Gabon: Payment methods & tips

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Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

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Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Equatorial CFA franc XAF

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; must be declared

Export local currency
up to XAF 200'000.00 (or equivalent in foreign currency)

Export foreign currency
up to equivalent of XAF 200'000.00 (including local currency)

Credit cards

Credit cards are rarely accepted. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

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Useful tips from our experts:

The Travel Mastercard card is accepted at major hotels and restaurant
Euros are preferred when using foreign currency to exchange for local currency (especially outside the cities).
Keep exchange and transaction receipts.
Prior to leaving the country, it is advisable to spend local banknotes or to exchange them back into hard currency.
Exchanging XAF in Switzerland may cause problems and result in considerable exchange loss.

Practical Information:

Capital

Libreville

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 3 months after expiration of visa, visa, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Libreville, Immeuble Hollando, Boulevard du bord du mer, Entrée portique arrière, 2ème étage
Tel. +241 76 53 54 / +241 72 31 59

Opening hours

Banks

7.45 - 11.45 h and 14.45 - 18.15 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

8.00 - 12.00 h and 15.00 - 19.00 h (Mon - Sat)

Driving

International driver's license required.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 (varies by rental company).

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Year-round risk of malaria throughout the country.
Vaccination against yellow fever mandatory.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Si consiglia di rispettare le abituali misure precauzionali contro la microcriminalità.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

Special legal regulations

Photographing persons wearing an uniform, military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Time difference with Switzerland

+/- 0 h; - 1 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

French

Travel advice for Gabon.