A: Due to the civil crisis, security is a major concern for visitors. To ensure better protection, downtown hotels, even though more expensive, are highly recommended. For those requiring a longer stay in Liberia, there are apartments that vary in price depending on the location; the more expensive being in the heart of Monrovia.

Q: What options do expatriates have when looking for a place to stay?

A: For those desiring to return home from abroad, there are surprises that will shock them. Most often they may have to "spend time" with family members until they find a place of their own. Because the city is very congested with businesses and government offices, the majority of Liberians live on the outskirts of town where security is not very tight. In additional, electricity and safe drinking water may not be available. Other options would be hotels and apartments that vary in price depending on their location.

Q: How much could I expect to spend on a 2-week visit to Liberia? (Figures in USD)

A: Depending on the location, you could expect to spend $50-$100 per day. Daily food expenditure could run you $5-$20. Car rental including gas usually cost about $35-$45 per day; charge for a taxicab rental is usually about $100. One can spend anywhere from $20-$50 for entertainment depending on where you go. Miscellaneous spending such as phone cards and recharging service can be as little as $5 or as high as $25.

Q: What are some of the health concerns and how can one minimize them?

A:The major health concerns for travelers and those returning home are malaria, typhoid fever and cholera. Before your visit, see your physician for necessary vaccinations for typhoid fever and cholera, as well as receiving anti-malarial medications since there is currently no malaria vaccine approved for human use.

Q: How are living conditions in Monrovia in terms of water, electricity and security?

A:Those who have the pleasure of using light switches do so at a cost. Most of the electricity is provided by the use of generators; the most popular – the TIGER generator (1 kva uses 1 gallon of gas every 8 hours; it however needs a surge protector ($85-100USD) to protect appliances) is used by most people. Those who can not afford generators have to use candles. Most generators cost between $300-500USD.

Water is provided from the Water & Sewer Plant located in the White Plains area. A gallon of water costs about $6-$7LD in the downtown area and about $8LD in the Mamba Point area. On the outskirts of the city in places like Paynesville and Gardnersville, residents have wells that provide them with clean water.

Residents of the city feel more secured than others living on the suburbs/outskirts of the city because most of the government offices and local non-governmental organizations are located in the heart of the city. Currently, security is provided by the UNMIL until a viable national security force is in place.

Q: Is it unsafe to live in certain areas of the city (Monrovia)?

A: Even though the outskirts of Monrovia lack the security to which the city is privileged, there are however some areas even within the city limits that should be avoided, especially at night. Those discovered to be more dangerous than others are West point, Carey Street and the Waterside marketing district. Life in these areas are more dangerous because they are used for the storage of much-needed goods. Armed robbery and petty theft such as purse and cell phone snatching have become prevalent.