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.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 53 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You should be up-to-date with routine vaccines like MMR, DTP, and varicella. The CDC recommends hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and hepatitis B. Consider rabies if you’ll be in contact with animals. Malaria prophylaxis is also advised. Always consult a travel clinic 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 Guinea-Bissau, 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 Guinea-BissauCulture & Customs
In Guinea-Bissau, greetings are important; a handshake and a friendly inquiry about the family is common. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas—keep shoulders and knees covered. Photography can be sensitive; always ask permission before taking photos of people or military sites.
Avoid discussing politics openly, as it can be a sensitive topic. For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advisable due to conservative attitudes. Women travelers should avoid walking alone at night and dress conservatively to minimize unwanted attention. Always use your right hand for giving or receiving items, as the left is considered impolite.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Guinea-Bissau.
- Jollof Rice: Though many West African countries claim Jollof as their own, Guinea-Bissau’s version is a must-try. It’s a one-pot dish with rice, tomatoes, and spices, often mixed with fish or chicken. Perfectly embodies the local flavors and communal dining culture.
- Cafriela de Frango: This is a spicy, grilled chicken dish marinated with garlic, lemon, and peppers. It’s popular for its vibrant flavors and is often served during festive occasions, reflecting the country’s love for flavorful, shared meals.
- Caldo: A hearty soup usually made with fish or chicken, vegetables, and local spices. It’s a staple food that showcases the simplicity and warmth of local cooking, often enjoyed with family and friends during cooler evenings.
- Chabéu: A traditional dish made with rice, beans, and a mix of vegetables and meats. It’s a comforting, nutritious dish that highlights the country’s agricultural bounty and resourcefulness.
- Fumbwa: A unique dish made from wild spinach leaves, ground nuts, and sometimes fish or meat. It represents the use of local, wild ingredients and is loved for its rich taste and nutritional value.
Tap water in Guinea-Bissau isn’t considered safe for tourists; locals might drink it, but they have built up immunity. It’s best for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Always double-check that bottled water is sealed properly before purchasing.
The main language in Guinea-Bissau is
Portuguese. 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 Portuguese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau,
English is not widely spoken. The official language is Portuguese, a remnant of the country’s colonial past, and it is the primary language used in government, media, and education. Additionally, several local languages, such as Crioulo (a Portuguese-based creole), Balanta, and Fula, are commonly spoken among the population.
While you might encounter some English speakers in urban areas, particularly among the younger generation or in tourist-related businesses, proficiency levels can vary significantly. In rural regions, English is even less common, making communication a challenge for travelers who do not speak Portuguese or any local languages.
For those planning to visit, it is advisable to learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese or consider hiring a local guide who can facilitate communication. Overall, while you might find some English speakers, relying on Portuguese or local languages will enhance your travel experience in Guinea-Bissau.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Guinea-Bissau is XOF (CFA).
When backpacking in Guinea-Bissau, carry enough cash as ATMs are sparse and often unreliable. Bissau, the capital, has a few ATMs, but don’t bank on them always working. It’s a good idea to have a mix of CFA francs and a stash of euros or U.S. dollars. Euros are generally easier to exchange than dollars, so keep that in mind when stocking up.
For exchanging money, stick to banks or exchange offices in Bissau for the best rates, and avoid street exchanges. Credit cards aren’t widely accepted outside of some hotels and major establishments in the capital, so plan to use cash for most of your expenses. If you find yourself in a pinch, bigger hotels might offer cash advances on credit cards, but expect hefty fees.
Tipping in Guinea-Bissau isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated, especially in restaurants and for services like guides or drivers. If you’re satisfied with the service, leaving 5-10% of the bill as a tip is a kind gesture. Taxi drivers don’t usually expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a nice touch.
Best Backpacking.jpg)
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..jpg)
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.v2.webp){kind=logo}
