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Liberia Driving Guide

Liberia is a unique beautiful country. Explore all of it by driving when you get your International Driving Permit

2021-07-27 · 15. min

After years of facing civil wars, Liberia has finally reclaimed its spot as one of the favorite tourist destinations in Africa. With abundant rainforests and golden-sand beaches, Liberia is a place for every tourist who loves to explore the natural beauty of a country. You can also see historic architectural structures in Liberia.

Going from one place to another in Liberia will be tiring and can exhaust you. But when you are in charge of your own transportation, you can take breaks along the way, whenever you want. That is why it is very convenient to tour around Liberia by driving a car. You have to secure first an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in Liberia as it is one of the requirements when you are driving in Liberia.

How Can This Guide Help You

As Liberia is a developing country, driving can be tricky on some roads in the country. Some roads may be hard to drive on as the country is currently in the process of redevelopment from the past civil wars. However, this guide will help you know more about the country. By reading further below, you will know Liberia’s driving road conditions, situations, and etiquettes. Plus, you can also find where to rent a car to use in Liberia.

General Information

Liberia is an African country that has historical ties with the United States. Bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, Liberia boasts its long coastline and beaches where you can find surfing waves. As this country is filled with natural beauty, you can also go mountain climbing and explore its different national parks.

Geographic Location

Africa’s oldest republic, Liberia, is located along the coastline of the western part of Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the North, Côte d’Ivoire to the East, Sierra Leone to the northwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. The country houses numerous rainforests that contain a wide variety of flora and fauna.

With the country’s geographic location, Liberia experiences a tropical, hot, and humid climate all year round. During the months of May until October, it also rains in the country due to the African monsoon.

Languages Spoken

The official language in Liberia is English. A wide variety of Liberian English is also being spoken in the country, and that includes the Merico language, and Caribbean English, and standard Liberian English. Aside from that, there are about over 20 indigenous languages spoken by locals representing the different ethnic groups in Liberia. The native languages are grouped into four according to language families, namely Mel, Kru, Mande, and Gola.

Land Area

Liberia has a land area of 111,369 square kilometers that is slightly larger than Bulgaria. When compared to other countries in terms of land area, Liberia ranks 39th among African countries and 102nd in the whole world. Most of Liberia’s land is covered by forests. In 2013, two-thirds of Liberia’s land area was covered with forests being 44% were categorized as degraded forests, 13% were agricultural land, and 11% for savanna.

History

Portuguese people were the ones who first arrived in Liberia in 1461. The Portuguese named the land the Grain Coast, and later in 1663, the British made trading posts on the coast of the land, but it was destroyed by the Dutch. After that incident, there were no more efforts made to settle in the area. In 1822, Liberia was discovered due to the efforts of the American Colonization Society (a private organization based in the United States) to find a place for the freed American slaves in West Africa to settle to.

The country was originally called Monrovia. However, in 1847, it became the Free and Independent Republic of Liberia. Their constitution was similar to the constitution of the United States. Liberia experienced civil war twice, one from 1989-1993 and another from 1999-2003. Around 250,000 people were killed in both of those civil wars. The civil wars experienced by Liberia have resulted in the downfall of the country’s economy.

Government

Liberia has the presidential representative democratic republic type of government. Their executive branch is composed of a president who is elected and leads the government for a six-year term, the vice president will also serve for six years, and the cabinet who are appointed by the president with the senate’s consent and approval.

The Legislative branch consists of the Senate (30 members) and the house of representatives (73 members). The senate members will serve a nine-year term, while the house of representatives will serve for a six-year term. The Judiciary branch comprises five judges chosen by the president and appointed by the senate. They may serve a life-long term but have a mandatory retirement age of 70 years old.

Tourism

Still a developing country due to the effects of the civil war, Liberia has not experienced many tourists visiting the country. Despite the low number of tourist visits in the past years, as time passes by, more and more tourists are slowly discovering the beauty that Liberia has to offer.

Even if their economy is underdeveloped due to the past civil wars, Liberia is slowly climbing it back as one of the places for tourists to visit. The tourist destinations in the country are less-crowded and are not yet visited by most tourists, but rest assured, every tourist destination will give you a refreshing vibe that will attract the traveler spirit in you.

International Driver’s Permit FAQs

Every foreign driver driving in Liberia now should secure an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in Liberia. An IDP is a document that translates your local driver’s license to 12 UN-recognized languages. As an International Driver's License in Liberia is required to be able to drive in the country, you have to secure one before starting your trip and to experience no trouble during road checkpoints while driving in Liberia.

