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WHERE IS LAGOS?

Lagos is a city located in Southwest, Nigeria. It is the biggest and most populous city in Africa. And it is easily accessible from most parts of the world. The country telephone code is +234. The name for Lagos in the local Yoruba dialect is “Eko” and “Eka Bo” means Welcome.

WHY LAGOS?

Lagos is one of the top destinations in Africa. The weather is warm, and the climate is tropical for the most part, it is pocket-friendly, and the entertainment ensemble is top notch. Lagos is constantly growing in popularity as a must-go destination.
Lagos is a prime destination anytime of the year, but most people visit in December for “Detty December” which is a time of partying, carnivals, Afrobeats concerts and all-round festivities.

VISAS

Most countries in Africa do not need a visa to visit Nigeria.

For countries in Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Asia and Australia, a visa is required to visit Nigeria.

The visa can be processed online, with fees paid and relevant documents uploaded. With the right steps, a tourist visa (90 days) to Nigeria is easy to get.

We advise you to prepare adequately and apply for the visit 60-90 days before you plan to travel depending on your country of origin.

See https://visa.immigration.gov.ng/ to apply for a Nigerian Visa.

FLIGHTS

Lagos is accessible directly by air from most parts of the world. The airport is called Murtala Mohammed International Airport with “LOS” as its code. You can use LOS to search for the airport on travel sites. The airport which is located on the mainland is about 40 – 1hr 30mins from the hotel/accommodation locations on the island depending on traffic. Trips from Europe and the Middle East average about 6-8 hours and a direct flight from the United States is 10-12 hours.

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

AFRICA

ASIA

CONCIERGE/TRIP-ASSISTANT

Our human Trip-Assistant (Not AI, not Bot) can help you tailor your trip to your budget and taste. From hotel choice, accommodation preference, location, transportation, deals, restaurant reservations, welcome gifts, tours, club reservations, recommendations etc. We take the worry off you, and you get a dedicated 24-hour trip assistant from when you contact us till after your trip. We offer complimentary After-Trip services, for example: retrieving receipts, tracking refunds, shipping back forgotten items, lost and found etc.

For as low as $50 fee, your trip instantly becomes “NO WAHALA” and “HASSLE-FREE” with our Concierge/Trip-Assistant.

Our work is sure to save you hours of research, guessing and assumptions. We take into consideration the smallest details like food allergies, music choice, preferences, noise level, etc to properly CURATE your EXPERIENCES.

LOCATION (Island or Mainland)

The Island which comprises of (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki and Ajah) is more bubbly and well suited to tourists, with Victoria Island and Ikoyi been prime areas. The Island has more fun places (Clubs, Upscale Lounges) and fine dining options. It is also closer to the beach and events places. The Island is more expensive than the mainland as it is a more touristic option.

The Mainland (Ikeja, Magodo, Ogba, Gbagada etc.) has more of the local food, street delicacies and it highlights the hustle and bustle of Lagos. From the International Airport, you will be driving through the Mainland to get to the Island.

As a first- or second-time visitor, VisitLagosGuide.com recommends you stay on the Island.

HOTELS AND ACCOMODATION

There are many nice hotels in Lagos ranging from 3-star to 5-star properties with amenities tailored to various needs. Check our home page or directory page for a list of hotels and amenities offered.

Shortlet apartments with amenities are also a popular choice for travelers. This gives you a home away from home vibe which some travelers prefer. Shortlets can be booked on various websites.

Also, our VLG concierge/Trip Assistant can help you navigate the different options and help find the best budget-friendly accommodation that fits your needs.

TRANSPORTATION

Car rentals are available in Lagos. They can be a bit different, as some of the rental companies prefer to include a driver with the package. This is done to provide comfort and minimize liability.

If you are a first-time visitor, it is advised you get a driver if you are renting a car or use ride-share as driving in Lagos is like driving in New York, Istanbul or New Delhi put together on steroids.

RIDE-SHARE

Nigeria offers UBER and BOLT in the ridesharing space. If you have the UBER app, you will not need to re-download as your UBER app will work in Nigeria. It is advised you also download the BOLT App. BOLT is a regional rideshare company like UBER and can be cheaper at times. Some of the rideshare drivers accept bank transfers or cash, so don’t let that be a surprise to you.

As a safety tip, like everywhere you go in the world, make sure the plate numbers, car make, model and name of driver match before you get into the ride.

AIRPORT PICKUP

Taxis are available at the airport for immediate transportation. Also, our VLG Concierge/Trip-Assistant can help arrange seamless airport to hotel/home/Airbnb transfers.

CURRENCY

The currency in Nigeria is called Naira. Naira can be exchanged at the airport, banks or by bureau de change vendors.

In addition, most debit and credit cards (Mastercard, AMEX, Visa, Discover) will work in Nigeria. It is advisable to have multiple cards so if one is not compatible or accepted, you can use the other.

The exchange rate fluctuates but it is always within range.

Use Currency Exchange Rates and International Money Transfers to check rates.

WEATHER

Lagos has a wet (rainy) season and a dry season. Temperatures differ from season to season. But no matter the time of the year. The weather in Lagos is very accommodating. The wet season is from April to October while the dry season is from November to March with slight variations. The city experiences high temperatures with average highs ranging between 28 C (82 F) to 32 C (90 F).

Weather Plug-In

COMMUNICATION

Getting a sim card in Nigeria might not be as easy as it is in other parts of the world due to sim registration regulations. Portable pocket size Wi-fi can be purchased and used with your phone easily to keep you connected always. WHATSAPP is also a helpful communication resource that should be downloaded as many Nigerians communicate via WHATSAPP. Some international lines also roam well with Nigerian mobile carriers.

SOUVENIRS

There are many bazaars styled markets where you can get locally made souvenirs in Lagos. Also, VLG Souvenirs can save you energy and time by providing you with quality merchandise, and locally made souvenirs that can be delivered to you in Lagos or shipped anywhere in the world. https://www.visitlagosguide.com/souvenirs/

Make sure you don’t leave Nigeria without some nice souvenirs to remember.

SAFETY

All safety tips that apply in other parts of the world, from L.A., New York, Rome, Paris, Johannesburg, Shanghai Etc., all apply in Lagos also. These tips include:

⦁ Been aware of your surroundings
⦁ Locking up valuables when leaving the hotel or when someone is coming into the room
⦁ Keeping your belongings safe
⦁ Been vigilant
⦁ And not divulging unnecessary location or personal information

Lagos is generally fun and safe. So, enjoy your time and keep www.visitlagosguide.com with you all the way.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

EMBASSY INFORMATION

UNITED STATES CONSULATE (LAGOS): +2342014603400 OR [email protected]
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION (LAGOS): +2342012770780
DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSION OF CANADA (LAGOS): +2342012715650 OR [email protected]
CONSULATE GENERAL OF FRANCE: +234 1 4628484
GERMAN CONSULATE (LAGOS): +2349087383143
CONSULATE GENERAL OF SPAIN (LAGOS): +2342094603499
SOUTH AFRICAN CONSULATE GENERAL (LAGOS): +234 1 4612067
EMBASSY OF JAPAN (LAGOS): +2349060009019
EMBASSY OF CHINA: +2348071191134
TURKEY EMBASSY (ABUJA): + 2348036488981

VISITLAGOSGUIDE

The Visitlagosguide.com website is your No. 1 resource that has all the information you need to properly navigate and enjoy LAGOS, NIGERIA.

EKA BO!!!