Going to Ivory Coast: Formalities and administrative steps

Covid-19 : current situation Ivory Coast

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Ivory Coast. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information

Money Ivory Coast

Currency. The currency used in Côte d'Ivoire is the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) franc (not to be confused with the CEMAC franc, which does not belong to the same FCFA zone and is not used in the same countries), more commonly referred to as the CFA franc and generally referred to as the CFA franc. The bills are issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). This currency is common to all French-speaking countries bordering West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. It is therefore possible to use CFA francs in these eight countries. The denominations come in bills of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 CFA francs, while the currency is available in coins of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250 and 500 CFA francs.

The exchange rate, which was fixed and unchanging before the introduction of the euro, and which was calibrated to the post-devaluation French franc, was 1 FF for 100 FCFA. Today, this exchange rate, applied to the euro, is much less obvious to calculate: 1 € = 656.96 FF = 656.96 FCFA.

Banks and exchange rates. All the banks operating in Côte d'Ivoire have their headquarters in the Plateau district of Abidjan. It is good to know that they generally operate continuously (from 8am to 2 or 3pm) from Monday to Friday (and on Saturday morning in rarer cases), and are always full of people. Be aware that the main currency used is the CFA franc, so you will have a hard time selling euros, except perhaps for large purchases and in a few establishments that accept them. To change your currency, you can go to an exchange office, which can be found in most large hotels and business hotels, but also in some shopping centers. However, exchange fees can be multiplied by five from one exchange office to another (these fees are often already included in the posted exchange rate). The same practice can be observed in France. Therefore, you should use a bank card. For both payments and withdrawals by card, the exchange rate used for transactions is generally more attractive than the rates charged at the exchange offices

Cash. Abidjan has a good supply of ATMs, and you will be able to withdraw cash from most parts of the city. It is a good idea, however, to be aware of the various incidents or events that could hinder your transactions: ATMs that are out of order or defective, taken over during the week between the end of the month and the beginning of the following month, sometimes empty or subject to network problems making it impossible to connect to the terminal... To make your withdrawals while reducing the risk of incurring some of these inconveniences, it is better to go to the Plateau or to the large bank branches that have several ATMs, and withdraw a large sum of money at once, in order to avoid the accumulation of commissions charged on each withdrawal. All the banks' headquarters are located in Le Plateau. The three main banks are BICICI, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, SGBCI (Société Générale) and SIB (Attijariwafa Bank). Avoid withdrawing money between the 28th and the 3rd or 4th of the following month, and especially not on the 30th of the month, as the general rush at all ATMs can be tedious. The warning also applies to the eve of vacations and vacations, when some ATMs in the city are under strain and often drained.

Currency. It is advisable to always carry some small change for basic transactions (cab, market purchases, meals in the maquis, etc.), as change is not commonplace. For example, in supermarkets, cashiers will often offer you the equivalent of the small change they don't have in sweets, and in the street, it will not be uncommon to see a salesman give your bill to his clerk so that the clerk can send the repo man to another shopkeeper to make up the difference (the chain can be longer); in other cases, they will pay you the change from their own pocket and then make arrangements between themselves (faster)

Credit card. If you have a bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), there is no need to carry large amounts of cash. In cases where the card is not accepted by the merchant, simply go to an ATM. Abidjan is quite well supplied with ATMs, and you will be able to withdraw money from most of the city. If the ATMs around you are not available (because they are out of service or have run out of cash), go to the Plateau or to the major banking centers which have several ATMs. All the banks' headquarters are located in Plateau, the three main banks are BICICI, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, SGBCI (Société Générale) and SIB (Attijariwafa Bank). Please note that at the end of the month, queues at ATMs can be very long, so try to anticipate your withdrawals if possible. When traveling outside of Abidjan, always remember to withdraw a sufficient amount of cash (it is better to be prepared for any eventuality, and don't forget small change for roadblocks or small purchases on the road): there are more and more cities with ATMs, but it is better to be cautious and to avoid finding yourself helpless in front of an ATM that is out of order

Withdrawal fees. As the euro is not the currency of the country, a commission is retained for each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank and generally consist of a fixed fee of 3 euros on average and a commission of between 2 and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network and offer you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for more information. Also note that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case this will be mentioned at the time of withdrawal.

