Niamey

Niamey is the capital of the West African nation of Niger. It is Niger's largest city, lying on the Niger River, mostly on the east bank. It is an administrative, cultural and economic center. Niamey's population, officially 707,591 at the 2001 census, is estimated much higher.

Get around: Taxi. Taxis are plentiful and easy to use. They are almost always shared (1 passenger in the front, 3 in the back) unless you ask specifically to pay more to make it private. The rate for a shared taxi is FIXED at 200CFA per person. Through the open window, tell the driver your destination and if he nods, or stays there, you're good to go. If he drives off, he wasn't going near your destination. For longer distances the taxi driver will indicate it is double (400F) by saying quatre cent (French), deux courses (also French) or wah-haku (Djerma) before you get in the car. If in doubt, confirm the price beforehand, especially if you are white and take a taxi near a hotel.

The rate is 800 to 1000 CFA if you want the taxi all for yourself. You should pay more only from bus station (500 FCFA) and from the airport (3000F or higher). Prices double after midnight. There is a Hertz car rental place in Niger that rents Toyota RAV4. It is expensive!

Private Taxi. If you need to call a taxi to pre-arrange something, one to try is Taxi Bonbon at 96.96.76.46. Fun guy that likes to chat and flirt.

Keep in mind that drinking alcohol is generally forbidden in Muslim culture, so take extra care to keep drunken inappropriate behavior behind closed doors and out of the public eye.