Is Sierra Leone Expensive? Money, Tips and What To Expect 

If it’s your first time visiting Sierra Leone, you might be wondering how expensive your trip is going to be. For those of you who are, I’ve just spent the last few weeks living in Freetown, and I’m sharing everything I’ve learned.

It’s not my first time here, but this trip was full of ‘aha’ moments, and I feel like I’m finally understanding the country, people, and, very importantly, the money! 

The most important thing I will say is that although Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, it’s not the cheapest, and for us tourists, it can get quite expensive.

In this guide to visiting Sierra Leone, I’ve included insights about expenses, money, and tips. It’s aimed at those of you who want to understand the budgeting side of your trip.

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Is Sierra Leone Expensive For Tourists?

Even though 60-70% of Sierra Leone’s population lives below the poverty line and the country is recognised as one of the poorest in the world, the reality for tourists can be quite different – it can actually be expensive. You’ll notice from the get-go that things in Sierra Leone cost more than you might expect.

You’ll notice from the get-go that things in Sierra Leone are expensive. Take the flights between Europe and Freetown, for example. They’re going to cost you around a grand, which for a 7-hour flight is madness. You’ll also need to pay for a visa ($80), airport tax ($25), and transport to Freetown from Lungi Airport ($45), all before you’ve even set foot in the capital! 

And once you’re in the capital, things don’t really improve…

Why is Sierra Leone expensive for tourists?

There are many factors which contribute to the Sierra Leone cost of living for tourists, which I’m quickly going to run through, but ultimately, it comes down to this: if you want your creature comforts, you’re going to have to pay. 

Sierra Leone often experiences blackouts and power shortages. On this last trip, we went without power for days. Although this amount of time in one go isn’t too common, you will experience power cuts for certain. Obviously, this means no fans or aircon, no fridges, no lights, and no tech charging (take a good power bank), which, of course, means a sticky nightmare in the tropics!

So, if you want electricity—and let’s be honest, most of us do—the generator needs to be on, and we all know that petrol isn’t cheap. 

Secondly, water shortages are also a concern. Having constant flowing water to cook and wash with (let’s forget about it being hot—although do you really need it hot? I prefer the cold showers here) is another expense.

Tours are ridiculously overpriced, but with little competition, the agencies have the monopoly. Modern restaurants aren’t far behind (unless you’re happy to eat plasas every day, which isn’t a bad shout, but it’s gonna be a spicy nightmare). A night out, although not expensive like in Europe, is still going to leave a small dent, depending on where you go. And even getting around, especially if you’re using private transport, will soon add up.

One important thing to remember.

Lastly, just remember that the white man always pays more! I say it with humour, but it’s the truth; you’ll notice prices fluctuate from vendor to vendor. It’s not too bad most of the time, but we have been hit with some ridiculous bills. A friendly but firm conversation will usually reveal the true (or thereabout) price, and the longer you stay in the country, the cheaper things start becoming.

This last point kind of covers all the reasons why Sierra Leone is expensive for tourists. You also need to expect a tip for everything. 

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How To Tip In Sierra Leone

It’s common to tip in Sierra Leone, although doing so is at your discretion. But most things are done with the expectation or at least the hope that you will leave a tip. 

The good thing, or bad thing, depending on which way you’re looking at this, is that you won’t need to tip a lot. The people are happy with a ‘small thing’, which is what you’ll often hear a tip referred to. 

If someone asks for a “small thing,” they are looking for money. 

It can be anything from carrying bags to giving directions to showing you to a cafe. However, Sierra Leoneans are some of the friendliest people around; they are not aggressive, and if you decide not to tip, it’s not a problem. 

Another important thing to note is that you will get people, especially children, coming up to you begging for money; it is heartbreaking but impossible to give to them all. If it happens when I’m buying something, I tend to buy an extra drink or chocolate bar for them, but I never feel like I have to, and I don’t encourage giving anyone money for begging. 

⭐ Pro tip >> The amount of the tip depends on what the tip is for, like the service that was done. I generally give between 10 and 20 Le, which might sound low, but I assure you they will be happy. If you’re tipping often, it quickly adds up!

Understanding The Leone (Le.)

The Leone (Le.) is the official currency in Sierra Leone. Its denomination has recently changed. Whereas before the Le. was in thousands and millions, it’s now dropped the last three zeros and is instead in denominations of tens and hundreds. 

It makes things much easier for tourists, but many locals still refer to the money in thousands, which can be confusing. What makes things even more confusing is that some of the old notes are still in circulation and show the old denominations.

For example, 10 Le. can be 10,000. 100 Le. was once 100,000; and 1,000 Le. was 1,000,000 leones…which might sound like a lot, but it’s really not! The only note that is new is the 20 Le.

