Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Equatorial Guinea. You should also consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies, depending on your planned activities. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Equatorial Guinea, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Equatorial GuineaCulture & Customs
Avoid discussing politics openly, as it can be a sensitive subject. Dress modestly to show respect, especially in rural areas. Always greet people formally and shake hands when meeting someone. Tipping isn’t customary but appreciated.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised due to conservative views on homosexuality. Women should travel in groups and avoid being out alone at night—safety can be a concern. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or their property.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Equatorial Guinea.
- Succotash: A hearty stew made with corn, beans, and often a mix of meats like fish or chicken. It’s a staple in many households and showcases the blend of local ingredients and influences from neighboring regions.
- Peanut Soup: This rich and creamy soup is made with ground peanuts, tomatoes, and a variety of meats. It’s popular for its comforting warmth and nutty flavor, making it a go-to dish for gatherings.
- Smoked Fish with Plantains: Often featuring locally caught fish, this dish is smoked to perfection and served with fried plantains. It’s a favorite for its savory taste and combination of textures.
- Yuca with Ndolé: A traditional dish where yuca (cassava) is paired with ndolé, a bitter leaf stew often cooked with peanuts and fish or meat. It’s a dish that reflects the cultural ties with Central African cuisine.
Tap water in Equatorial Guinea is generally not safe for tourists to drink, as it might contain contaminants that could upset your stomach. Locals might drink it after boiling, but it’s best for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Keep a reusable water bottle with a filter handy if you’re on a budget.
The main language in Equatorial Guinea is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Equatorial Guinea includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Equatorial Guinea,
English is not widely spoken. The official languages are Spanish and French, with Spanish being the most prevalent due to the country’s colonial history. English is taught in schools, but proficiency varies significantly among the population. In urban areas, particularly in Malabo, you may encounter some English speakers, especially in hotels, restaurants, and among younger generations. However, outside major cities, English speakers are rare, and Spanish is typically the primary means of communication.
If you’re planning to travel there, it’s advisable to learn some basic Spanish phrases to facilitate interactions. Additionally, having a translation app or a phrasebook can be helpful. While English may not be common, the local people are generally friendly and willing to assist travelers, often using gestures or basic Spanish to communicate.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Equatorial Guinea is XAF (FCFA).
If you’re heading to Equatorial Guinea on a budget, keep a few money tips in mind. ATMs can be scarce outside of Malabo and Bata, so it’s wise to withdraw enough cash when you’re in these cities. Carry a mix of cash in both euros and Central African CFA francs (XAF), but avoid carrying large sums for safety reasons.
Euros are usually easier to exchange than dollars, and you’ll find better rates at banks rather than at hotels or airports. Note that credit cards aren’t widely accepted except at some high-end hotels and restaurants, so don’t rely on them. When you need to exchange money, head to a bank or a legitimate currency exchange office—avoid street vendors to dodge scams.
Tipping in Equatorial Guinea isn’t customary, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is common. Taxis and hotel staff might expect a little extra if they go out of their way to help.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.