Togo - Info & Facts

Suggested Length of Stay

Allow 5-10 Days to get a good overall experience of Togo but suggest 15 days if you want to experience all this magical nation truly has to offer.

Modes of transport

Road

Driving conditions are hazardous throughout Togo due to the presence of pedestrians, large swarms of small motorcycles, disorderly drivers (moped, car and truck drivers), livestock on the roadways, and the poor condition of the roads, which often contain deep potholes. Overland travel off the main network of roads generally requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Public transport

Buses are the most reliable way to get around, especially for long-distance trips. Rakiéta buses are more reliable than those of other companies.

Buses almost always operate with guaranteed seating and fixed departure times; arrive early or book the day before to ensure you have a seat on your preferred service.

Health Precautions

Drink bottled water such as Volta or sachets of “Pure Water”. Bissop juice is also fairly safe as it is boiled, and avoid the lemonade “citron” despite its delicious aspect. Stay away from road-side meals if possible.

The tap water in Togo is not safe to drink.

Food and Drink

Pâte is made from corn flour. The “national” dish of West-Africa is Fufu. In Togo, it consists of white yams pounded into a doughy consistency. You will find plenty of Fufu Restaurants in the cities as well as roadside stands. Pâte and Fufu are usually eaten with your hands and come with different sauces (from smoked fish to spicy tomato to peanut). Plantains can also be found in various forms; grilled, cooked, mashed or fried. In the season, Mangos, Avocados, Papayas, and Pineapples are for sale everywhere.

Money

Togo uses the West African CFA franc. Major towns have Visa ATMs. A few upmarket hotels take credit cards but otherwise, cash is king.

Time Zone

Togo is on West African Time Zone (GMT+1)

Visas

You will need a visa to enter Togo. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy of Togo for up-to-date information.

Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts

Australia doesn’t have an Embassy in Togo. For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Accra, Ghana.

Australian High Commission, Accra

2, Second Rangoon Close

(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)

Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Phone: (+233) 302 216 400

Fax: (+233) 302 216 410

Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au

Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au

Togo Embassy contacts in Australia

Togo has no Consulate or Embassy in Australia.

Electricity

In Togo the power plugs and sockets are of type C. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Getting there (stopovers)

The Best way to fly to Togo is via Singapore and Addis Ababa. Other services through Europe are possible.

A brief history

The land that is now the country of Togo was inhabited by the Ewe tribal people starting in the 12th century. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese in the 15th century. The area became a major part of the slave trade with the coast of Togo being part of the Slave Coast. In 1884, Togo became a German colony. It was one of Germany’s best colonies as it was Germany’s only self-supporting colony. In 1914, France and Britain invaded and France took control of the country. In 1957 Togoland joined with the Gold Coast to become the independent country of Ghana. French Togoland became a separate republic a few years later and became Togo in 1960.

Tipping

A 10 to 15 per cent service fee is usually included in restaurant bills, but it is customary to tip taxi drivers, porters and hotel staff.