Running Out of Time!!

[imac 0]

I just wanted to thank everyone that replied to this thread.

I travelled to Nigeria and had a wonderful, beautiful trip. My fiance, his family and friends were more than I imagined.

I left 2 installments of money with a friend and he Western Union 1 installment of the money to me.

I also believe I called WU before leaving and they said NO.

Everything worked out fabulously........

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

[ForeverAmen 0]

Wonderful! I am glad things went well.

Boaz

[WhidbeyGirl 1]

Glad everything went well!!!

[LovinLiberia 0]

Yay! I'm glad you had a successful trip.

[Ta Ta 1]

[Perseverance 1]

Good to hear that you went and everything was fine

[WonTanNara 0]

Thanks all, I know I am not the OP but you have helped to ease some of my anxieties also. I emailed and asked SO the other night for a copy of his passport and he said, "Sure" and is sending it today. I asked if he was upset or thought I was crazy for asking, he just laughed and said, NO it's for your ease of mind and safety . Still not sure what to do about the money situation though, Western Union and travelers checks were the only ideas I had and both have their really big down sides. It's not like I will have a lot anyways. So maybe will just bring with me.

Hi WhidbeyGirl, a little off the original topic but...

I have been in and out of the Dakar airport (which is actually in N'Gor) a few times and can offer you a few suggestions.

At the airport, you'll have to take a bus from the plane to the terminal. You'll need to fill out a quick little form for entry and they will ask you where you are staying. I've always flown in at 5am so baggage claim is pretty much deserted. Depending on when you are flying in it might be a crazy scene so be ready for that. The first time I flew into Conakry, Guinea I just about had a heart attack it was so crazy! At baggage claim, the men will descend upon you to help you with your baggage. The first time I went into that airport I accepted the help but then the guy argued with me that my 2000CFA ($5) tip wasn't enough! Are you kidding me? That's food for a day for you to push a cart 100 yards. Now, I always politely decline but they are pretty persistant. The last time I went, some guy grabbed the handle of my suitcase and would not let go. I was almost outside the airport, walking, holding onto my suitcase, he was holding on too, and I was saying No, sil vu plait NO, merci, NO and then my fiance came over and he let go. Also, before you exit the airport you will need to put your bags through an x-ray machine, and the guards may or may not ask you to open your bags. I try to look confident and so far they have not asked me to open my bags.

Regarding money, I would advise against wiring yourself money or bringing traveler's cheques. Take crisp, new $100 bills with you to exchange at the airport and carry them in a moneybelt under your clothes. They will see you coming from a mile away and will try to take advantage of you. Be prepared and don't let them! The first thing to be aware of is that they will try and give you a crappy exchange rate. The exchange rate right now is about 410CFA for $1 but it fluxuates. Before you go, check the internet for the most current exchange rate and be firm in your negotiations. The other thing they will try to do is take a commission. The first time this happened to me I couldn't believe it. We exchanged $800 for the month I and they tried to take almost $250 in "commission!" I could not believe it. We were counting the money and I said c'est tu? Ehhh, NO. I seriously thought my fiance was going to blow a gasket as they don't even try that in Guinea. You might have to haggle for a while but you can get a fair exchange rate without them taking commission. If you go to the bank to exchange money, you will not be able to negotiate the rate and they will take a commission. Do it at the airport, and be confident and firm. It will be very helpful if you understand French numbers.

What else... taxis. Negotiate! Your SO should negotiate on your behalf and I'm sure he understands that when they see you coming they will jack up the rates. You should be able to get a taxi from the airport to the embassy for about 2000CFA ($5) and it's about a 20-30 minute ride depending on traffic.

Point of interest, there is a very large and very beautiful mosque on the beach on the way to the embassy. It's really quite breathtaking.

I know you mentioned your funds are limited, but if you go to the market, once again be prepared to negotiate. We automatically cut any given price in half. You can get 6 meters of cotton wax print fabric for 4000CFA, but when you ask they'll first tell you 8000CFA. If you buy nothing else, you should find a good tailor and have one embroidered outfit to bring home with you. It'll cost you $30 or $40 tops and I know a great tailor in N'Gor.

Side note: I haven't looked at your timeline to see what visa you are filing for, but while you are there you should pick up a couple of the calling cards to call visa services at the embassy. Your fiance will need that card to make his appointment for his interview.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about the trip or the embassy. I'm going back Dec 17th but I'm not sure if I'll be in Guinea or Senegal. We've been on AP for six months and if my fiance's clearance comes through before then we're going to Guinea. If not, we're staying in N'Gor.

Bon voyage ma soeur!