⭐ Pro tip >> To ensure you’re paying the right amount, you’ll need to understand both the new and old currencies in case there is confusion and be able to confirm the amount in the new currency. 

Converting The USD to the Leone.

How much is a Le. worth in comparison to a dollar? At the time of writing, it’s about 24 Le. to $1 USD. 

In the old currency, that would have been 24,000 Le. to $1 USD.

That said, it’s going to fluctuate, and you need to know that the Le. isn’t a stable currency. Be sure to check the current exchange rate before travelling and during your trip.

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How to get Money in Sierra Leone? 

You will need to obtain leones, and the best way to do this is to exchange US Dollars with the money man or use Western Union, which is an international money transfer service. 

When you arrive in Sierra Leone, you can pay for your landing visa, airport tax, and ferry in USD, but you’ll need leones. There are ATMs dotted around, although they are not always reliable. I recommend sending yourself money through Western Union, which is everywhere and so easy to use, or taking enough dollars for your trip and changing them with the money man on the street.

If you’re changing money on the street, it’s best to ask someone who knows, like your hotel. Make sure you understand what rate you’re getting. I’ve found they normally take only a small commission, between $2 and $5, and you’ll want to change at least $100.

If you don’t have any connections, you need to be careful not to get ripped off or given fake bills. Generally speaking, it’s pretty reliable; just don’t look too much like a newbie…if that’s even possible! To find someone, you can ask around for ‘change’ and gesture money with your hands. Look for a person with a bum bag. They will have the money on them, if they say they have to go get it then they’re probably not legit. Don’t give them the money until you have the leones in your hands.

You can pay with a card at most modern restaurants, but keep in mind that foreign exchange rates can be hefty, so you’re better off taking cash. Most local places don’t accept cards. Sierra Leone is a very cash-orientated country, and you will need cash.

This is the Best Way!

I suggest taking enough USD in cash with you to pay for the visa, airport tax and ferry. However, I also think it’s a better idea to take dollars and change it into leones once you’re in Sierra Leone rather than taking leones.

Why? Converting all your spending money into leones will result in a huge stack of notes, which isn’t practical for traveling with.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re changing dollars to Le, with the money man, you’ll need $100 bills. They get funny with the $50 bills. Don’t change all your dollars at once. You can do it again later if you run out. Keep some dollars separate and locked away. It’s also easier to convert dollars back into your local currency than leones, and you might be able to pay with dollars at some places/activities during your trip.

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Budgeting For Sierra Leone

This is the fun part, and I love creating a budget! However, budgeting for Sierra Leone needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Your trip will be completely different from everyone else’s, so your expenses will vary.

However, for this section, I’ve included some price examples to give you an idea of the cost of living in Sierra Leone and what to expect.

• Flights: $1,000
• Documentation: $80 visa, $25 tax
• Ferry to Freetown: $45
• Accommodation: $75 (average p/n)
• Fuel: 30 Le. p/litre
• Private Transportation: $200 a day + fuel
• Local Transportation: *see below
• Meals: 200 to 300 Le. Modern. 50 Le.  Plasas
• Drinks: 200 Le. cocktails 
• Beer: 20 Le. Star, 30 Le. Musique, 40 Le. Guinness.
• Fruit: 5 to 10 Le.
• Bread: 3 Le. Small, 5 Le. Big
• Water: 45 Le. Pack of 6

*Local Transport. I love to use the tuk-tuk to get around Freetown. In Sierra Leone, they are called a kay kay and are inexpensive. You also have the option of motorbikes, which are known as “Ocardo”. They are a little bit more but will get you there quicker.

It’s hard to tell exactly how much a trip will cost, but I’ve put together some estimates based on my last trip. 

• Freetown to Lakka beach: 50 Le.
• Freetown to Lumley beach: 20 Le.
• Freetown to No.2 beach: 250 Le.
• Freetown to Kent beach: 400 Le. 
• Take a tuk-tuk for the full day? It’s about 500 Le. + petrol. 

You will also want to consider some activities. There are a few must-visit attractions I highly recommend.

• Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary: $150 for an overnight stay. 
• The Banana Islands: Budget 4,100 Le. For a 2-night stay. 
• River Number 2: 10 Le. entrance; Budget 800 Le. for food, drink and sun chairs. 
• Lumley Beach: Budget 500 Le. for a fun night out. 

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Corruption In Sierra Leone

Corruption exists in Sierra Leone, and it’s the main reason the country is in its current economic position. However, while you’re there, it’s unlikely you’ll be affected by it too much.

One way you might encounter corruption is at the police checkpoints dotted around the country. Sometimes, and it’s not always, you may need to pay the police to pass your vehicle through. If you and your driver have all the correct documentation, then you should be able to pass through with no issue, but still, sometimes, an issue is created. 