Is a Local Driver’s License Valid in Liberia?

If you are planning on driving in Liberia now, it is important for you to know that all local driver’s licenses issued in other countries are valid and can be used when driving in Liberia. But you have to make sure that you support it with an International Driving Permit in Liberia. If you have a local driver’s license but do not have an IDP in Liberia, you won’t be able to drive legally. Liberian road authorities might fine you if you drive without an IDP.

Take note that you can only use your foreign driver’s license in Liberia for a maximum of 12 months. If you wish for an extension of driving in Liberia, you can apply for a Liberian driver’s license. There is a possibility that you will take a practical exam again, so you better practice your driving skills at driving schools in Liberia.

Do I Need an IDP to When Driving in Liberia?

You will need an International Driving Permit in Liberia to be able to drive in the country legally. As it is one of the required documents needed when driving in Liberia now, Liberian road authorities will require you to present an IDP whenever you encounter road checkpoints in Liberia. With that, you should secure an IDP before driving in Liberia and make sure to always bring it with you as road checkpoints can happen at any given time.

An International Driver’s Permit might look just like your local driver’s license, but it does not replace it. The purpose of an IDP is to support your local driver’s license, not replace it. As it is a legal translation document of your local driver’s license, it will be very useful when you are driving in countries that require IDP.

Who Can Apply for An IDP?

Anyone that is 18 years and older and already has a local driver’s license can apply for an IDP. You do not have to worry as you can secure an IDP online. Submit an application form provided by our website. To be able to apply for an IDP before driving in Liberia, your zip code, name, address, and email address should be filled-in in the application form.

After submission, your application will be reviewed by our team. And within two hours, if your application is approved, you will receive the digital copy of your IDP via email. For the physical copy of your IDP, it will be shipped to you immediately. It would take 7-15 days for your IDP to arrive at you if you are US-based and up to 30 days if internationally. Do not forget to check your location’s zip code to avoid delays of you driving in Liberia due to the delayed shipment of your IDP.

Renting a Car in Liberia

When planning for a trip to a foreign country, you should always consider the most convenient type of transportation you should have to further enjoy the trip. Driving in Liberia by car is the best way to explore the different tourist spots in the country. You can bring your own car, but if you do not have a car, you do not have not to worry as you can rent one. A lot of car rental companies can be found on the internet and in Liberia.

Car Rental Companies

You can rent a car either at car rental companies online or at local companies' car rental booths found near airports. The advantage of renting a car online is that you can find a wide variety of car rental companies that offer different car rental fees. You will have a lot of options to choose from that will be suitable to the budget you set for renting a car.

You can also rent a car through local car rental booths in the airport. There are car rental companies that set-up booths at airports. It may be convenient, but it can be pricey compared to the car rental offers found online. The good thing is that you can rent a car whether you are already in Liberia or not. Some famous car rental companies are listed below.

  • Kayaek
  • Auto Europe
  • Hotwire

Documents Required

Requirements for renting a car in Liberia can differ depending on the car rental company. But generally, most car rental companies will ask for your local driver’s license, your International Driving Permit in Liberia, and a credit card issued to your name. They might also look for your passport and an additional ID for further verification.

You better prepare those mentioned documents before you rent a car for a faster transaction. Remember to bring those documents as some car rental companies do not allow renting a car with incomplete documents. Keep in mind that the faster you can rent a car, the faster you can go driving around Liberia.

Vehicle Types

You can rent different vehicle types to use when driving in Liberia. Different car rental companies offer different types of vehicles with different prices for you to rent. You can choose from a manual to an automatic transmission, and economy to compact cars. It is highly suggested to rent an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) whenever you are touring in a different country. SUVs are very versatile when it comes to different roads. That is why it will be the best choice to rent and drive in Liberia.

Aside from that, when you rent a car, you should always consider your own preferences. You have to choose the best car that will not just take you to different places in Liberia but also the one that will give you comfort while traveling.

Car Rental Cost

The same with the age requirement to rent a car, different car rental companies have a different basis for the car rental fee that they will offer. Generally, car rental companies will base their offered car rental fee on the type of car you are about to rent, the time of the year, the additional driver, and whether the car that you will rent will be dropped off and picked up at the same places. Wi-fi access, GPS, and car seats will also be added to the rental fee.

Age Requirements

You should be at least 21 years old for you to be eligible to rent a car in Liberia. Even if you already have a driving license, you are still not allowed to rent a car if you are below 21 years old. Drivers with ages between 21 to 24 may be required to pay an additional fee (young driver fee). There is also a possibility that this can change as different car rental companies have different minimum age requirements. Some may be lower than 21 years old, and some may be higher.

