"Lagos ... oh Lagos..." Top 5 Page for this destination Lagos by AC1

Before I begin, I have to make it clear that Lagos is not a place for leisure, sightseeing and definitely not safari animal hunting. It is not my intention to select such a strange location as my Travel Page but since I have been here for close to a year, it will be beneficiary to others to know how and what to expect if you are left with no choice but to visit this place.

I was relocated here because of my job. Most African countries do not have the convenience of basic infrastructure like telephone, power and water supplies that we enjoyed elsewhere. Communication is very vital in Lagos as land line is virtually none existance in this country. Every fibre optic line that was laid, would have been dug out from the earth by the people the next day. In Lagos, the number of radio towers or radio masts per square kilometer is more than the number of lamp post you may find in Malaysia. Radio towers and huge satellite dishes are common sights on every roof top and premises.

A typical street sighting after heavy rainpour

Although this is not the best place to visit and probably be in the last place in your wish list, however, getting into the country is not an easy task at all. All of my trips over the past one year, either into or out of the international airport, were always very eventful. From overcrowded plane to naked man running around the aisle of the aircraft, you will never know what is in place for you next.

Before travelling to Nigeria, ensure you have the following:

- A valid passport that does not expire in the next 6 months.
- A proper visa (business for visitors)
- A return ticket
- Malaria preventive tablets.
- Required vaccinations
- Make sure you lock your check-in bags. Use preferably hard case suitcase.
- Cash (US/Euro/GBP) to exchange into local currency.

Getting a entry visa will require you to produce a letter of invitation from Nigeria and a letter of employment from your end. Visit a closest Nigeria High Commission to you and process it. Some processing fees will also be charged to you.

Next, you have to make sure that you have all the necessay vaccinations taken, for examples Yellow fever, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A&B, Meningitis A&C and Typhoid. Medical facilities are very poor locally and very expensive if you can find one. Make sure that you take extra care in all areas that can affect your health.

Nigeria is categoried as one of the high risk malaria countries. It is important that you take anti-malaria tablets 4 weeks before the visit and continue the prescription for another 4 weeks after you left the location.

Symptoms of malaria may include fever, chills, sweating, weakness, aches and pains, abdominal pains, diarrhea or vomiting. These symptoms are called "nonspecific" because they are not exclusively caused by malaria and are similar to those of the flu. If you experience some of these symptoms in the weeks following your recent stay in a high-malaria-risk country, "think malaria first" and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Some locals by the beach

Immigration clearance at the airport can be a nightmare if you do not have anyone to guide you. You have to be extra patience with the clearing process which does not make any sense to me at all. Sometime you may find that they have as many as 3 immigration officers to check one passport!!! The arrival hall is usually overcrowded, just be watchful with you belongings and do not accept offers from the local to help unless you know the person before.

Getting from the airport to Victoria Island will take you 40 minutes if there is no traffic. International arrivals from Europe are usually after 4pm. After clearing the immigration and customs, you should be making your road journey around 6pm. Do not attempt to make road journey alone when night falls. Arm robberies are common especially when it is close to festive seasons like Christmas and New Year.

You are to practise extra awareness in handling your money in Nigeria. NEVER EVER use your credit card in the country. Nigeria is very famous for all credit card scam and fraud. When I say NEVER it means NOT AT ALL. Not even for paying hotel bills at a 5 star hotel. Many visitors who signed their credit card in country, suffer when they return home to find out that their cards were immediately charged with all strange transactions costing thousands of dollar. Don't ask me how it happened, but the reality is they have the network to track you down once they have your full name as appear on the card and the signature.

Refrain from being flashy in your dressing when in public. All jewelleries, expensive watches, etc should be kept safely.