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Guinea-Bissau

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

EmergencyPolice 117Ambulance 119Fire 118

Plug typesC220 V · 50 Hz CurrencyXOFWest African CFA Franc

Drives on theright

TippingRound up, or leave small change

Local time–+245 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 2.25 million people live in Guinea-Bissau, on 36,125 km². The capital is Bissau.

Capital: Bissau
Population: 2,249,515
Area: 36,125 km²
Official language: Portuguese

Land borders

Guinea Senegal

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in Guinea-Bissau?
Sockets take plug type C, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Guinea-Bissau?
Call 117 for the police, 119 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Guinea-Bissau?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Guinea-Bissau?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Guinea-Bissau?
Prices are in West African CFA Franc (XOF).
What language do they speak in Guinea-Bissau?
Official language: Portuguese.
How do I call a number in Guinea-Bissau from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +245.