Card payment fees. Outside the Euro zone, bank card payments are subject to bank fees. Depending on the bank, the following fees apply per transaction: a fixed fee of between 0 and 1.20 € per payment, plus 2 to 3% of the amount paid by credit card. The cost of the transaction is therefore generally lower than for withdrawals abroad. Ask your bank advisor for more information

Money transfer. With this system, you can send and receive money from anywhere in the world in a few minutes. The principle is simple: a friend or family member goes to a MoneyGram® or Western Union® location (post office, bank, gas station, grocery store, etc.), gives your name and pays a sum of money to the other person. On your side of the world, you go to the same branch. Upon presentation of a photo ID and the transfer reference, you will be given the money immediately.

In case ofloss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you appropriate solutions so that you can continue your stay in peace. To do this, remember to take note before you leave of the assistance number indicated on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Advice before leaving. Remember to tell your bank advisor about your trip. He or she will be able to check with you whether your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to increase the limit

Budget & Tips Ivory Coast

Côte d'Ivoire is not - is no longer - a country where you can travel with your head in the clouds, your hair blowing in the wind and your bag on your back. Here, smart travel is not necessarily synonymous with economical travel, and before making any trip with your flower on your shoulder, make sure you have (1) chosen a safe means of transportation (choose your bus company carefully and avoid gbakas whenever possible); (2) have viable information about your destination and have made prior inquiries about security conditions (this is especially true for the West, especially the areas bordering Liberia); (3) if possible, have contacts and/or drop-off points in the area, for example a friend of a friend to whom you have been recommended and who knows the area well (one of the best ways to discover the country and its inhabitants). In some areas, such as the north or west of the country, the services of a guide will be invaluable - if not necessary - in order to access the various tourist sites without hindrance and to interact with the local population. Of course, you can always opt for a backpacker trip, and in this case, indeed, you limit the risks of ruining yourself, but this option implies switching from the western way of life to the "Ivorian way of life", and if the experience can be convenient, even amusing, in a punctual way, it is much less so in the long term and can even sometimes be dangerous. Not to mention that the image of the friendly backpacker is no longer valid, and that the backpacker will tend to be considered in a rather negative way in Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire where some regions are still suffering from the decade of crises and where almost half of the population lives below the poverty line. Moreover, for Ivorians, the white man has no problem with money, so let's face it. In this light, deliberately choosing to live "like a poor person" is nonsense for most of them: if you are really poor, you don't travel. This being said, it is of course possible to travel and live "locally", at the expense of certain safety, hygiene and comfort standards. In this case, you will have recourse to public transport which often does not exceed 300-500 FCFA ("provincial" rates versus Abidjan), and oscillates on average between 2,500 and 7,000 FCFA maximum for travel within the country (bus, gbakas) from the economic capital; one can eat in kiosks, maquis and other itinerant canteens for prices varying between 1,000 and 6,000 CFA francs per day depending on the region and the accommodation, and one can sleep in a ventilated room in certain neighborhood hotels or in Catholic missions for an amount equal to or less than 10,000 CFA francs per night. In theory, it is possible to get away with less than 20,000 CFA francs per day, but besides the fact that it will take a lot of your energy and ingenuity, you will also have to sacrifice your personal safety and well-being at times, and give up the idea of planning your trip or controlling your schedule. For those who prefer to travel with some leeway and a minimum of comfort, you should know that a night in a mid-range hotel rarely costs less than 40,000 FCFA in Abidjan, and 20-25,000 FCFA in the "provinces". For a full meal (appetizer+main course+drink+dessert) in a Western-style restaurant or a maquis-restaurant, count on a minimum of 10-15,000 FCFA. Finally, if you choose to hire a vehicle, you will be charged a minimum of 30-40,000 FCFA gross per day, not including the per diem of the driver. The daily budget thus moves to a much higher category, flirting closer to 100 000 FCFA than 10 000. Moreover, having a personal vehicle will put a strain on your budget. An intermediate solution could be to share expenses by traveling in a group.

