Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Juba

Accommodation

$15-40 per night

Basic guesthouses, shared rooms, or budget lodges with minimal amenities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Local street food, market stalls, traditional South Sudanese meals, and basic restaurants

Transportation

$3-10 per day

Shared taxis, local buses, walking, and occasional motorcycle taxis

Activities

$5-15 per day

Free walking around markets, basic sightseeing, and occasional low-cost local experiences

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use shared taxis and local transport instead of private vehicles (usually 70-85% savings)

Stay in guesthouses outside the main business district (generally 30-50% lower rates)

Buy bottled water in bulk from markets rather than hotels (typically 200-300% markup at hotels)

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through international booking sites (often 10-20% savings)

Travel during rainy season for significantly lower accommodation rates (usually 40-60% discounts)

Negotiate prices for longer stays at guesthouses (commonly 15-25% discounts for week-long stays)

Only eating at hotel restaurants and international establishments (typically costs 3-4x more than local options)

Not carrying enough cash - card acceptance is limited and ATMs are scarce (can lead to expensive money exchange situations)

Booking last-minute accommodation during dry season (often 100-200% premium over advance bookings)

Taking private taxis for all transportation instead of shared options (typically 4-6x more expensive)

Not factoring in visa and permit costs which can add $50-200 to trip expenses