When you get through the border formalities from Ghana, you'll be besieged, as is usually the case in Africa, by people offering transportation to Lome. The prices sound reasonable enough for a journey of some kilometers. However, you should be aware that the border is essentially in Lome: you could easily walk to the city center, and even more easily to several hotels popular with visitors. In other words, you'll pay way more than you should for a very short ride, and there's no refund from the delighted driver (even by Western standards, people are often charged a lot of money). If you accept a ride to the city centre, bargain upfront, or else refuse and walk if you don't have much luggage. You'll have a first opportunity to check out the seafront walk into the bargain!
Updated May 4, 2008
This is the biggest joke, at the airport, u have to pay 10000 XOF = 15 euro for visa fees (sometimes even if you have the visa), but there is no change office at the airport so they suggest to pay 20 euro, you can do nothing about it, unless u already have XOF with you
Written Jun 25, 2005
In Lome and Aflao, you will be harrassed by people who want you to change your currencies with them. If you keep on refusing, the rate will become better and better.
However, you will see that they keep the bundles of banknotes by ten, the tenth being wraping the nine others.
They count the ten banknotes in front of you and keep the last in the hand when they give the banknotes to you.
Unique Suggestions: Don't give your banknotes before you are sure you have the currencies, keep your banknotes in your pocket, count the money each time because they will retake the cash and replay.
If transaction is OK, you can give your hard currency, but be careful, they will pretend they want to check the banknote, and take it away. Sometimes they replace your good USD's by fakes notes and come back to claim their own money.
Fun Alternatives: If after two tries of transactions they still don't give you all the banknotes, give them everything back and go to someone else.
Don't allow them to verify your banknotes far from you.
Written Apr 30, 2004
Lots of people requesting you money for anything in the airport. Be very carefull to your belongings and never show your money.
The police is there everywhere and they show you their hat, you have to put banknotes inside. Have small units!
Unique Suggestions: Pretend you have only credit cards or give the smallest coins of your country (1 cent USD, 1 Euocent, etc), at least they will not do something with it.
Fun Alternatives: Pretend you don't understand French-English, they will leave you after.
Never allow them to carry your suitcases,
Never look like you don't know where you go.
Updated Apr 29, 2004
The road from Sokodé to Dapaong goes through the National Park. It's forbiden to stop in the park and at the other hand the speed limit is 50 KM.
So you get always a fine. If you pass the exit too early , you drove to fast. If you pass the exit too late, you have made a stopp and that's not allowed.
We had to pay 25.000 CFA ( 80 euro) fine, because we were 7 minutes too early. We refused to pay.
Written Jul 15, 2003
When you leave the plane and enter the airport, they first demand you your yellow card (vaccination).
I used to present it at the immigration when you already have your luggages.
They didn't want me to go to my suitcase. I had to pay 100 USD to presnet my card.
So, if you go to Togo, have your yellow card with your passport.
Written Aug 24, 2002
nobody is offering a sevice for free. don't be fooled by a helping persons. if you are not willing to pay just say no at the begining before it's too late, as easy as that
Written Jun 25, 2005
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2 Reviews and 27 Opinions A very nice, comfortable/upper class hotel with amazing swimming pool. Staff very helpful....
1 Review and 27 Opinions I have stayed in this hotel for a week in 2005 Sep on my way to accra from cotonou. I must say that...
Ibis Lome Centre Lome
1 Review and 10 Opinions Hotel Ibis is old, but still represents the best among the hotels in Lome. Price is approx. 75 €
Reviews and photos of Togo attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Togo sightseeing.

nobody is offering a sevice for free. don't be fooled by a helping persons. if you are not willing to pay just say no at the begining before it's too late, as...
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