Need cash when I land, best place in Sierra Leone? Airport or places in the city?
The airport is a total rip-off. My advice is to use an ATM for cash. The ATMs at major banks like Access Bank are safe and reliable. You'll get a better exchange rate that way. Plus, you can often withdraw a larger amount at once, so you don't have to worry about constantly getting cash. The Leone is what you'll need for most small purchases, and ATMs are the easiest way to get it.
Don't bother with the airport. The rates are horrible. Your best bet is to find a licensed and reputable currency exchange office in Freetown. The rates they offer are much more favorable than the airport. Just be careful and count your money right away. Another thing to consider is that some places will accept US dollars, but it's not a guarantee, so it's better to have local currency.
You should never use the airport exchange. It's the worst possible place to get money. The best option is to get cash from an ATM at a major bank branch in the city. You'll get a rate much closer to the official interbank rate. I've had good luck with ATMs from banks like UTBank or Ecobank. The local currency is the Leone, and it's best to have plenty of it for taxis and other small purchases.
The airport exchange counters are a complete scam. You'll get a terrible rate and a bunch of hidden fees. My advice is to skip them entirely. The best place to get cash is from a reputable money changer in the city of Freetown. They offer a much better rate than the banks or airport. You can find them around Lumley or Siaka Stevens Street. Just be sure to count your money carefully and avoid any a shady-looking place.