When traveling by road in Liberia, extreme caution is urged even when roads are open. Motorists are frequently hassled at checkpoints manned by stoned, hungry, unpaid and impoverished soldiers. Cigarette rolling papers-indeed, any kind of paper to make joints with-will increase your popularity immensely, as will booze, cigarettes, etc. But it's not a good idea to travel by road without someone who has done so before, and who knows how to deal with the fighters. As far as payoffs go, there is no rule of thumb-as little as you can get away with. Flashy watches, jewelry, sunglasses, etc., should be kept well out of sight and will be asked for as presents. Try to show your papers without actually handing them to the guard.
Roads leading out from Monrovia are passable but dangerous, more so at night. Travelers to the interior of Liberia may be in danger of being detained, harassed, delayed, injured or killed to use the usual jargon. The embassy tells us that the only area traditionally considered "safe" is inside the capital of Monrovia, since the Liberian Council of State does not control many areas outside of town. Tourism info can be accessed at http://www.wtgonline.com/data/lbr/lbr000.asp.
You can send money via Western Union to the Liberian Bank for Development & Investment located at the corner of Ashmun and Randall Streets in downtown Monrovia. It is housed in the former Citibank building. Tel: (231) 227140/41.
If you think they won't steal your watch or car remember that during the last flareup, the UN had 489 vehicles stolen (worth $8.3 million). Only 11 have been returned.
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