Car Insurance Cost

Almost all of the car rental companies will include insurance costs to the total car rental fee of the car you rented. Car insurance is very important as unexpected and unfortunate events can happen at any time. Especially if you are involved in a car accident, car insurance will be very useful.

Your car insurance cost will depend on the insurance you availed. If you decided to avail for a lot of car insurances, it will cost you a lot. Do not forget to check if the car rental company that you are renting from includes insurance in their car rental packages. If not, it is best to avail of car insurance before driving in the country.

Car Insurance Policy

A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection Insurance, and a Third Party Liability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance are some of the insurances you can avail for the car you rented. Aside from that, some car rental companies also offer road assistance.

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - This insurance covers the damages sustained by your car. You do not have to pay for the damages of the car you rented if you have availed for the CDW insurance. However, this insurance may include a deductible.
  • Theft Protection Insurance - This insurance will most likely cover the cost if ever your rented car is stolen or is damaged while it is attempted to be stolen.
  • Third-Party Liability - This insurance covers the cost if ever you damaged someone else’s car/vehicle.
  • Personal Accident Insurance - This insurance will cover or be responsible for the medical costs if ever you are involved in a road accident using the car you rented.

The listed insurances below are not all the insurances that you can avail of. But you don’t have to worry as different available insurances will be discussed with you by the car rental company.

The Road Rules In Liberia

It is very important for drivers to know and understand the basic driving rules in Liberia and in any country they are driving. One of the driving guides in Liberia is to follow the road rules and regulations. Driving rules in Liberia are somewhat similar to what the other countries have. The driving guide in Liberia also suggests that you should always be cautious and alert when driving in the country. Following the driving policies in Liberia will help you prevent any accident from happening.

Important Regulations

Road authorities are very strict when it comes to driving policies in Liberia. When driving your car to different places in Liberia, it is important for you to know and understand first their road rules and regulations to avoid driving violations in Liberia. Being familiar with the country’s driving rules will not just help you avoid being questioned by the authorities, but it will also prevent you from getting involved in a road accident.

Drunk-driving

Driving after drinking alcoholic drinks is one of the driving violations in Liberia. Liberia allows a 0.05% BAC (Blood Alcohol Limit). It is just consuming three glasses of alcoholic drinks within one hour. Driving after drinking is illegal and is not a good practice as it will affect your judgment whenever you are driving. Drink driving can possibly lead to a road accident.

Turning Signals at an Intersection

It is important to inform the drivers behind you of what you are about to do especially when you reach an intersection. Turn on your car’s signal lights 100 feet away from the intersection. You should always be on the lane closest to the direction you are about to turn in an intersection.

Parking

Just the same as driving, you also have to cautiously choose a place to park your car. If you already arrived at your desired destination or you have decided to take a break from your trip, only park your car at designated parking spaces. This is to ensure that your car will be safe.

Only park in an area that is well-lit. Secure your personal belongings, close and lock the door before leaving your car unattended. Only park at the designated parking spaces. Refrain from parking your car in any space you find as your car might be in danger. Aside from that, only park your car in a well-lit area during the night.

Ensure you and your vehicle are in good condition before driving

Make sure that the car you are about to drive is fully-functional by checking if the engine, the steering wheel, brakes, mirrors, horns, and signal lights are working properly. Aside from that, do not forget to bring extra tires as a backup tire in case you will experience a flat tire along your trip. Put-away the things that could distract you while driving.

You yourself should also be physically and mentally capable of driving. Be sure to know the basic skills in driving a car before attempting to drive. Do not venture on driving if you are not feeling well. Lastly, before you start driving, buckle your seatbelt, close and lock your door.

General Standards of Driving in Liberia

It is okay to drive in Liberia if you know the country’s general standards of driving. There are also websites about driving in Liberia that you can find online. Knowing is a thing, but understanding is another thing. You have to understand the way of driving and put into action what you have learned in order to have a smooth and trouble-free journey through different places in Liberia.

Speed Limits

The same as the traffic lights on roads, you should always obey the mandated speed limit of the road you're driving at. You should always obey and follow the speed limit of the road you are driving at as they are imposed there by the road authorities to maintain order on roads and also guide you in your trip. Furthermore, you can find the general speed limits on Liberian roads below.

  • On Rural roads - 25 km/h
  • On Urban/Town roads - 45 km/h

Take note that road speed limits can change at any point in the road you are driving in. Thus, it is important to check updates when driving in Liberia. You should also always keep an eye on what the road signs show, especially the change in the road’s speed limits. No matter wherever you are in Liberia, always obey the road’s speed limit. You can see the imposed speed limit on the road you are driving at road signs.