In terms of transportation and air expenses, since the end of 2014, the new national airline Air Côte d'Ivoire has started its domestic flights, with regular service to the cities of Korhogo (north), Bouaké (center), San Pedro (south-west), Man (west) and Odienné (center), seventeen years after their suspension by the defunct Air Ivoire, on the basis of a round trip between 40 and 90,000 for the best offers. The three main items of expenditure that determine the daily budget are the means of transport, the comfort of the accommodation and the quality of the food. The cost of access to the various points of interest is often low, or even free, or at the discretion of the tourist, as many sites have not been maintained or rehabilitated, or only very little. The average entrance fee for foreigners is between 1,000 and 5,000 CFA francs, with additional guide fees, even if a few sites, relatively few in number, are exceptions. In conclusion, Côte d'Ivoire, like all countries in the world, has three types of budgets

The "backpack" budget, between 10 and 20,000 FCFA per day, for travelers who tend to adopt the local lifestyle and travel by public transport. It is obvious that by opting for this mode of travel, one cannot cover the same extent as in a private vehicle nor enjoy one's trip in a totally autonomous way. For those with a small budget, there is no need to try to see more than is reasonable: it is better to take advantage of the privileged contacts with the population that this way of traveling offers

The classic budget, between 90 and 130,000 FCFA per day, for those who travel in a private vehicle and want a certain comfort

The luxury budget, between 150 and 200,000 FCFA per day or more, for those who prefer (and can afford) grand hotels, good restaurants and the most comfortable means of transportation. Debates on the question remain open, but it seems that Félix Houphouët-Boigny wanted to make Côte d'Ivoire a prestige destination, favoring the emergence of luxury tourism, aimed at politicians and businessmen more than at neo-babas looking for thrills or a presumed return to their roots. This desire has resulted in the construction of hotels of international standing (Hotel Ivoire, Hotel President, etc.), accompanied by the establishment of infrastructure that is among the largest and most ambitious in Africa. In short, the Ivory Coast in XXL, it is earned, and the wallet must follow

Tips. As in the case of many destinations, and even more so in a country recovering from many years of crisis, it will be welcome to leave a tip in bars and restaurants, or at the hotel for the staff, if the service rendered has been appreciated. For local guides, the tip will often be equivalent to the daily wage, especially since in the current context, most Ivorians who will offer to serve as guides will not necessarily be trained. Prices remain random and will vary according to the degree of satisfaction, but the remuneration remains the least of things, and sharing a meal or a drink in the maquis at the end of the day with your guide will also be appreciated

Haggling. In Côte d'Ivoire, as in all of Africa, haggling, especially for handicrafts, is part of the institutions and is almost a social game with the other person. The prices charged will vary in inverse proportion to the tanning of the skin (i.e. the less tanned you are, the higher they will be), and in general, if someone says to you "I'll give you a friend's price", you can be sure that it is a " toubabou price". The rule is to divide by four the announced price to get back to half; a whole oratorical joust is then engaged which can turn out to be very tasty, as long as one puts in the right amount of humor and good (or bad!) faith... However, haggling should not become a habit applicable to all sectors of the economy, nor should it turn into crass indecency. Some relentless tourists do not hesitate to nitpick on the equivalent of 1 or 1.50 euros, out of principle or for fun. Without falling into angelism, keep in mind that such a sum, almost insignificant for you, can ensure the daily bread of the shopkeeper and his family. Don't haggle for the sake of haggling: haggle in a measured and intelligent way, know how to be realistic and set the price you think is right, not forgetting to take into account the quality of the object of the commercial transaction and the amount of work it may have required

Passport and visas Ivory Coast

In addition to a passport that is still valid for at least six months after the date of return, travelers wishing to visit Côte d'Ivoire (except ECOWAS nationals) are required to obtain a biometric visa. Remember to apply in advance, as many documents are required to complete the application, including a birth certificate or a school certificate for children.
The visa costs 50 euros for a stay of 1 to 3 months, to be collected at the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Paris. On the website www.snedai.com, you will find details on how to obtain a visa (downloadable online form, with the possibility of making an appointment online, possibility of secure online payment).

