South Sudan: Life in Juba

The view from inside the house

I am on my first week in Juba, South Sudan-the youngest country on earth. My initial plan was to just vlog my life experience this year, but due to several reasons, security and slow internet included, blogging would probably be the best way to record my experience.

If you have been reading my blog, by now you would have known that taking photos of the airport, government buildings and officials, police and military personnel is strictly prohibited and may end up with a visit to the nearest police precinct.

All foreigners must register with immigration within 72hours of arrival. If you are working with an INGO, your HR will most likely work on this. Prepare approximately 10 pieces of colored passport picture for this.

100 USD in SSP

1 USD is 156 SSP as of April 2, 2019 but the exchange rate is higher in the black market. I exchanged mine by buying a bottle of Stoney in Lily's using USD and I got SSD change. For every USD I got 270 SSP. As you can see, this is almost double than the exchange you will see on OANDA.

Arabic is widely spoken here so a little Arabic goes a long way. The locals enjoy teaching me Juba Arabic. Here are some basic Juba Arabic to help you through your first days:
Good morning Sabah al-kheir
Good morning response Sabah al-noor
Good afternoon Meesa al-kheir
Good afternoon response Meesa al-noor
Welcome! Marhaba!
Hello/Peace be with you! As-salam aleykum
Hello/Peace be with you! response Wa aleykum as-salam
Goodbye/ Go in peace Ma'a salama
How are you? Keif tamam
Fine, praise God Kwais, al-ham-d'Allah
You're good? Tamaam or Anna kwais
Yes Aiwa
No Lah
Thank you! Skukran
You're welcome Afwan
Please Min fadlek
What's your name? Ismak minu?
My name is... Ismi…
Praise God! Al-ham-d'Allah
God willing Insha'Allah

Numbers
0 Sifr
1 Wahid
2 Ithnain
3 Talata
4 Arbah
5 Khamsa
6 Sitta
7 Sebah
8 Tamaniah
9 Tis'ah
10 Ash'erah

Houses here are usually walled, with barbed wires, and security guards 24/7. Although some NGOs treat the security risk seriously, I have seen foreigners walking the streets the alone. So, it is totally up to you and your common sense on what security plan you want to follow for yourself.