Money and payments
Cards and cash
You can withdraw money with a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card in any of the Ecobank or Equity bank ATMs in South Sudan.
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Africa · Middle AfricaOutline guideCountry in East Africa
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
South Sudan (Arabic: جنوب السودان, Janūb as-Sūdān) is a country in Central Africa. The world’s youngest country, it was a part of Sudan until it gained its independence on 9 July 2011, following years of civil war and a referendum.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about South Sudan.
Cards and cash
You can withdraw money with a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card in any of the Ecobank or Equity bank ATMs in South Sudan.
English
English and Arabic (Juba Arabic) are the official languages of South Sudan, although Dinka is the most widely spoken language. Jur Modo, Nuer, Chollo/Shilluk, and Zande languages are also spoken there.
Roaming with foreign phones/SIM cards does not usually work in South Sudan.
If bottled water is not available, boil/chlorinate the river water before drinking it.
It's a malarial area, so before arriving, visit a tropical vaccination center to get prophylactic treatment and the necessary vaccines, including yellow fever, polio and hepatitis A and B.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital
Aweil is the capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State in northwestern South Sudan. Known for its agricultural activities and Dinka cultural heritage, Aweil is a destination for those interested in exploring rural South Sudan, local traditions, and the natural beauty of the region.
Bentiu is the capital of Unity State in South Sudan, on the southern bank of the Bahr el Ghazal River in the Greater Upper Nile region. It is a frontier oil town rebuilding after repeated cycles of war, ethnic violence, and catastrophic flooding, and it sits at the heart of one of the most severe ongoing humanitarian crises in the world.
Malakal was a city in South Sudan. Largely destroyed during fighting between 2011-2015, relatively little remains other than looted and vandalised ruins, very limited infrastructure and a 45,000 person strong United Nations refugee camp northeast of the former city.
Nimule is a remote place in South Sudan. You won't find traditional hotels or tourist areas.
Rumbek is in Bahr el Ghazal.
Wau is the third largest city in South Sudan and capital of the Bahr el Ghazal region.
Yei is a city in the Equatoria region of South Sudan.
Bandingilo National Park (also spelled Badingilo National Park) is in the Equatoria region of South Sudan. It's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Boma National Park.
Boma National Park is in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan. It's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Bandingilo National Park.
a national park along the White Nile
Places in South Sudan on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Bahr el Ghazal is in South Sudan.
Equatoria is a region of South Sudan.
Greater Upper Nile is a region of South Sudan.
Public transport and paid services in South Sudan.
Roads are unpaved, and during the rainy season from July to October and November, they often become impassable. Infrastructure is non-existent,
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in South Sudan.
Finding apps for South Sudan…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Juba · International · JUB
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Juba
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 37° | 39° | 38° | 36° | 33° | 32° | 31° | 31° | 32° | 33° | 33° | 36° |
| Avg. low | 23° | 25° | 26° | 25° | 23° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 5 | 9 | 27 | 58 | 131 | 116 | 124 | 144 | 132 | 111 | 51 | 29 |
| Humidity | 34% | 32% | 40% | 52% | 65% | 68% | 70% | 73% | 70% | 68% | 62% | 47% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$25
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$55
Per person, per day
Luxury
$140
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10 | $30 | $85 |
| Food and drink | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Local transport | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Activities | $5 | $10 | $25 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 4 of 4Do not travel
Do not travelto South Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, and health risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan due to the health and security situation Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in South Sudan. U.S. government personnel working in South Sudan are under a strict curfew. U.S. government personnel must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements. Official travel outside Juba is limited. Because of the serious crime threat in Juba, walking is restricted to a small area near the U.S. embassy during the day. Health The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Medical services in South Sudan are extremely limited. Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation. All medical services, including medical evacuation, are at your expense. If you purchase additional medical insurance, be sure to keep records of all medical services paid for and provided. Unrest Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country, often leading to…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to the whole country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality. See more about safety and security in South Sudan. Political and security situation The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably. If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice. Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily. Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In person consular assistance is not available. If you are in South Sudan FCDO continues to advise against all travel to South Sudan. If you choose to remain in South Sudan, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This includes the ability to leave the country or to shelter in place, if you judge that to be the safer choice. Make sure to keep all travel documentation up to date, stock up on essential supplies, and monitor the local situation. You should not assume that FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country in the event of…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in South Sudan.
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