Note that it is also possible to make a pre-registration online (73 euros for a three-month multiple-entry visa) and to be issued a visa on arrival at the Abidjan airport upon presentation of an approved pre-registration document at the "Airport Visa" section (see terms and conditions on the website www.snedai.com).

Warning. A very common problem is that the application (which requires a hotel reservation or an accommodation certificate and a color copy of the passport) gets "lost" in the Security offices in Abidjan and you never see the color of your pre-approval. This is very common (considering the piles of passports of all nationalities confiscated at the airport and at the Security) and the nightmare begins. This is a totally arbitrary and unjustified system of visa refusal that aims to ask tourists for their money back upon arrival. Because your passport will be confiscated upon arrival at the airport, you will be told to wait again and again for an answer that will never arrive. You must then go to the offices of the Security in Plateau (from Monday morning to Friday noon), to "regularize" the situation, you will be asked 38 000 FCFA and 2 photos to reapply for a visa, even if you have already paid 73 euros online and you have proof of payment. It is anyway to make you pay again that the application is blocked. You should not get nervous or panic because it would complicate the situation (despite the crowd, the stress of this situation and the time wasted in the offices) and come back the following week with the money and the photos to regularize the application and finally obtain your visa. If you are staying for a short period of time, it is essential to solve your problem before your departure, otherwise the customs will not let you leave. Don't count on the French Embassy to solve your problem, because - as we have seen - after contacting the emergency number, they will tell you to be "proactive" and to go to "immigration" (in fact, to the Security) and that they are too busy to make a phone call to unblock your visa application, in short, "do it yourself!

Driver's license Ivory Coast

An international driving licence and car insurance are mandatory to drive a vehicle on Ivorian territory.

Health Ivory Coast

For the uninitiated or those who suffer from poor health, the main problems to be deplored are digestive problems (Africans have a steel stomach) and the difficulty in adapting to the climate (overwhelming heat, sticky humidity and drastic changes in climate often causing increased fatigue). In addition, airway infections and skin diseases are aggravated by the heavy pollution of Abidjan, the dust carried by the harmattan, the numerous laterite tracks and the air conditioners and splits which are often nests of miasmas. In a tropical and humid environment, special care must also be given to the smallest wounds, punctures and other small injuries, which become infected more quickly than in more oceanic latitudes. Finally, don't forget to go out covered, whether in the sun or in the evening (we won't draw you a picture).

Food hygiene. For people in poor health and those who have never lived in a tropical zone, it is not advisable to drink tap water and eat raw or undercooked food. It is also best to wash and peel your vegetables thoroughly. The ideal food hygiene is to drink encapsulated mineral water or, for health freaks, to purify it with pills (Aquatabs, Drinkwell chlorine, etc.). Indeed, hepatitis A, most often benign (but sometimes serious, especially over 45 years old and in case of pre-existing liver disease), can be caught through water or badly washed food. Not to be confused with hepatitis B, which is much more serious (it can become chronic, if not fatal) and is transmitted through blood and sexual fluids.

