Travel to Guinea-Bissau to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Backpacking or travelling in Guinea-Bissau?

• Backpacking in Guinea-Bissau means immersing yourself in a relatively undiscovered part of Africa. Travelling here is a mix of untouched nature and rich, traditional cultures. The infrastructure may not be perfect, but for adventurous travellers that is part of the charm. The country has a coastline full of mangroves and islands, as well as vast savannahs and forests inland.
• Spotting activities: explore the Bijagos Archipelago; visit Orango National Park; explore the historic Bolama Island; dive into the mangroves of Rio Cacheu Mangroves National Park; learn about local culture at the Amilcar Cabral Museum; take a boat trip through the swamps and rivers of Guinea-Bissau; visit local markets such as Bandim Market; taste local palm wine; dance at a traditional village festival; walk in the Cantanhez Forest.
• Spotting animals: there is so much! Think of manatees, green sea turtles, chimpanzees, hippos, wild boars, pelicans and flamingos, rare migratory birds, Cape buffalo, giant tortoises, pythons etc.
• Food spotting: jollof rice (rice dish), caldo de peixe (fish soup), grilled barracuda, churrasco chicken, palm wine, bolinho de arroz (rice balls), mango chutney.

Study in Guinea-Bissau?

• There are few study options in Guinea-Bissau. You can follow studies such as education, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, engineering, economics, languages ​​and journalism.
• City of study: Bissau.
• Language: Portuguese, but Kriol is also widely spoken.

Internships in Guinea-Bissau?

• For internships you can mainly go to international aid organizations or for example in research. The country has many NGOs and international organizations that are active in humanitarian aid and environmental projects. These internships offer you a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in a challenging environment.
• Competencies: Portuguese language skills, intercultural communication, development work, adaptability, networking in the NGO sector, sustainability insights, coping with difficult circumstances.

Volunteering in Guinea-Bissau?

• Volunteering offers many opportunities in Guinea-Bissau, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, sustainable development and conservation. You can teach children, work on environmental protection projects, help people in their homes with, for example, construction projects or assist with medical programs in rural villages. Working with local communities not only gives you a deeper cultural experience, but also contributes to their well-being and development.
• However, it is essential to speak some Portuguese.

Working in Guinea-Bissau?

• The main sectors for employees in Guinea-Bissau are agriculture, nature conservation, healthcare and international trade, but NGOs and development organizations in particular offer opportunities for long-term employment for internationals. There may also be opportunities in tourism, especially for those who want to contribute to the development of eco-tourism.
• Work culture: The work culture in Guinea-Bissau is often informal and strongly focused on personal relationships. Networking and trust are essential for success. The pace can be a bit slower than you might be used to, so patience is important.

Working as a digital nomad in Guinea-Bissau?

• A pretty unique destination for digital nomads and we know very little about it. If you like adventure and nature, then you are in the right place, but don't expect good internet outside of urban areas and don't count on many co-working spaces. It is pretty cheap, so you don't have to work that much!
• Favorite location: Bissau.

Living in Guinea-Bissau?

• Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in West Africa. The average life expectancy is 61 years, which already indicates that the quality of life is not very good. Living there also comes with challenges. Nevertheless, life is relaxed and there is a lot to experience. From beautiful landscapes - mangroves, savannahs and rainforests, to vibrant cities and 25 ethnic groups. Guinea-Bissau is a country for people who want to step outside their comfort zone and discover a new world.
• In addition, it is also one of the cheapest countries in the world to settle.
• Expat community: there is a very small expat community, so be prepared for this. A good way to get to know expats and locals is to participate in sports activities (join a game of football) and visit local eateries.
• Education: limited choice, as far as we know there is one school in Bissau.
• Safety: petty crime does occur, so be careful with your belongings, and traffic can be quite hectic. Despite this, most expats find it a relatively safe and welcoming country.
• Climate: tropical, with a hot and wet season and a hot and dry season.
• Note: make sure you know Portuguese, this is essential for your work and social life. Also, there are very few job opportunities because the job market is very small and public transport is unreliable. But most importantly, be prepared for poverty and the reality of it with child trafficking and severe malnutrition.
• Health insurance: health care is definitely not well developed in Guinea-Bissau. There are many diseases and somewhat good facilities can only be found in the capital. So make sure you have your own good health insurance.

Safety, insurances and packing list for Guinea-Bissau