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Money & duty free for Sierra Leone

Currency information: 

Leone (SLL) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SLL5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of SLL100 and 50.

Credit cards: 

Credit cards (Visa only) are accepted in some shops, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants in Freetown.

ATM: 

ATMs are few and far between in Sierra Leone. There are a number of ATMs (Visa only) in Freetown with limited others in other major centres such as Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Koidu. Some are not internationally connected and these are often liable to fraud. There are no Mastercard cash points in Sierra Leone.

Travellers cheques: 

These are generally not recommended as opportunities to cash them are limited, but they can be exchanged at a number of banks.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Thurs 0800-1330, Fri 0800-1400.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is limited to SLL50,000. Under the 2005 Anti-Money Laundering Act, the import of foreign currency is limited to $10,000 in cash, unless it is through a financial institution. Foreign currency being brought into the country must be declared upon arrival. The export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount declared upon arrival.

Currency exchange: 

All foreign exchange transactions must conducted through official exchange offices and banks.

Sierra Leone duty free

The following may be imported into Sierra Leone without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco.
• 1.1L of wine or spirits.

Banned imports: 

Narcotics; firearms without a licence from the Commissioner of Police in Freetown.

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