Driving Directions

Driving through Liberia will be best experienced if you drive your own car. You have to drive cautiously and attentively as some of the roads in Liberia are poor in terms of their road condition, and some roads during the night do not have road lights. However, there are also roads that are well-maintained that are found mostly in the center of a city.

Seatbelt Laws

There are currently no seatbelt and child safety laws in Liberia. But that does not mean that you should be complacent. Even if it is not mandated, all passengers (back and front) should always wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts are very important, especially if you ever get involved in a road accident.

If you travel with a child under 12 years old, you are required to let the child sit in a car seat that is appropriate for the child’s height. Another thing is that the child is not allowed to be seated in the front seat of the car.

Road Signs

Road signs in Liberia are printed in English as it is the country’s official language. With that, you won’t have any problem understanding the road signs that you will see on roads, especially if you have been driving for quite some time now and have already familiarized yourself with the traffic road signs. Some of the road signs that you will see in Liberia are listed below.

  • For priority signs - priority road, end of priority road, give way, stop.
  • For prohibitory signs - no horns, no entry, no left turn, no right turn, no U-turn, no overtaking, no stopping, toll-zone,
  • For informational signs - hospital, church, gas-station, end of two-way traffic, cyclist crossing
  • For warning signs - traffic lights, curve to the left, curve to the right, double curve, slippery road, rough road, road works, road narrows, two-way road.

Right of Way

Different right of way rules helps drivers on the road to drive safely. Traffic lights and traffic road signs will be your guide when determining the right of way when driving in Liberia. Always give way or yield to the car that arrived first. If you reach a certain road intersection at the same time as another car, you have to yield if the car is on your right.

As you approach a roundabout, always lower your car’s speed. You always have to yield to any traffic in the roundabout. Wait for the traffic on your left to be cleared before you enter the roundabout.

It is okay to drive in Liberia if you are 18 years old already. There are countries that have a legal driving age of lower or higher than 18 years old. If you already have a local driver's license and you have not reached the age of 18 yet, you are still not allowed to drive in Liberia. You have to wait until you are 18 years old to be legally driving in Liberia.

Law About Overtaking

There is still no law about overtaking in Liberia. But still, you are required to overtake only on the left side of the road. As you are required to drive on the right, refrain from overtaking on the right. Overtaking on the right side of the road might lead to a collision between you and the other drivers along with you.

Driving Side

You are required to drive on the right side of the road in Liberia. This rule applies not just to locals but also to tourists driving in the country. Driving on the left is strictly prohibited. If you are caught violating this rule, you could be fined by the Liberian road authorities.

Other Tips

Aside from the mentioned road rules in Liberia above, there are also other tips for you to know that can be beneficial when you are driving in Liberia. Listed below are some pieces of information that every driver must know before driving in Liberia.

Are There Any Things that My Car Must Be Equipped With?

When driving in Liberia, you have to make sure that the car you are driving is equipped with a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, and a first-aid kit. These things will be handy if ever your car breaks down on roads or if you ever get involved in a road accident. Furthermore, you should also bring extra tires to replace your flat tire if you happen to encounter that certain situation.

What Are the Required Documents I Should be Bringing While Driving in Liberia?

As road checkpoints can happen whenever you are driving in Liberia, it is important to always bring your local driver’s license, your IDP, your passport, and car-related documents with you. Those mentioned documents are what Liberian road authorities will look for during checkpoints, and failure to present them might get you fined.

Always focus your attention on the road ahead of you whenever you are driving. Do not do things that could distract you. Being distracted can possibly get you involved in a collision or a road accident. Do not forget to use signal lights whenever you are about to change lanes.

Am I Allowed to Use My Phone While Driving?

Do not use your handheld phone while driving in Liberia. The attention that you should solely give to the road ahead of you will be on your phone instead if you use it. Thus, it can lead to road accidents. If you really need to use your phone, pull to the side of the road first. Do not forget to use signal lights as you pull over.

Driving Etiquette in Liberia

Any problems can arise at any given time and at any given place. That also applies to car problems. From major to minor car problems, it can not be predicted. As it can happen at any time, you must always be prepared in case it will happen while driving in Liberia. Knowing the things to do when dealing with car problems can be very advantageous as you explore Liberia by driving a car.

Car Breakdown

Your car may breakdown whenever you are driving on a traffic-jammed road or in the middle of nowhere. You should not panic if your car breaks down on the road. With that, it is important for you to know some tips about handling car problems. A guide on what to do is provided for you below.

