Welcome to Cote d'Ivoire 😊
Cote d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a coastal West African country with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its vibrant markets, delicious cuisine and beautiful beaches. Cote d'Ivoire offers a mix of modern and traditional experiences, with bustling cities such as Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, as well as rural villages that showcase local customs and traditions. The country is also home to several national parks, including Taï National Park and Comoé National Park, where visitors can see a variety of wildlife.
Quick Facts About Cote d'Ivoire
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- Population: 26,378,274
- Languages: French
Money and Finances
The currency of Cote d'Ivoire is West African CFA franc (XOF). The coins available are XOF 1, XOF 5, XOF 10, XOF 25, XOF 50, XOF 100, XOF 200 and notes available are XOF 500, XOF 1000, XOF 2000, XOF 5000, XOF 10000, XOF 20000 and XOF 50000.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in the major cities of Cote d'Ivoire, but they are not extensively available in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in big cities such as Abidjan, but may not be accepted in smaller towns.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted in most big cities and tourist areas in Cote d'Ivoire, but it is recommended to carry cash for smaller purchases. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted but American Express is less common.
Internet and Phones
In Cote d'Ivoire, the average internet download speed is around 17 Mbps, while the upload speed is around 6 Mbps. There is no known government interference in internet use in the country.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The telco companies operating in Cote d'Ivoire are Orange, MTN, and Moov. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around XOF 10,000 per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues in the country.
Dialling to Cote d'Ivoire
To call Cote d'Ivoire from another country, dial +225 followed by the local number. The area codes used when dialling within the country are 20 for Abidjan, 22 for Yamoussoukro and the surrounding area, 23 for San-Pedro and the surrounding area, and 25 for Bouaké and the surrounding area.
Transport Around Cote d'Ivoire
Air Travel
The major airports in Cote d'Ivoire are the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, the Côte d'Ivoire International Airport in Yamoussoukro and the San Pédro Airport in San Pédro.
Train Travel
Cote d'Ivoire does not have a well-developed inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no metro system in Cote d'Ivoire.
Buses
There are several bus companies in Cote d'Ivoire that operate inter-city and intra-city routes. The prices and journey times vary depending on the route. For example, a trip from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro can cost about 7,000 CFA francs and take approximately 3 hours.
Rideshare
There are several rideshare companies operating in Cote d'Ivoire, including Uber and Bolt. The average travel price depends on the distance of the journey and the traffic conditions.
Driving by Car
Driving in Cote d'Ivoire can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive driving. The speed limit is usually around 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways. Cote d'Ivoire uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Cote d'Ivoire, tipping is not a widely practiced custom. However, it is appreciated if you leave a small amount for exceptional service. Locals generally greet each other with a handshake, but women may also hug or kiss on the cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is common to ask about their well-being and family before getting down to business. Men and women typically address each other with respect and formality, using titles like 'Monsieur' or 'Madame'.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in Cote d'Ivoire is generally considered to be below international standards. Public healthcare facilities are often understaffed and lack resources. Private healthcare facilities may offer better quality care, but at a higher cost. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as costs for a visit to the doctor can range from $30 to $100.
COVID Situation
Cote d'Ivoire has reported a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases compared to other countries. As of August 2021, there have been over 50,000 confirmed cases and approximately 450 deaths. The government has implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including border closures, mask mandates, and restrictions on public gatherings.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a common risk in Cote d'Ivoire, especially during the rainy season (May to November). Other common health risks include typhoid fever, diarrheal illnesses, and dengue fever. It is important to take necessary precautions, such as taking anti-malarial medication, getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and using insect repellent.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Cote d'Ivoire, alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted. However, public intoxication and driving under the influence are strictly prohibited.
Recreational Drugs
Drug use, including recreational use of cannabis and party drugs, is illegal in Cote d'Ivoire and can result in severe legal consequences.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are not illegal in Cote d'Ivoire, but there are still some societal and cultural taboos surrounding the issue.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Cote d'Ivoire and can result in imprisonment. LGBTQ individuals are not protected by anti-discrimination laws, and violence and harassment against them are common.
Firearms / Guns
Firearms ownership in Cote d'Ivoire is highly regulated, and only those with a valid license are allowed to own guns. The penalty for illegal firearm possession is severe.