors should take care when traveling around the town. Visitors need to be vigilant and cautious.
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Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by anyone arriving from infected areas and immunization is recommended for all. No other vaccinations are required for entry to Nigeria, but there is a high risk of malaria, yellow fever, polio, typhoid, hepatitis (A and B) and meningitis. Visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. At present there is a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria, as well as regular outbreaks of cholera and meningitis. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. The first case of bird flu in Africa was detected on a poultry farm in northern Nigeria in February 2006. There is little risk to visitors provided all situations that would bring close contact with live wild, caged or domestic birds are avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. There is a risk of food poisoning; visitors should only drink bottled water and ensure that meat and vegetables are well cooked and eaten hot, and fruit is peeled. There are some good private hospitals, but government facilities are of low standard and should be avoided. Most foreign companies have arrangements with private clinics and hospitals for their expatriate workers. Individuals needing specialized treatment for acute illness or severe injury are usually evacuated to Europe. Good, comprehensive insurance is strongly advised, and should include evacuation.
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Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.
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