Car Breaking Down on Urban Roads

  1. As the traffic situation can be heavy on urban roads, when you notice that your car is breaking down, immediately turn on the hazard lights of your car.
  2. If it is possible, pull your car to the side of the road, away from the traffic.
  3. If you can’t pull your car to the side of the road, get out of your car wearing a reflective jacket. Use the passenger’s door.
  4. Set-up a warning triangle six steps from the back of your car.
  5. Call for road assistance immediately, or you can call the emergency number of Liberia.
Car Breaking Down on Less Crowded Areas

  1. The same thing as your car breaks down on urban roads, turn on your hazard lights right away.
  2. Pull to the side of the road.
  3. Go out from your car using the passenger’s door wearing a reflective jacket.
  4. Put a warning triangle six steps away from your car.
  5. Immediately call for road assistance.

There are a lot of updates about driving in Liberia that you can find on the internet. You can also find more tips and information on the online website about driving in Liberia.

Police Stops

There is always the possibility of you getting pulled off from the road by the road authorities in Liberia. You should also know how to interact with officers pulling you over. The way you interact with them will greatly affect the way they will interact with you. It is important to have no trouble with the road authorities if you decide for an extension of your driving in Liberia. A guide is provided for you on what to do whenever you are being pulled off the road and on how you should act with the officers.

  1. Immediately lower the speed of your car and pull to the side of the road as soon as you notice that a police car is trailing you.
  2. Wait for the officer to knock on the window of your car before opening it.
  3. Your hand should be in a place where it is clearly visible to the officer.
  4. Talk to the officer in a polite tone and in a respectful way.
  5. When asked to present your legal driving documents, do not hesitate to show them.
  6. If you are asked to go with them, ask for an explanation first. You also need to verify that their explanation is reasonable, then you should go with them.
  7. Once everything is settled, give thanks to the officer before resuming your trip.

Asking Directions

You should have no problem asking for driving direction in Liberia as they use English as their official language. The language barrier won’t be a problem. As you can speak and understand them easily, you also have to talk to them politely. There may be friendly local Liberians, but if you don’t treat them with respect, they will not respond to you in a friendly manner too. So better interact with them nicely and politely.

Checkpoints

Going to different tourist places in Liberia will be much more comfortable and convenient if you are driving your car. You should not worry if ever you will encounter a road checkpoint while driving in Liberia. You just have to deal with it the right way to avoid getting into trouble with the road authorities.

As soon as you notice that you are approaching a road checkpoint, immediately lower the speed of your car. Road authorities will likely look for your local driver’s license, your IDP, your passport, and legal car-related documents, so you better bring it with you all the time. After the inspection is done, give the officer a thank you and continue exploring the beauty of Liberia.

Other Tips

There are a lot of possibilities that you can experience unfortunate events while you are driving in Liberia. And for that, you have to know additional tips for you to cope with unfortunate events properly. Listed below are some important tips that will help you while driving in Liberia.

What If I Get Involved in an Accident?

Different unfortunate things can happen while driving in Liberia. There may be events that can be settled by both involved parties. But if it includes damages to your vehicles, do not leave the accident site. You are only allowed to leave if it is all settled.

Aside from that, leaving the site will only make you look bad towards the police and road authorities in Liberia. The best thing that you should do is to call for emergency rescue. You can call Liberia’s emergency number, 911, and report the accident.

Driving Situations and Conditions

Road networks in Liberia are slowly improving each year. As for their local drivers, a mix of aggressive ones and disciplined ones are what you will encounter while driving in Liberia. With that, you must always be careful when driving in Liberia. Also, do not forget to follow the driving rules and regulations mandated in the country.

Accident Statistics

Vehicle accidents in Liberia continue to increase each year, and that has raised the serious alert to the government of Liberia. In 2018, Liberia recorded 1655 deaths due to road accidents and was 4.94% of the total deaths in Liberia. It is an increase of the 2017s tally of 1585 deaths, which is 4.51% of Liberia’s total deaths in the same year. It is also estimated that 1 out of 22 deaths in Liberia is mainly caused by a road traffic accident.

It has also revealed that one of the main causes of road accidents happening on roads is the violation of driving rules in Liberia. Local drivers with a driving license in Liberia may have gone to driving schools in Liberia, but they tend to ignore the rules and regulations imposed in their country.

