Flight & airport info

English is the official language of Sierra Leone, though local languages, in particular Mende (in the north) and Temne (in the south), are widely spoken. In Freetown there is also a kind of Creole called Krio.  Useful Krio greetings are Kou-shay (Hello), Eh bo (Hi), Howdee bohdee? (How are you?) and its reply Bohdee fine (I'm fine). Tenk-kee is thank-you.

There are both Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone as well as followers of traditional and animist religions. Muslim influence over customs is widespread, particularly in the north of the country. Same gender handshakes are fine but a man should wait for a woman to extend her hand. A particularly respectful handshake, for an elder or senior, involves supporting your right elbow with your left hand while shaking.  

If you visit a contact or friend in Sierra Leone, he or she will almost certainly invite you to stay and eat. Men and boys generally eat separately from women and girls. Water is brought round for you to wash your hands and then people gather round a central dish of food. Eat from the area in front of yoube sure to use only the right hand for eating and don't reach over. People often don't talk while eating so don't be embarrassed if there is silence.

Wear a lightweight suit for business meetings. Make appointments well in advance and confirm nearer the time. Be punctual yourself but don't expect punctuality. Business cards are essential and it's good include relevant titles. A personal relationship is key to doing business here so make sure you take time to develop this.

The Mendes are known for the culture of secret societies, locally called Bondo, which have considerable background influence over the way things are done. Should you attend a secret society celebration in a rural area you will see men dressed as ‘devils' dancing round the village. They are held in respect by the locals.

The working week is Monday to Friday 8  to 12am and 2 to 5pm. Muslim festivals are public holidays, though under different names. Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas and Boxing Days are also taken off. There are other holidays on 1January, 27 April (Independence) and 29 April (Revolution). Ramadan is best avoided as a time to do business.

In Freetown beware of con-artists, who can often be inventive, needing money for a ‘sick relative', even pretending to be a customs official who can help you eventual departure from the country run smoothly.

International dialling code: + 232.