Lagos, Nigeria

• Lagos has over 20 million people crammed into a city split between islands and mainland, where traffic barely moves and the energy never stops. The wealthy areas - Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki - feel like a different country from the dense mainland neighborhoods like Yaba and Ikeja. Islands have embassies, corporate offices, and actual infrastructure. Mainland has authentic street life, crowds, and chaos.
• You need to pick your location carefully here. Stay in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, or Lekki Phase 1 where international companies and embassies create security presence through private guards and better lighting. You'll still get catcalled and hassled by vendors, but these neighborhoods have lower crime rates. Mainland areas get significantly worse for harassment and street crime.
• English is Nigeria's official language and most people in Lagos speak it, though Nigerian Pidgin dominates street conversations. Emergency numbers are 112 (national) or 767 (Lagos State). Crime is a real issue - phone snatching, pickpocketing, and bag theft happen constantly, especially in markets and crowded areas.
• Only use Uber or Bolt. Don't flag down random taxis or okadas (motorcycle taxis) - accident and robbery risks are too high. Traffic here is famously bad. What should take 20 minutes will take 2 hours. Build in way more time than you think you need. Lagos has good restaurants and a strong art and music scene, but you need to stay alert and plan carefully.

English is Nigeria's official language and most people in Lagos speak it, especially in business areas. Nigerian Pidgin is common in everyday conversations. Hotels, restaurants, and services catering to international visitors have English-speaking staff. Emergency operators (112 and 767) speak English.

• Dress modestly - loose clothes covering shoulders and knees. Victoria Island and Lekki are more relaxed, but mainland areas and religious sites require conservative dress. Lightweight fabrics help in the tropical heat.
• Greet people properly before starting conversations. Use 'Aunty', 'Uncle', 'Sir', or 'Ma' for anyone older. Respect for elders matters - greet them first in groups and don't refuse food or drink when offered by a host.
• Street harassment and catcalling are common here. Stay confident, assertive, and keep moving. Don't engage with persistent vendors or people offering unsolicited help. Women traveling alone often get aggressively overcharged, so agree on prices before accepting any services.
• Never display expensive items - jewelry, watches, or phones. Keep your phone hidden on streets and in markets. Don't use ATMs after dark, and be cautious of anyone approaching to offer assistance - it's often a scam setup.

• Use Uber or Bolt exclusively. They're affordable and available throughout Lagos. Don't flag down random taxis or use okadas (motorcycle taxis) - both have high accident rates and security risks. Prices are reasonable compared to Western cities.
• The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is the safest public bus option if you need it, with dedicated lanes connecting Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Oshodi, and Yaba. But buses get packed during rush hours (6-10 AM and 4-8 PM) and pickpocketing is common. Don't use Danfo minibuses at all.
• Traffic in Lagos is extreme. A 20-minute trip can take 2 hours. Travel outside rush hours when possible and always add buffer time. The Third Mainland Bridge connecting island to mainland gets especially congested.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Lagos with local guides and curated experiences.