Côte d'Ivoire Travel Information

Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a vibrant and diverse country located in West Africa. With its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage, it offers visitors a wealth of experiences to explore. Here are the top 10 things to do in Côte d'Ivoire:

1. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, located in Yamoussoukro, is the largest Christian church in the world, and one of Côte d'Ivoire's most famous landmarks.

2. Explore Abidjan

Abidjan is Côte d'Ivoire's largest city and economic capital, and offers visitors a wealth of experiences to explore, from vibrant markets to stunning architecture.

3. Relax on the Beaches of Grand-Bassam

Grand-Bassam is a coastal town located just outside Abidjan, and is famous for its beautiful beaches, lively restaurants, and historic architecture.

4. Visit the Tai National Park

The Tai National Park is one of Côte d'Ivoire's largest national parks, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and antelopes.

5. Learn about the Culture at the Abidjan Museum of Civilizations

The Abidjan Museum of Civilizations is a fascinating museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Côte d'Ivoire, including traditional art, music, and crafts.

6. Explore the Artisanal Villages of Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire is home to a wide variety of artisanal villages, where visitors can watch traditional crafts being made, and purchase unique souvenirs.

7. Discover the Beaches of Assinie

Assinie is a coastal town located east of Abidjan, and is famous for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

8. Visit the Sacred Forest of the Bété

The Sacred Forest of the Bété, located near the town of Gagnoa, is a unique cultural experience, where visitors can learn about the traditional beliefs of the Bété people.

9. Taste the Local Cuisine

Côte d'Ivoire is famous for its delicious cuisine, which features a wide variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices.

10. Explore the Colonial Architecture of Grand Lahou

Grand Lahou is a historic town located on the coast, and is famous for its beautiful colonial architecture, including several well-preserved colonial mansions.

Climate

Côte d'Ivoire has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country has two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season.

The wet season runs from May to October, and is characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and cooler temperatures. The dry season runs from November to April, and is characterized by hot and dry weather, with little to no rainfall.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Côte d'Ivoire is during the dry season, from November to April. This is the most popular time for visitors, as the weather is hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine.

During the dry season, visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, such as visiting the beaches, exploring national parks, and experiencing the country's vibrant culture.

It is important to note that even during the dry season, Côte d'Ivoire can be hot and humid, particularly in coastal areas. Visitors should be prepared for high temperatures and take appropriate measures to protect themselves from the sun and heat.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Côte d'Ivoire has a large number of hotels, ranging from budget options to luxury 5-star hotels. Many of the larger hotels are located in the capital city of Abidjan, and offer a wide range of amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and fitness centers.

Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts

Guesthouses and bed & breakfasts are a popular choice for travelers who are looking for a more intimate and personalized experience. These options are often smaller and more affordable than hotels, and offer a more local and authentic experience.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are a great option for travelers who are looking for more space and privacy. Many of these options are located in residential areas, and offer a more immersive experience into local life.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, particularly those who are traveling solo or in a small group. Côte d'Ivoire has a few hostels located in major cities, such as Abidjan and Grand-Bassam.

Camping

For travelers who want to experience the great outdoors, camping is a viable option in Côte d'Ivoire. There are several campsites located throughout the country, particularly in national parks and along the coast.

Taxis

Taxis are a common form of transportation in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in urban areas. Taxis are usually not metered, so it is important to negotiate the price before getting in. Visitors should also be aware that taxis are often shared with other passengers.

Buses

Buses are a cheap and convenient option for long-distance travel in Côte d'Ivoire. Many of the buses are run by private companies, and offer both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options. It is important to note that buses can be crowded, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Car Rental

For visitors who want more flexibility and independence, car rental is an option in Côte d'Ivoire. Many of the major car rental companies have locations in the country, particularly in the capital city of Abidjan. Visitors should be aware that driving in Côte d'Ivoire can be challenging, particularly in urban areas.

Motorcycle Taxis

Motorcycle taxis, known as "zemidjans," are a popular form of transportation in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in urban areas. These taxis are often faster and more affordable than traditional taxis, but can also be riskier.

Trains

Côte d'Ivoire has a limited train network, but trains can be a comfortable and affordable option for long-distance travel. The trains are run by the national railway company, Sitarail, and offer both first-class and second-class options.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.