Lagos, Nigeria

The best period to visit is during the dry season from November through March, when outdoor activities and beach days are least disrupted by heavy rains. The festive 'Detty December' period brings an influx of events, music festivals, and nightlife, though traffic and venues peak in busyness. For cultural sites and art galleries, weekday mornings are generally quieter, allowing you to bypass midday heat and peak traffic.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are usually the most convenient and dependable options for visitors navigating between the Island and Mainland. Yellow public minibuses (danfos) and tricycles (keke napeps) ply extensive routes across the city, though they can be chaotic and difficult for newcomers to navigate without a local guide. Traffic congestion—locally called 'go-slow'—is severe during morning and evening rush hours, so plan ample travel time and check locally before setting out.

Stick primarily to well-patrolled, upscale districts like Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki Phase 1, especially after dark. Avoid walking alone at night along unlit streets, beaches, or unfamiliar mainland neighbourhoods. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up in traffic, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered emergency services (112 or 767 in Lagos State) if an urgent issue arises.

Common pitfalls include unofficial 'area boys' or touts demanding arbitrary fees for parking or beach access, and rogue street currency exchangers offering counterfeit notes or skewed rates. Always decline unsolicited airport greeters offering unlicensed private taxi services, verify your ride-hailing driver's licence plate before getting in, and handle financial transactions only inside banks or official exchange bureaus.

Tipping is customary and warmly received across hospitality venues in Lagos. In restaurants and cafes, a tip of around 5% to 10% is standard if a service charge is not already included on the bill. Rounding up fares for ride-hailing drivers and tipping hotel porters or valets a modest cash amount is standard practice.

The official currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Debit and credit cards (chiefly Mastercard and Visa) are widely accepted in major restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels across Victoria Island and Ikoyi, though point-of-sale terminals can occasionally experience network outages. Keep moderate amounts of cash on hand for tips, open markets, and local toll points, and withdraw funds only from ATMs located inside secure bank branches.

Polite greetings are deeply valued in Nigerian culture; always exchange a warm greeting and inquire after someone's wellbeing before making a request. Respect for elders is essential, and items or payments should be handed over with the right hand rather than the left. Dress smartly when visiting upscale venues, dress modestly when touring traditional palaces or government quarters, and always ask permission before photographing individuals or sensitive administrative buildings.