Top 10 Safety Tips For Tourists in Lagos You Shouldn’t Ignore

There are numbers of safety tips for tourists in Lagos. In this blog post we will discuss top ones that should be a concern to every tourist visiting Lagos from within the country or abroad.

Lagos is a popular travel destination that earns higher popularity even more than the country’s capital, it attracts the attention of visitors both local and internationally. Tourists want to come and experience the most talked about cities of Lagos.

Truly speaking, Lagos has a lot of fun things to do, nice beaches, excellence amusement parks and a great night life.

The good beach Lagos

Despite the beauties that surround Lagos, the city has it share of challenges just like every other city of the world. But to make it safe for you when visiting Lagos, we the Lagos local tour guide put together cut and pieces to make your stay a lively and safe when you visit Lagos.

Keep reading let me show you how.

What Are Safety Tips For Tourist In Lagos?

These are know-how from your favorite Lagos local tour guide to enable you navigate the city of Lagos while staying safe and enjoying your tour

Here are some helpful tips for tourists in Lagos:

1. Make A Research

This is the number one safety tips for tourist visiting Lagos, before arriving the city, it is important to spend time researching the city. Learn about popular neighborhoods, transportation options, and the best spots to visit.

Also, ensure you Look up trusted blogs like ours or travel guides for unfiltered reports about happening in Lagos, checking for these updates on safety conditions in Lagos can help you avoid potential risks and enable you enjoy you stay to the fullest.

2. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

It important to book you accommodations beforehand, where you stay in Lagos plays a big role in your safety. Opt for well-known hotels, guest houses, or serviced apartments with good reviews on credible platforms like Booking.com and airbnb.

Popular neighborhoods in Lagos like Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki are generally safer and offer quality accommodations.

Ensure you make payment for your accommodations through the right channels, that is paying through the accommodations official website and other verified payment mean. Also, Avoid cheap hotels in isolated areas as they could be target to criminals.

3. Be Mindful Of Transportation

Despite the various transportation options available in Lagos, navigating the city can be challenging, especially if you’re new in town. Public buses and motorbikes (okadas) are common but may not always be safe for tourists.

As a tourist visiting Lagos, the trusted transportation options to use are ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber or recommended private taxis for convenience and safety.

Avoid unmarked taxis and crowded buses as this can attract pickpockets causing loss of valuable or even worse.

If renting a car, consult your hotel, they usually have trusted cab drivers who knows the city well.

4. Beware Of Scams

Like in many large cities, scams targeting tourists exist in Lagos. Be cautious when dealing as criminals are everywhere looking for who to devour.

Some of the way tourist could be scammed in Lagos include:

• Currency Exchange Scam: it’s important to be aware of scam when changing foreign currency as some currency exchangers may take advantage of tourists ignorance of the current exchange rates.
• Price Inflation For Foreigners: Vendors at markets or taxis might charge tourists excessively. Ensure you familiarize yourself with local prices or ask a trusted local for guidance.
• Sob Story Beggars: Individuals may claim to be in distress, asking for money to solve a fake problem.
• Phone Snatching: Scammers on bikes might snatch phones from people using them in public. Avoid using your phone near roads or in crowded areas.
• Hidden Hotel Fees: Some hotels might not disclose extra charges until checkout. Always confirm all charges at check-in and ask for a breakdown of costs.

Being mindful of all these mentioned will enable you avoid being scammed in Lagos as a tourist.

Tourist at Eleko beach

5. Have Emergency Contacts

Another safety tips for tourist in Lagos is having Emergency numbers, they are very important for tourists because they provide quick access to help during unexpected situations. Lagos is a busy city, and emergencies like health issues, accidents, or security concerns can happen. Having these numbers makes it easier to contact the police, ambulance, or fire service when needed.

Some Lagos Emergency Numbers:

These emergency numbers ensures prompt support in case of theft or other security challenges, keep them handy through out your stay in Lagos.

6. Plan Your Nightlife Carefully

One safety tips for tourist in Lagos is to plan your night life accordingly. Lagos is vibrant city full of life with intriguing night clubs, music concerts and live shows.

There are ways you can plan your night out, have fun and still be safe, and this boils down to your location in Lagos. Remember we mentioned to choose your location wisely earlier on, this is one of the reasons.

Some neighborhoods in Lagos are generally saver to move around at night, for instance neighborhood like Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki are more secured moving around at night, you can call a cab at 3 am to come pick you. But that’s not the case in areas like Iyana Ipaja, Agege and other parts of Lagos Mainland.

Below is a video drawn from our YouTube channel, this is a typical nightlife in Victoria Island Lagos.

So, how you plan your night life depends on the neighborhood you stay in Lagos, Ensure you choose the right place if you want to enjoy safe night movement

7. Stay in Contact with Trusted Locals

If you have friends or family in Lagos, keep in touch with them throughout your trip. Their local knowledge can help you avoid risky situations and find hidden gems in the city.

Share your itinerary with someone you trust, ask for advice on safe places to visit or eat, and always reach out to them if you feel unsafe or lost.

8. Respect Local Customs and Laws

Lagosians are friendly and accommodating, but respecting the local culture goes a long way in ensuring a pleasant experience. Avoid behaviors that may offend locals or violate laws

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas and familiarize yourself with Nigerian laws and follow them.

10. Explore with a Guide

If you are visiting Lagos as a tourist for the first time and you don’t feel confident or safe to move around alone, getting a trusted guide can make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

Many tour companies offer packages that include transportation and security. These guides gives visitors Insight into Lagos’ history and culture and access to hidden spots you may not discover alone.

Conclusion

Visiting Lagos can be an exciting and enriching experience when you take the right precautions. While the city is vibrant and full of opportunities for adventure, being safety-conscious is key to enjoying your stay. From thorough research and careful accommodation choices to staying in touch with trusted locals, these tips can help you make the most of your trip without unnecessary worries. Lagos is a city of charm, culture, and fun, and with the proper preparations, your visit can be both safe and unforgettable.