Welcome to Chad 😊

Quick Facts About Chad

Money and Finances

The official currency of Chad is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The coins in circulation are the 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 francs. The banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in some major towns and cities in Chad, but their network coverage is limited. It is advisable to carry enough cash while traveling to remote or rural areas where ATMs might not be accessible.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally not accepted in Chad, and even if accepted, their usage is very limited. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in the country, but they are only accepted at some hotels and major businesses in N'djamena. AMEX is rarely accepted and should not be relied upon.

Internet and Phones

Internet access in Chad is limited and slow, with an average download speed of 2 Mbps and upload speed of 1 Mbps. The government has been known to restrict access to social media and messaging apps during political unrest.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several telco companies in Chad, including Airtel, Tigo, and Salam. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively high compared to other countries, and there may be compatibility issues with some international sim cards.

Dialling to Chad

To call Chad from another country, dial +235 followed by the local phone number. The country is divided into four area codes for dialling within the country: 25 for N'Djamena, 22 for Abéché, 23 for Moundou, and 27 for Sarh.

Transport Around Chad

Air Travel

Chad has a few international airports, including N'Djamena International Airport and Abéché International Airport. These airports provide connections to destinations in Africa and Europe.

Train Travel

Chad has no inter-city train network available for tourists.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro or local train network in Chad.

Buses

Buses are the main mode of public transportation in Chad. Prices vary depending on the route and the operator, but expect to pay around 5,000-10,000 CFA francs for a long-distance journey. Travel times can be long due to poor road conditions.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies like Uber or Bolt do not operate in Chad. However, you can hire a taxi or negotiate a private ride with a local driver.

Driving by Car

Driving in Chad can be challenging due to poor road conditions and the lack of traffic lights and road signs. The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways. Chad uses right-hand drive, so make sure you are comfortable driving on the right side of the road.

Local Customs

In Chad, tipping is not common, but if you receive exceptional service, it is appropriate to give a small sum of money. Locals usually greet each other by shaking hands, and it is common to use titles such as 'Monsieur' and 'Madame' when addressing someone. It is also customary to address older people with the honorific 'Hajj' or 'Hajja'. When speaking with strangers, it is recommended to be respectful and avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion. Men and women generally do not address each other by first name unless they are close friends or family members.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in Chad is severely underfunded and understaffed, with limited access to medical resources. Private medical facilities tend to be expensive. It is recommended to obtain comprehensive health insurance before traveling to Chad. A visit to a doctor can cost between $20-50 USD.

COVID Situation

Chad has implemented travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines for travelers coming from countries with high rates of COVID-19. As of August 2021, Chad has reported a total of approximately 5,000 cases of the coronavirus, with a rate of about 0.04% of the population infected.

Common Health Risks

Chad is a high-risk country for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Travelers are advised to take preventative measures such as sleeping under mosquito nets and taking anti-malaria medication. Food and waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and hepatitis A, are also common in Chad due to poor sanitation and hygiene standards. It is recommended to only drink bottled or purified water and avoid street food.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is legal in Chad, but public intoxication is a criminal offense. However, in some regions of the country, Islamic law is practiced, and alcohol is prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Chad, and possession or sale of drugs can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Chad, pre-marital relationships are not legally recognized, and any sexual activity outside of marriage is considered a criminal offense. Sexual assault and rape are also criminal offenses.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Chad, and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination in society and by the legal system. There is a lack of legal protections or recognition of same-sex relationships.

Firearms / Guns

Chad has strict gun control laws, and individuals must receive a license from the government in order to own firearms. Possession of illegal firearms can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.