Water. Very rarely purified (the problem of access to water is particularly acute in the North, and for many Ivorians, even in large cities, having their own well in the backyard is a common practice), drinking water concentrates many bacteria and amoebas responsible for most diarrhea. In addition, water preservation is not always ensured in optimal conditions. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume water - even in the form of ice cubes - of uncertain origin, except for hygienic purposes (let's not exaggerate). However, at the table, it is better to drink mineral water. For more adventurous travelers, there is a whole range of products that can purify water of dubious origin, such as that from wells. These products are sold in pharmacies or in some specialized stores: Micropur forte Dccna (the only product on the market that purifies water quickly, it eliminates bacteria, viruses, giardia and amoebas and allows the water to remain drinkable), or Aquatabs or Hydroclonazone (the latter is the least expensive, but it gives a very pronounced taste of chlorine and eliminates only bacteria). A water filter is essential for filtering muddy water. Katadyn filters meet the expectations of these backpackers with several models, including the famous bottle filter that provides instant drinking water without pumping (and also eliminates viral strains).

Sun. Whatever the season, the sun in this part of the world hits hard, so remember to protect yourself accordingly, taking into account your skin's natural ability to recover from the damage caused by prolonged exposure. Also, don't be fooled by the gloomy days: cloudy weather doesn't stop UV rays from working and makes sunburns all the more treacherous. As everywhere in the world, the most harmful sun shines between noon and two

Sea and beaches. Beware of swimming: the phenomenon of the bar makes the beaches of the east coast extremely dangerous, and some excellent swimmers and surfers have been caught in the trap of the baïnes, shallow currents that drag the unwary out to sea. In case you get caught in one of these waves, don't fight it: the best thing to do is to let yourself drift, because the current, after having carried the swimmer away, usually brings him back to the shore, a few kilometers further (which is always better than risking drowning from exhaustion).

Sex. Like anywhere else in the world, having unprotected sex puts you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, but also many other things (herpes, hepatitis B, chlamydia, etc.). So remember: once is enough (unfortunately), it is not usually written on the face of your partners, and the good old condom is still the most effective way to protect yourself against AIDS and other STDs. In Côte d'Ivoire, the prevalence rate is estimated at about 7%, which is far from negligible

Malaria. Prophylactic treatment against malaria is more than strongly recommended given the year-round incidence of the parasite in the country. And of course a mosquito repellent for tropical areas to be applied morning and evening

In case of illness. A reflex: contact the French consulate. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In case of a serious problem, they will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. To find out about emergencies and establishments that meet international standards, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr

Mandatory vaccination Ivory Coast

For any stay in the country, the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and the vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A are indispensable. It is also strongly advised to protect against hepatitis B, typhoid fever, poliomyelitis and meningitis A and C.

Security Ivory Coast

Home. The 2004 crisis, during which "anti-French" riots led to looting and violence against expatriates, is now a thing of the past. Ivorians are known for their hospitality, and this is most likely the most vivid memory you will take with you at the end of your stay. Nevertheless, the country experienced a serious political and military crisis in 2010-2011 in the wake of the 2010 presidential elections, which resulted in more than 3,000 deaths, and in which France took part militarily under a UN mandate for the protection of foreign nationals. It is therefore not impossible to encounter some Ivorians who harbor a certain antipathy towards the French, especially since France's status as a former colonial power may occasionally contribute to biased or even poisonous relations. However, in general, there is no animosity, on the contrary, the Ivorians, in their majority and their great plurality, are a welcoming and endearing people

Terrorist risk. The risk of terrorism is no higher in the country as a whole than in France, except for the northern zone on the border with Burkina Faso and Mali, which has been classified as a red zone and formally discouraged to travelers since the June 2020 terrorist attack in the vicinity of the Comoé National Park.

Recommendations. Since the end of the 2011 politico-military crisis, the situation has normalized. Insecurity can occur in certain areas of the city and at certain times of the night, as in any large city in the world, and is also reflected in occasional problems of banditry on the roads (the phenomenon of "coupeurs de route", particularly in the north on the Bouaké-Korhogo axis, and on the coastal road along the western coast). These incidents are clearly on the decline, but as a precautionary measure, it is strongly recommended to always keep abreast of the local security situation before considering a trip outside Abidjan. As the western part of the country remains unstable, travel to the area bordering Liberia, including the towns of Taï, Tabou, and Grabo, where armed attacks still occur occasionally, is not recommended. In Abidjan, the main attacks are motivated by profit and it is generally property that is targeted, not the people who own it. It is therefore important to keep your valuables in a safe place and to be particularly careful with your purse, camera, computer, cell phone and other items that may attract the attention of pickpockets. Among the basic precautions to take for who travels in Côte d'Ivoire:

