Gabon
Local Services in Gabon
Traveling around Gabon is costly and keeping cash would be the most practical thing to do than finding an ATM to withdraw cash. The police officers in Gabon are not friendly though as they may hassle you anytime; thus, it is a must to carry your passport at all times. Unfortunately, civil unrests are likely to take place in the capital city and protests and demonstrations are still prevalent.
Getting around Gabon is a lifetime experience and you can choose to travel by boat, car, motorcycle, train, local transport (taxis, minibuses, and pick-up trucks) or air. Expect costly fare tickets where you have to pay US$20 for a passenger boat ticket that will take you to Port-Gentil from Lambaréné for five hours. The cheaper option in going around is the train and the Transgabonaise train line will take you to destinations across the country faster—and take note, the traveling experience is also more comfortable than traveling by taxi.
When it comes to social development, Gabon value their old people as they provide government fund to give the elderly, along with disabled and survivor, pensions. The government also provides its people with social benefits that include medical coverage and worker’s compensation. There is what is called family allowance which is received by salaried workers with children under the age of 16. Gabonese women enjoy more legal protections. But, they still have to face discrimination even though they can freely participate in business and politics.
Gabon being a francophone country finds difficulties in communicating with other people. Thus, to cross this language barrier, travelers are encouraged to learn basic French expressions to communicate with the locals.
