First TIME travel advice - what to pack
Many first-time visitors wonder what they should bring. As you plan your packing, we recommend that you keep in mind the following:
Bring with you all prescription drugs and any special brand-name medications; even ibuprofen, which is difficult to find in Nigeria, and can be very expensive once found.
You can try and substitute a Nigerian pharmaceutical but you risk side effects - or no effect at all. Many of the drugs sold here are fake not to mention the differences in the quality and the strength of the active ingredients.
If you have a favorite food or special dietary requirement, bring a stash. Stocks of popcorn, brown sugar, and peanut butter come and go, and may not be on the shelves when you want to buy them.
The same goes for any secret ingredients for family favorite recipes you hope to whip up to impress your Oyibo and Nigerian friends, or celebrate a national holiday. Just try being an American in search of grandma's favorite poultry seasoning, without which it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving.
Personal care products can be found in abundance but not necessarily your brand. If you can't live without a particular flavor of additive-free toothpaste or scentless deodorant, bring it with you.
Clothing is everywhere as well but tends to be sold by the side of the road and is quite often second hand. This can make a K-Mart blue light special seem like a sale at Nieman Marcus. Also, shoppers at these outdoor markets look as if they are joining in a rugby scrum. Sizes can be a problem. If you're at all fussy, come prepared. There is no such thing as stopping by a Walgreens or a Boots for a pair of panty hose on the way to that important client meeting.
Dry Cleaners are few and far between. The quality and standards of some are so poor that we wouldn’t risk a shirt never mind a Hugo Boss Suit. Be warned and for the first timer - only bring clothes that you don’t mind being destroyed in the wash. It will get better once you’ve sussed out your new home but do you really want to risk that favourite silk tie or blouse right at the outset?
English language books and magazines are available, although quite pricey, so you might want to bring a supply of your favorites