Declare yourself at the French consulate. Since November 2016, an Ariane terminal, installed in the reception hall of the Consulate General of France in Abidjan, allows French nationals visiting Côte d'Ivoire to register and thus report their presence in the country. Thanks to this system, it is possible to (1) identify, in a crisis situation, the French citizens declared present in the affected area; (2) inform the citizens by calling them directly or by sending them a text message; (3) contact the person designated by the user as the contact person in France to be notified in case of emergency, in order to provide, obtain or cross-check information about the traveler.

Regularly consult theweeklysecurity bulletinposted on the website of the French Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire: www.ambafrance-ci.org (to be read with a minimum of hindsight, however, and taking into account the information provided by residents on the ground; the same applies to information about Côte d'Ivoire listed on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prudence is certainly the mother of safety, but it should not lead to unnecessary paranoia).

Here are a few tips. Do not go alone to certain popular neighborhoods such as Yopougon, Adjamé or Abobo, especially at night: prefer to go in a group, if possible in the company of one or more Ivorian acquaintances, rather than alone or accompanied only by white people. Of course, as everywhere else, do not ostentatiously display the attributes of your financial wealth: jewelry, bills (never go out with too much cash on you: 50,000 FCFA should be the maximum amount), smartphones, cameras and the latest high-tech toys are real calls to steal. A well-placed gesture from a clever pickpocket and your possessions will most likely end up in the "Black" (black market) of Adjamé. Avoid walking alone at night, especially, as mentioned above, in popular neighborhoods (Yopougon, Abobo, etc.) and deserted neighborhoods (the Plateau at night). Whatever happens, always carry your papers with you (prefer a passport to an identity card, as your visa is on it) and keep a certified copy in a safe place.

Single women traveling. It is not always easy to travel alone in Côte d'Ivoire, especially when you are a woman. As long as you show a minimum of exposure, you will be solicited by all the representatives of the male population present in the country. In general, it is not a question of anything very nasty, but according to the days and the mood of the moment, you will receive the advances of your assailants with more or less humor and tolerance, and even in the case of contacts established under the cover of a purely disinterested friendship, you will hardly escape, in the end, a more or less admitted and sincere declaration. Nevertheless, as long as you can endure the constant solicitations from the male population (which is quite gallant), a single woman will often be helped and welcomed like anyone else, that is to say warmly. To assert yourself in front of your male counterparts, a determination stated with humor will often be enough, the best option remaining to explain that you are married, possibly that you have children. If the matter ever gets complicated, do not hesitate to call on a third party in the street who will be sure to help you. Of course, it is strongly recommended not to go out alone at night and to avoid walking around dressed in an indecent way. All these precautions are especially valid for young and unmarried women. Indeed, the mother is such a crucial and sacred institution in Africa that a mother, no matter where she comes from, will most of the time be respected, and sometimes even affectionately called Tantie

Time difference Ivory Coast

The entire territory of Côte d'Ivoire lives on GMT (Greenwich Mean Time); that is, when it is noon in Côte d'Ivoire, it is one hour later in France, Belgium or Switzerland, and two hours later when these countries are on daylight saving time (there is no time change in Africa).

