Business Information

Official/Business Hours

Monday to Friday - 8.00 – 17.00 hours

Banking

The Bank of Sierra Leone regulates banking activities in Sierra Leone. Banks are located in Freetown, Bo, Kono, Kenema and Makeni. Most currencies can be exchanged at the posted daily rate. Money drafts can be received at Western Union, MoneyGram and some other banks. Cash may be drawn on credit cards at some of the major banks.

Accounts can be opened in local and international currencies with the proper identification. Banking hours are generally from 9.00 am to 3 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00 am to 3:30pm pm Friday.

For further details on banks, please see the list on Page 45.

Time

Sierra Leone is on GMT all year around.

Electricity

220 – 240 volts AC, 50Hz within Freetown.

Official Holidays

Sierra Leone Government celebrates Islamic, Christian and National Holidays. Holidays marked with asterisk (*) are lunar and change every year.

Communications

Sierra Leone Telecommunications (Sierratel) is the main provider of landlines for both national and international services in Sierra Leone. Celtel, Millicom, Comium and Africell provide GSM services, which are mainly prepaid. Sierratel and other private companies provide wireless services. GSM sim packs and recharge cards are obtainable at authorized dealer’s shops all over the country.

 Currency

The official currency of Sierra Leone is the ‘Leones’ (LE). Leones are available in coins of 50 and100, bills of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000. Sierra Leone operates a floating exchange rate system. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at any of the Commercial Banks, Foreign Exchange Bureaus and Hotels.

Credit cards (American Express, Master Card and Visa) can be used to settle bills in some Hotels and Restaurants. Please confirm with Management prior to any transaction. Credit cards can also be used at some of the Commercial Banks for cash in Leones. Traveler’s cheques can be used at major Hotels or Cashed at Banks and some shops.

It is illegal to exchange money in the street with unlicensed money dealers. Exchange money only at the Bank or at licensed Foreign Exchange Bureau (bureau de change)

Business/Social Hints

Appointments must be made in advance and punctuality is appreciated. It is customary to shake hands on meeting and taking leave. Business cards are exchanged after introduction. Visitors should be perceptive to local conventions and care should be taken to respect local, religious customs and practices. When a service charge is included, gratuities are optional. Service charge in restaurants is around 10%. On social occasions, e.g. invitation to hotels or restaurants and
receptions, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. English is the official language.

Official Holidays

Sierra Leone Government celebrates Islamic, Christian and National Holidays. Holidays marked with asterisk (*) are lunar and change every year.