Abidjan Travel Information

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round pin attachment plugs or round pin plugs and receptacles with male grounding pin.

Language

The official language of Ivory Coast is French but more than 60 native dialects are spoken.

Tipping

A service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills in Ivory Coast. Where it is not, a tip of 10-15% is acceptable. Taxi drivers usually expect 10%.

Safety Information

Since the highly-contested elections earlier in 2011, the political situation in Ivory Coast is volatile and demonstrations can occur unexpectedly between supporters of the rival presidential candidates. Take care in public places and avoid crowds. Most governments advise against unnecessary travel to the Ivory Coast at present due to the potential for unpredictable unrest. If, despite this advice visitors decide to travel to the Ivory Coast, careful personal security arrangements should be made due to high levels of anti-western sentiment. Violent crime is on the increase, including armed break-ins, car jackings, muggings and hold-ups in restaurants. Evening rush hour on Abidjan's Charles de Gaulle Bridge is particularly dangerous. Visitors should be meticulous in respecting the numerous army and police roadblocks. Police and security forces can be excitable and undisciplined. Particular care should be taken in the north and west of the country, where there have been frequent clashes. All travel to the 18 Montagnes and Moyen Cavally regions should be avoided. In the area between Du?©kou?© and Odienne, armed elements are often under the influence of drink or drugs, which makes them particularly unpredictable. Be aware of con-men and touts when arriving at Abidjan airport. The bridges crossing the lagoon in Abidjan should be avoided by those on foot. Taxis, except for metered orange taxis in Abidjan, are risky and often unroadworthy. Buses are overcrowded and best avoided. Sea bathing is dangerous as strong sea currents are present, and drownings are common.

Local Customs

Photographing military or government installations is forbidden in Ivory Coast. Homosexuality is illegal. Dress is conservative for men and women. Shorts, tight clothing and strapless tops are frowned upon anywhere except on the beach.

Business

Business in the Ivory Coast is fairly formal with punctuality a must, though more casual cotton suits are acceptable attire. Business is often conducted in French, but translators are readily available. Greeting and acknowledging each person present with a handshake is important. Business hours are usually from 7.30am to 12pm, and 2.30pm to 6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.

Communications

The country code for Ivory Coast is +225. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not required and all numbers have eight digits. GSM 900 networks provide mobile cellular coverage around the main towns and cities, and there are roaming agreements with most international networks. International Direct Dialling is available. There are Internet cafes in Abidjan.

Duty Free

Travellers to the Ivory Coast do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco; one bottle of wine and one of spirits; 500ml eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume. A video camera may be imported (for personal use only) and must be declared on arrival; a deposit must be paid which will be refunded on departure. Currency should be declared.