Spoken languages Ivory Coast

Côte d'Ivoire offers great linguistic diversity, with no less than 70 languages, almost all of which belong to the large Niger-Congo family. There are 4 major language groups (Kwa, Gour, Krou and Mande), and some 17 languages that do not cross village or ethnic boundaries, spoken by 100,000 or more speakers. Dioula occupies a privileged position as the lingua franca of commerce among Ivorians. Although it is the mother tongue of only 15% of the population, it is reportedly used as a secondary language by seven million speakers. French is the official language of the state, the one taught in school; it is spoken by a large majority of Ivorians. However, in the countryside and in some villages, the local population prefers their own idiom and sometimes does not speak it at all. Nouchi, a modern urban development of "Moussa French", is a kind of popular Ivorian slang that originated in public transport stations and on the street. It is spoken mainly in large urban centers, particularly in Abidjan. A true "creolization of French", this expressive and colorful slang is a mixture of terms borrowed from French, Bambara and sometimes English, Spanish or other. Some dictionaries of vernacular languages are available in bookstores in Abidjan. As far as Nouchi is concerned, it evolves so quickly and is subject to so many variations that the best school is still the one of the street, of the popular circles, of some newspapers like Gbich ! and of the excellent nouchi.com

Communication Ivory Coast

To call. Outgoing calls are made by dialing 00 + country code + number (without the 0 beforehand for France), and to call Côte d'Ivoire from abroad, dial 00 225 or +225, followed by the full number. At the country level, each region has a specific code, which corresponds to the first two digits of the number. To call from Côte d'Ivoire to France, dial 0033 or +33, followed by the number of your correspondent without the 0. To call from France to Côte d'Ivoire, dial 00225 or +225, followed by the number of the correspondent in its entirety. The cell phone sector has been booming in Côte d'Ivoire for a few years now, with unbridled competition and a bidding war between operators in the race for rates, promotional and launch offers, advertising campaigns and integrated services. Buying a local chip is ideal for a stay in the country

Internet. It is possible to connect (with varying degrees of success depending on your location) almost anywhere in the country. Most of the major hotels in Abidjan have a business center with Internet access and the network is operational everywhere in the city, where there are many Wi-Fi zones. Cell phone operators also offer 3G/4G keys and modems with day, week or month plans and of course cell phone chips to recharge with phone and Internet data, the most convenient

Electricity and measurements Ivory Coast

The standard is 220 V, and the plugs are similar to French electrical connections. Some poorly supplied regions (in the east of the country) are occasionally subject to power cuts, and several localities have no power at all. The metric system is used in Côte d'Ivoire

Luggage Ivory Coast

In Côte d'Ivoire, it is hot all year round, with temperatures varying from 22°C (winter!) to 35°C.
It is therefore necessary to wear light clothes, preferably in cotton or natural material (avoid synthetic). Except for certain evenings if you really want to, the "itsi bitsi tini ouini, very small, small" shorts and skirts are not a necessity. Apart from the fact that they are not the most practical for travelling, they might get you into more trouble than anything else. We will therefore prefer Bermuda shorts, trousers or thin pants. Generally speaking, the looser and lighter the better, because in certain temperatures, even jeans can sometimes be unbearable. For the top, a few T-shirts or light tunics, tops and tank tops for women, and shirts or polo shirts for men will do the trick. Ivorians, without being excessively coquettish, are careful about their clothing and do not appreciate a disheveled look or clothes of questionable cleanliness, which will be interpreted as a lack of respect. If you are invited, it is therefore advisable to make an effort to dress up. For the evening, remember to bring a long-sleeved shirt or tee-shirt, or a light voile shawl, to wear when the night is cool (and also useful for protection against mosquitoes).

If you are going to Côte d'Ivoire during the rainy season (June to September), a windbreaker or rain poncho will be welcome, as well as a small sweater or woolen jacket. A pair of sandals and a pair of closed shoes like tennis shoes (or sneakers) for the evening (also effective against mosquitoes) or for walking through the high grass and bush tracks. As far as sandals and flip-flops are concerned, you will find a plethora of them on the spot, in a range as varied as the corresponding price range. A cotton or silk meat bag sheet. Useful if the cleanliness of the bedding is questionable, or for sleeping on a mat on the ground. A mosquito net can be very useful, as most hotels do not have one. Ditto: there is no shortage of them on site. A flashlight in case of power failure, if you travel inland. And a mosquito repellent for tropical areas is essential