The official language is French. Spoken languages include Hausa (65% of the population) and Tamashagh, a Tuareg dialect, as well as Songhai-Jerma and Fulani.
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
04/18/2022 easter monday
04/24/2022 Concord Day
05/01/2022 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
05/01/2022 Labor Day
07/09/2022 Tabaski (Islamic Festival of Sacrifice)
08/03/2022 Independence Day
10/09/2022 Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
(a) The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
(b) Niger’s small Christian community also celebrates Easter, Pentecost, Ascension Day, Assumption Day, All Saints’ Day and Christmas.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Niger (persons aged 16 and over): 1 carton of cigarettes; 1 liter of alcoholic beverages; 50 cl perfume and 1 l eau de toilette; 100g coffee, 40g tea.
Prohibited Imports
Materials banned by the Ministry of the Interior (films, printed matter), pornographic material, alcohol (above the allowance), drugs. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Republic of Niger
(Also responsible for Austria.)
Avenue de France 23
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 979 24 50.
http://www.ambassade-niger-geneve.net
http://www.ambassade-niger-geneve.net
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00. Consular department: Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00.
Mon-Thurs 09:00 – 16:00, Fri 09:00 – 14:00 and by appointment.
Business
Business etiquette
A light jacket and tie or summer dress/light suit is sufficient. Knowledge of French is essential as interpreting and translation services are scarce. Business hours: Mon-Fri 07.30-12.30 and 15.00-18.00, Sat 07.30-12.30.
Business contacts
Chambre de Commerce, d’Agriculture, d’Industrie et d’Artisanat du Niger (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)Place de la Concertation, BP 209, NE-NiameyTel: 73 22 10.Internet: www.ccaian.org
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, international calls can be made at some larger hotels, the main post office and telephone centers.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operators are Celtel Niger (Internet: www.msi-cellular.com) and Telecel Niger.
Internet
Main provider: Sonitel. Access to the Internet in larger urban areas.
Post office
Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks to arrive. Post office opening hours: 08.00-12.00 and 15.00-17.00. The main post office is on Rue de Kabekoira in Niamey. Poste restante shipments are possible. A DHL branch is located in the Hôtel Gaweye Sofitel in Niamey.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