Common Vehicles

Most of the locals in Liberia use a car as a mode of transportation. For those who do not have their own cars, they use public transportation. An estimated 250 people are car owners for every 1000 people. The most popular car that is used in Liberia is a Nissan X-Trail, followed by a Toyota Passo and a Honda Fit. The road in Liberia may not be that great, but it does not prevent them from using their own car for transportation purposes.

Toll Roads

There are currently no toll roads in Liberia. Since most roads are still in the process of being developed and traffic congestion usually only occurs at the center of a city in Liberia, the government of Liberia has not implemented tolls on roads yet.

Road Situations

Liberia has busy streets, mostly in the center of a town. Traffic congestion can also be heavy on roads that are close to public establishments. The good news is that you can just manage to drive on roads that are far from a town’s center as the traffic situation there is better than the streets in a town’s center.

Driving Culture

Not all Liberian drivers have the same way of driving. Some are aggressive drivers. That is why you should drive defensively and cautiously all the time. However, there are also local drivers that follow the lessons taught at the driving schools in Liberia. They put good respect to their road rules and regulations, thus obeying every one of them.

Other Tips

Other than the driving situations and conditions you will experience in Liberia, it is also important to know things such as the unit used to measure a vehicle’s speed in the country. You can read below about the other tips when driving in Liberia.

What Is the Unit Used to Measure Speed in Liberia?

Countries around the world either use kilometers per hour (kph) or miles per hour (mph) as a unit to measure a car’s speed. As for Liberia, the country belongs to the 179 countries (91% of all countries) that use kilometers per hour. The other 9% of the countries around the world use miles per hour. Some countries that use miles per hour include the United States, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Wales, and Barbados.

Is Driving in Liberia Safe at Night?

It will be a little hard to drive in Liberia during the night. Some roads do not have lights on them, so your vision might not be clear because of the dark. Aside from that, driving from a place to another in Liberia will not be a problem as most places are accessible. The roads may not be that good, but you can just manage to drive. Remember to drive with caution all the time and observe road signs along the way.

Furthermore, driving around Liberia at night can be dangerous if you are not cautious and careful enough. There are Liberian drivers that tend to be aggressive on roads. But there are also drivers that do follow the road rules and regulations imposed in Liberia, even at night. Even so, you should not be complacent. You should always be careful when driving in Liberia, whether it is night or day.

Things to Do in Liberia

As a country that is slowly recovering and developing due to its history, tourists have yet to discover the true beauty of the country. With that, most of the tourist destinations in Liberia are raw and have not been visited by many tourists. Aside from their tourist attractions, Liberia also has outdoor activities to offer to tourists like you.

Drive as a Tourist

You can drive as a tourist in the different cities in Liberia. Driving your own car is the best way to explore the different tourist attractions in Liberia, as some of those attractions are not accessible by public transportation. Aside from that, driving your own car gives you control in managing your time.

However, you have to secure an International Driver’s Permit in Liberia. Your local driver’s license will not be enough for you to be legally driving in Liberia, and you have to support it with an IDP. That is why before traveling to Liberia, you should secure an IDP first.

Work as a Driver

If you wish to apply for driving jobs in Liberia, you can. Just make sure that the company that you apply to accepts foreigners as their employees. If they accept foreigners, they will most likely look for a driver’s license as one of their requirements. You can also secure a driving license in Liberia before applying for a driving job in Liberia.

A person who works as a driver of a courier (usually delivery and transport) generally earns 28000 Liberian Dollars or roughly $165. Driving salaries range from the lowest average of 19200 LRD (roughly $112) to the highest average of 87600 LRD (roughly $507) per month. This salary already includes transport, housing, and other benefits.

Work as a Travel Guide

Other than the driving jobs in Liberia, you can also work as a travel guide in the country. As Liberia is a country that experiences low numbers of tourists arriving in the country, travel guides are also limited. That is why there is a big chance that you will be hired as a travel guide in Liberia. Aside from that, Liberia’s official language is English, so you won’t have any problem interacting with locals and tourists.

Apply For Residency

If you wish to stay longer in Liberia, you can apply for permanent residency in the country by going to the Justice and Immigration Ministry in Liberia. You have to have no criminal records. Aside from that, you have to be highly industrious and have the will to contribute to the Liberia nation. If you have a visitor’s visa, then you are good to go and apply for a residency permit in Liberia. Residency can be revoked once you will have criminal activity, tax evasion, subversion of the government, or fraudulent business dealings with the government

Other Things to Do

There are also other things that you can do in Liberia if you decided to stay in the country longer than you expected. As Liberia is a developing country, aside from touring around different places in the country, you can also live and work in the country.

Can I Convert My Local Driver’s License to a Liberia Driver’s License?

