How Safe is Port Harcourt – What to do as a Foreigner?

A few years ago, it was no surprise when Port Harcourt was labeled one of the three most dangerous cities in the world. This was a time when inter-communal clashes, militancy, armed robbery and kidnappings were the order of the day, converting the entire city into one huge episode from Survivor. These days however, the story has changed. Port Harcourt is now safer. While Rivers state remains a security risk for foreigners traveling without an escort, the capital city of Port Harcourt has returned to its old ways of catering to the needs of foreigners and tourists in a secure and comfortable environment. If you are visiting the city for the very first time, here are some things you can do to make your stay in the city more comfortable and certainly more secure.

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Don’t Travel via Public Transport

Traveling via public transport is the easiest way to invite unwanted attention to yourself, especially if you’re a white-skinned foreigner. The majority of the population in Port Harcourt is dark-skinned and so your complexion would stand out very visibly. You should be very careful as a foreigner not to invite unwarranted attention to yourself. While Port Harcourt and Nigerians are very hospitable, there remains a high level of poverty in the country and some of the more criminally minded locals would not mind separating a hapless tourist from a few loose dollars. The best option is to hire a driver who would chauffeur you during your stay. You will find it easier to move around when you have a dedicated driver anyway.

Have a Guide When Going Out – Especially at Night

Port Harcourt offers a variety of amusements ranging from nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas, to malls for the tourist and visiting foreigner, and the call to partake of the many amusements is one that as a visitor you would be sure to answer from time to time. All you need to do is make sure whenever you go out, you do so with a guide, who is preferably a Port Harcourt resident or at the least a Nigerian who knows the city.

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Stay in a Nice Hotel

There are many nice and luxurious hotels in Port Harcourt that offer you complete security. Some of these hotels also come with a chauffeur service, and tour guides. Four-star hotels like Hotel Presidential, Le Meridien, Golden Tulip, Novotel, Claridon Resorts and so many others cater to a number of foreigners so you would not feel out of place. All you need to do is book ahead of your trip and then relax as you are picked up from the airport at the start of your wonderful experience.

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Network

Depending on which country you are visiting Port Harcourt from – there are many foreigners living in Port Harcourt, get in touch with your community for information on the best restaurants or bars serving your local delicacies to ensure during your stay, it always feels like home.

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