The Fresh Fish Guide - shops & shopping
Q: How easy is it to find daily supplies?
A: Most everyday needs can be met here. Do expect to have to go to more than one place to get all of the items on your shopping list though. There is no such thing as a Safeway or a Wall Mart here.
Q: Can I find toiletries and make-up in Port Harcourt?
A: Soaps, shampoos, shaving needs and deodorants are all freely available but if you just can’t live without a particular brand of additive free toothpaste or the like then we suggest you bring it with you.
Make-up can be a problem. Again if you are stuck on a particular brand you may want to bring in enough to see you through to the end of your first trip incase it’s not available here.
Q: What are the main shops and what can I buy there?
A: Every Oyibo knows ‘
Park ‘n’ Shop’. This place stocks a decent selection of just about everything. They have fresh produce, canned goods, wines and spirits and electronics. They have a relatively good Deli counter as well as fresh flowers. Household/Kitchen items are available here and they do have a small selection of clothing.
Check out out shopping sections for Port Harcourt and Lagos for more information.
Q: Where can I find nice clothing in Port Harcourt?
A: We have been asking the same question for years. The selection is pretty poor out there and if you do find something you like, odds are that it will not be in your size.
Our rule of thumb would have to be: Don’t expect to find anything here. Bring all that you need with you and then anything nice that you do stumble across on town will be an added bonus.
Q: Are things more expensive in Nigeria than back home?
A: It’s all relative to where you are from. Some things are cheaper than others.
Cigarettes are very cheap here for most Oyibos with a carton of 200 cigarettes going for around $10. This is making it very difficult for our Chief Oyibo to quit.
Imported wines can also be very good value for money which is also not doing any favours for the Chief’s liver.
Compared to Europe and the US, petrol and diesel is a steal even with the recent increase in prices.
Luxury items such as cars and computers do tend to cost more.