You can only obtain a Liberia driver’s license if you are already a resident in the country. Furthermore, foreign tourists can apply to be a resident of Liberia if they already have a resident permit. You can apply for a driver’s license in Liberia by visiting the Ministry of Transport Old Central Bank Building in Monrovia.

There are two types of driver’s licenses in Liberia; the learner’s driving license and the full driving license. The learner’s license allows applicants to be trained in driving by a qualified instructor. You can only apply for a full driving license if you already have a learner's driving license. Driving license fees in Liberia can differ according to the type of vehicle. A list of the driving license fees in Liberia is listed below.

  • Motorbike/Motorcycle - $35
  • Ordinary Vehicle- $35
  • Chauffeur A & B – $45
  • Heavy Duty – $100

Are There Any Driving Schools in Liberia?

You can find driving schools in Monrovia, Liberia, the country’s capital city. As acquiring a driving license in Liberia requires you to take a practical exam, you have the option to practice your driving skills at driving schools in Monrovia, Liberia, or in any other towns in the country. It is better to practice first before taking the exam so that the possibility of you failing the practical exam is lower.

If you want to learn heavy-duty driving, schools in Liberia for drivers also offer drivers to learn that category of driving. As you can also find heavy-duty driving schools in Liberia, it won’t be a problem if you apply for driving jobs in Liberia.

Top Destinations in Liberia

Liberia has a lot of tourist attractions to offer for tourists and travelers. Most of the country’s attractions are rarely visited by tourists making those tourist attractions a raw one that has yet to be discovered. As road networks are slowly developing in the country, you can drive to tourist destinations that are not even accessible to public transportation.

Monrovia Photo by Bethany Laird

Monrovia

It is best to start your tour in the capital city of Liberia, which is Monrovia. This city was the second permanent African American settlement in Africa. Monrovia was the country’s oldest city, being founded on April 25, 1822. Almost one-third of Liberia’s population is located in Monrovia. As Monrovia is the oldest city in Liberia, there are a lot of tourist attractions that can be found in the city.

Driving Directions

  1. From Roberts International Airport in Monrovia, head north using Tubman Blvd.
  2. Then turn left.
  3. Continue onto Robertsfield Hwy.
  4. Turn left onto S D. Cooper Rd.
  5. Make a left turn onto Tubman Blvd and then another left turn onto Camp Johnson Rd.
  6. Take another left turn onto United Nations Dr., then a right onto Center St.
  7. Turn left onto Sekou Toure Ave. Then make a right turn at the 2nd cross street onto Randall St.

Things to Do

There are a lot of things in Monrovia as it is the capital city of Liberia. It is best to explore Monrovia first before going to the different places and cities in Liberia, as it is the closest city when you land in Liberia. The things that you can do in Monrovia are listed below.

  1. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

    The Sacred Heart Cathedral, found in Monrovia, Liberia, is one of the country’s largest Catholic churches. Aside from that, it is also one of the most important churches in the country. You can attend a mass in Latin that most locals and tourists do.
  2. Tour the National Museum of Liberia

    The National Museum of Liberia exhibits photos that relate to the independence of the country in the year 1847. Aside from the photos, the museum also will show you the history of Liberia through traditional Liberia furniture, handicrafts, and paintings. The museum is the best place for you to understand what Liberia has gone through in the past years.
  3. Explore the Ruins of a 5-star Hotel

    The only thing that is left of a once 5-star Hotel Ducor is its ruins, but somehow it has become one of Liberia’s most visited tourist attractions. It is a 9-story hotel with 106 rooms. Apart from it being a 5-star hotel, its view of the Atlantic Ocean also attracted visitors. During the civil war, the government took control of the hotel and made it their home for safety reasons. The hotel was then claimed by the military and was taken up by squatters.
  4. Shop at the Waterside Market

    You can shop for your trip souvenirs at the Waterside Market in Monrovia. Almost all the things for sale in the market are sold at a very affordable price. Shoes, colorful textiles, pottery, and leather goods are some of the things that are sold in the market. Though it can be chaotic, this is the best place to experience the rawness of Liberia.Relax at Thinker’s Beach

    After traveling to different tourist attractions all through Monrovia, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere in Thinker's Beach. It is also a beach known as the party beach. You can enjoy strolling along the golden-sand beach or just chill on the seashore by witnessing the waves crashing against the seashore.

Robertsport

Another town to visit in Liberia is the town of Robertsport. The town was named after the first president of Liberia, Joseph Jenkins Roberts. This place was once just a fishing village in the past years, but through time, it has established itself as one of the places that every tourist must visit in Liberia. Golden sand beaches and surfing waves are what most tourists are looking for when visiting the town.