Bear in mind that the police in Sierra Leone are not paid a high salary, and many are still living in poverty. Try not to get annoyed if you find yourself in a situation where they are asking for money.

You can usually tell if this is what’s happening and they’re after a small thing. I suggest paying them 20 Le. sooner rather than later rather than arguing. Keep in mind that the more people that get involved, the more it’s going to cost. If they say they are going to get their supervisor, I’d offer a bit more money; otherwise, you’ll end up paying them both off. 

But, even with this corruption, there are many reasons Sierra Leone is still worth visiting.

⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind that you might encounter unofficial checkpoints. These are generally cheeky locals trying to get lucky by stopping unknowing tourists at a fake roadblock. Official checkpoints generally have police in uniform, but they still look dodgy! Expect a rope sling across the road with makeshift timber shelters at either end and a man lowering and lifting the rope by hand. 

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What To Expect In Sierra Leone 

They say in Sierra Leone, “never a dull moment”, and it’s certainly true. If you look around you’ll notice AWOL written; it means an alternative way of life. This is Africa, things are different here. You can’t set your standards by European standards. Sierra Leone is wild to say the least, but I love it!

When it comes to money you need to be savvy. People will try to rip you off, for sure. When you’re purchasing souvenirs or shopping in the markets negotiating a price is okay and I encourage you to do so.

Violent crime is low but petty crime, like pickpocketing and theft does happen often. Never leave valuables laying around; and be  careful at beaches and crowded places. Always leave doors locked and just be aware of what’s happening and who’s around you. 

On one of my earlier visits I had a few items go missing from my room, on another occasion I was sitting in the front seat of a car in traffic and someone literally put their hand inside the window and tried to steal my lappa. It was wrapped around me so they couldn’t take it but if it had been a bag on my lap it would have been gone.

You’ll notice plenty of street vendors selling food and drinks. Be careful as I’ve had a few upset stomachs from these; however, the food is ever so tasty. You’ll get a lot of sellers on the beach too, they can get quite pushy but a polite “no thank you, not today” will help move them along; you’ll probably find they still hang about though. 

You can also expect a lot of stares and people coming up to you; mostly they just want to make friends and chat but sometimes they are looking to get money from you. 

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Essential Resources For Sierra Leone

I’ve created a packing list to help make life easier for you and relieve the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for any trip to Sierra Leone.

Below are some of our most popular articles:

• If you’re dreaming of an island getaway, discover my stay at the Banana Islands.
• Read this post and learn the best way to get to the Banana Islands.
• If you’re interested in wildlife, you can visit Sierra Leone’s chimpanzee sanctuary.
• I’ve written this guide to help you plan your visit to the sanctuary.
• Are you planning a green escape? Read about staying in a treehouse in Sierra Leone.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.

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Final Thoughts | Is Sierra Leone Expensive for Tourists?

Considering how impoverished the country is, I think the cost of living (and visiting) Sierra Leone as a tourist is expensive. It’s tough to visit on a budget, although I guess it can be done, but you’ll have to give up some luxuries. 

One of my favourite things about Sierra Leone is the community. If you’re happy to immerse yourself in local life, you’ll really start to understand the people and culture. This is also a great way to save money, especially if you’re preparing food at home, eating locally, and using local transport. 

Overall, if you’re heading to Sierra Leone you’re going to have a great time. It’s a country that never stops amazing me with its friendly and upbeat atmosphere, beautiful scenery and unique culture.

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FAQs | Why Is Sierra Leone Expensive?

A few frequently asked questions regarding the cost of visiting Sierra Leone!

Why are hotels expensive in Sierra Leone?

Hotels in Sierra Leone are only expensive if you choose one which is going to offer you 24/h electricity, running water, hot water and those little luxuries. You can find cheap accommodation in Sierra Leone but expect bucket showers, no air-con and run down facilities.

Why are restaurants expensive in Sierra Leone?

Modern restaurants in Sierra Leone tend to be quite expensive because they are targeting the wealthier population within the country. For local eats, roadside cafes and street bbqs you’ll find affordable meals.

Why are tours so expensive in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone is an off the beaten path destination and its infrastructure is not yet developed for tourism. This means there are not many reliable tour operators offering excursions and so those that are available can charge what they like. Until Sierra Leone’s tourism sector develops, these agencies have the monopoly and you’ll find prices are set high. 

Why is Sierra Leone Expensive?

Sierra Leone is expensive for a tourist for many reasons. The country’s infrastructure is not reliable and due to this getting around can be challenging for tourists so private transport is usually the most reliable option, tour operators can charge what they like since there is little competition, hotels which provide 24/7 power and water are costly and general prices are usually increased for tourists; on top of this, constant tipping increases expenses.