Over the last couple of years, Lagos has quickly become the ultimate destination for a fun Detty December holiday. Between the weather, friendly people, fashion, food, and non-stop parties, Lagos is to December what Ibiza is to summer.
But while Lagos can be magical in December, that excitement can quickly give way to frustration, confusion, and a sense of being taken advantage of. Whether you're an IJGB (I Just Got Back) who's forgotten the rules or a first-time foreign visitor, Lagos can be unforgiving.
So, if you’re looking to have a hitch-free Detty December, we've compiled the seven most common and costly mistakes visitors make. If you can fix these, you're guaranteed a smoother, safer Detty December.
- Mistake: Paying the "Airport Welcome Tax"
The Lagos airport can be overwhelming for a first-timer. From officials asking for “anything for the boys,” which is code for a tip, to unsolicited "help" with your luggage, many visitors fall for the subtle (or not-so-subtle) request for a tip or bribe. You're immediately identified as a vulnerable mark.
The Cost: Not just the cash you hand over, but the anxiety that starts your trip on the wrong foot.
The Fix: Confidence and Clear Boundaries. Know your rights, be polite but firm, and stick to the "I have no cash/local currency" excuse if necessary. Some might press and ask for any currency you have; remain firm but polite. Better yet, know the exact legal procedure for baggage or customs.
Pro tip: If you can, arrange for protocol staff ahead of your arrival to take you through immigration and customs. This way, you have someone looking out for you, and you don’t have to go through the queues or deal with as many officials.
- Mistake: Trusting Google Maps to Handle Lagos Traffic
You saw it was a 30-minute drive, but an hour and a half later, you're not even anywhere close to your destination. Lagos traffic in December is unrivalled. Relying solely on standard map apps without insider knowledge of time-of-day dynamics, bridge closures, and alternative routes is a guaranteed way to lose hours of your precious vacation time.
The Cost: Frustratingly long hours spent in traffic and cancelled plans.
The Fix: Pre-Planned Routes and App Synergy. You need to know the unwritten rules: how many hours earlier you need to leave to account for traffic, which routes avoid the evening rush, and when to just sit back in your hotel and enjoy some jollof rice.
Pro tip: Follow up map recommendations with listening to Lagos Traffic 96.1FM for real-time traffic updates. Also, be sure to check Twitter for any updates.
- Mistake: Not Having a Secure, Digital Money Strategy
Lagos is a largely cashless city, especially in hotels, shops, restaurants, and clubs. Carrying large amounts of cash is risky and unnecessary, but also relying entirely on your foreign cards can lead to exorbitant fees and acceptance issues. Not knowing the safest and best places for currency exchange is another quick way to get scammed or lose value.
The Cost: Losing $50-$100 on poor exchange rates or transaction fees, plus the risk of theft.
The Fix: Local Digital Wallets and Vetted Exchange Spots. Set up your money transfer apps and learn the safest, most competitive exchange locations before you arrive. You need a vetted list of reliable local banks and Bureaux de Change.
Pro tip: Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, on the island, and Alade Market, Ikeja, on the mainland, offer some of the most competitive rates with a range of options. Also check out @abbu_fx on Instagram for daily exchange rates.
- Mistake: Booking Short-Lets Without Vetting the Basics
You found a great deal on a short-let apartment online. It looks beautiful, but when you arrive, the power is erratic, the water isn't running, and the AC is non-functional. You're left scrambling in the heat or noise.
The Cost: Ruined sleep, wasted hours dealing with maintenance, and stress that could be avoided.
The Fix: The Non-Negotiable Checklist. Before you book, you must know the key questions to ask the host about generator/inverter reliability, water supply, and neighborhood security. A clear checklist saves you hundreds of dollars in lost booking fees.
- Mistake: Not Knowing the Lingo to Blend In (or Shut Down Scams)
The worst feeling for the diaspora is being clearly identified as an "IJGB" who doesn't know the ropes. This makes you an easy target for overcharging. For foreigners, not understanding basic phrases means missing out on the banter and also having a target on your back to be scammed.
The Cost: Being overcharged by service providers or traders, missing out on authentic interactions, and feeling disconnected.
The Fix: The Basic Pidgin and Slang Cheat Sheet. Learn a few key phrases for negotiation, greetings, and politely saying "I know what I'm doing" to shut down a potential scammer immediately.
- Mistake: Relying on Word-of-Mouth for Safety Checks
Lagos is generally safe, but safety is all about location and timing. Relying on an old story from a relative or a friend's advice from three years ago is a massive risk. Things change fast in Lagos.
The Cost: Unnecessary risk, stress, and restricting your movement when you could be having fun.
The Fix: A Verified, Up-to-Date Safety Map. You need current information on safe nightlife spots and trusted ride-hailing companies.
Pro Tip: Social media is your friend. Have a list of places you intend to visit and do a social media deep-dive to verify that these spots are safe and offer value for money. Nairaland, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit are just a few platforms you can check out for real-time info on all the hot spots.
- Mistake: Missing the Real Detty December Events
You came for the party, but you're only seeing the heavily advertised tourist-trap concerts. The best, most exclusive, and most authentic events often circulate via word-of-mouth or private group chats. You end up missing the true Lagos experience.
The Cost: Leaving Lagos feeling like you didn't experience the real Detty December hype.
The Fix: The Curated Itinerary. Access to a carefully selected list of confirmed concerts, pop-ups, day parties, and cultural spots that are popular with true Lagosians, ensuring your trip is unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Stop paying the price for Ignorance. The Lagos 101 Travel Guide was created specifically to solve every single one of these problems for the diaspora and first-time visitors. It's not just a map; it's your Anti-Scam Toolkit, Traffic-Buster, and VIP Pass to the best Detty December possible.
Inside the Guide, You'll Get:
The Anti-Scam Script: Word-for-word lines to use to shut down bribes and overcharging.
Verified Safe Zones: An up-to-date list of secure accommodations and nightlife.
Detty December Event Tracker: A curated itinerary of the must-attend concerts and parties.
Money Exchange Secrets: Where and when to exchange currency for the best, safest rates.
For the price of one cocktail, you can guarantee a smoother, safer, and dettier experience.
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