Transportation & Checkpoints
You should pick a trustworthy service for private transportation. Public transportation (small buses, vans, or "boda-boda" motorcycle taxis) is prohibited for US Embassy workers and should be avoided wherever feasible. The drivers of these vehicles are typically inexperienced and dangerous, and the vehicles are routinely neglected. Schedules are not made public and are subject to change at any time. Rural communities have access to public transportation via sporadically scheduled minibusses.
Avoid attempting to dodge all vehicle checkpoints, especially after dark or during periods of heightened political or military tensions. Even stops at checkpoints run by the South Sudanese government might turn unfriendly or violent.
To avoid carjacking and vehicle incursion, keep your car doors secured at all times. Only roll down the car windows enough to converse when absolutely essential. Bribes are frequently sought by those who work at checkpoints. Display the needed documents but do not hand them over; if bribes are not paid, officials may seize them. You might want to carry a laminated copy of your documents with you so that you can show it instead of your passports or identification cards.