Driving Directions

  1. From Roberts International Airport in Monrovia, head north using Tubman Blvd.
  2. Then turn left.
  3. Continue onto Robertsfield Hwy.
  4. Turn left onto S D. Cooper Rd.
  5. Make a left onto Tubman Blvd.
  6. Continue onto Haile Selassie Ave.
  7. Turn right at Johnson Street.
  8. Continue onto Gabriel Tucker Bridge/United Nations Drive
  9. Make a slight right toward United Nations Dr.
  10. Continue straight onto United Nations Dr.
  11. Turn left twice.
  12. Drive to your destination

Things to Do

With golden-sand beaches found in the town of Robertsport, you can relax and enjoy the crashing of the waves in the seashore. Aside from that, you can also go canoeing, surfing, swimming, and water skiing in the town.

  1. Surf in Cassava Point
    If you are a pro at surfing, then the Cassava Point is for you. This beach is usually known for its big surfing waves. That is why most amateur surfers love to surf in Cassava Point. Granite rocks are also found on the beach.
  2. Explore the Ruins of Tubman Center of African Culture
    Though this museum was destroyed during Liberia’s civil wars, the Tubman Center of African Culture has still attracted locals and tourists. The descendants of the black American settlers in Liberia in the past were also once preserved in the ruined museum. Remnants of its structure and the museum’s grand pillars are still majestic and are still visible up to this day.
  3. Do Water activities at the Largest Lake of Liberia
    Lake Piso is a lake found in the town of Robertsport and is also known as the largest lake in Liberia. It covers a surface of 103 square kilometers. Tourists and visitors can go swimming, canoeing, water skiing, and other water activities in the lake.
  4. Visit the Fisherman’s Point
    The Fisherman’s point is the place for surfers that have just started to learn surfing. As the waves found in the fisherman’s point are smaller than in the Cassava point, this is also a perfect place to start learning surfing.
  5. Relax at Seaside
    After touring around the town of Robertsport, it is best to conclude your trip at a Nana’s Lodge. Aside from enjoying the view of the beach, they also serve good food and let tourists enjoy the music played at a bamboo bar. You can also camp in the area.

Buchanan

Buchanan or also known as Grand Bassa, on some maps is a town lying on the Atlantic Ocean that is located in Liberia. It is the country’s third-largest city. This town was founded by the Quakers of the Young Men’s Colonization Society of Pennsylvania.

Driving Directions

  1. From the Spriggs Payne International Airport, head northeast towards Tubman Blvd.
  2. Then turn left twice.
  3. Turn left onto Tubman Blvd.
  4. Then turn right.
  5. Turn right again onto SD. Cooper Rd.
  6. Turn right.
  7. Continue onto Robertsfield Highway.
  8. Continue straight.
  9. Turn left.
  10. Then turn right twice.

Things to Do

You can go relax and enjoy the sea breeze of the ocean on the beaches in Buchanan. Aside from that, you can also go swimming or just strolling along the golden-sand beaches. The stunning coast of the town will surely attract every tourist to stay and enjoy the refreshing vibe of the beaches.

  1. Go Swimming at Buchanan Beaches
    You can go swimming at the beaches in Buchanan. Even if the development of the beaches were halted, the shoreline is still stunning up to these days. The waves are also not that big that makes it a perfect place for swimming by yourself or with your family.
  2. Camping at the Shoreline
    As Buchanan is still under development, there are still no commercial infrastructures found near the town’s beaches. Furthermore, that makes it a perfect place to go camping. As you swim during the day, you can go camping at night. You can also play around with the local children there.
  3. Have a Relaxing Moment under the Palm Trees
    Aside from camping near the beaches in Buchanan, you can also go relax and enjoy the refreshing air brought by the swaying palm trees. Not just that, while taking a break from swimming, you can go on a picnic on the shoreline of the beach. With all of that, you can do a lot of things just by visiting the beaches in Buchanan.
  4. Surf on Small Waves
    You can also surf at the waves that are found on the beaches of Buchanan. Though they are not that big of surfing waves, just like at the surfing waves in Robertsport, it is still enough for tourists and locals to surf in them. The waves in Buchanan are also perfect for beginners or surfers who do not like big surfing waves.
  5. Enjoy the Sea Breeze at Night
    After surfing, swimming, and just strolling along the shoreline of the beach in Buchanan, you can also do a little campfire while enjoying the ambiance of the sea. You can also roast marshmallows in the fire or even have a barbecue night.

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