BANKING

• ATMs are widely available in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in urban areas.
• Credit and debit cards are generally accepted at hotels, lodges, restaurants, and larger shops.
• Banking hours typically vary, but most banks are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

CURRENCY:

• Local currency: West African CFA franc.
• Symbol: F.CFA
• ISO code: XOF
• CFA banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 francs.
• CFA coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 francs.
• The West African CFA currency is also used by Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
• The currency is pegged with the Euro (€) at approx. CFA 655.957.

By AIR

• The Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), also known as Port Bouët Airport, is the main international airport located 16 km (10 mi) south east of Abidjan.
• There are also domestic flights between major cities.
• Search for flights here.

By ROAD

• Côte d’Ivoire has a network of paved roads, but the quality can vary, especially outside of major cities.
• Car rental is available, but driving conditions can be challenging.

By BUS & RAIL

• There are bus services connecting major cities in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Rail transport links Abidjan to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso along the north-south axis (about 1,200 km long). The express train is fast and the first class seats offer comfort.

By WATER

• Côte d’Ivoire has 566 km of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by a series of sandy beaches with opportunities for boat trips and water sports.
• Cruise ships typically dock at the Port of Abidjan, located in the city’s Treichville district.

Food and water safety:

• It is generally safe to drink bottled water in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Be cautious when eating street food, especially if it is not cooked thoroughly.

Local cuisine: 

• Ivorian cuisine is spicy and often includes root vegetables, maize, rice and peanuts eaten with chicken or fish.
• The national dish is fufu, boiled cassava and plantains.

Drinks: 

• Ivorians prefer wine over spirits especially with lunches and evening meals.
• Local drinks include bissap juice, tamarind juice, ginger juice, bandji, and koutoukou.
• Coffee and cocoa are locally grown.

Tipping: 

• Tipping is common in Côte d’Ivoire.
• It is customary to tip waiters, taxi drivers, and tour guides.
• 10% is usually added to the bill at restaurants.
• It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.

Seasons:

• The southern region of Cote d’Ivoire generally experiences four seasons.
• May to June brings heavy rains while shorter rains occur during August and September.
• A shorter dry season occurs during October to November and the main dry season occurring from December to April.

Climate and Weather:

• Cote d’Ivoire is located in the transition zone between the humid equatorial climate that characterizes the southern part of the country, and the dry tropical climate of the north.
• The country generally experiences average annual temperatures ranging from 24-28°C.

Best time to visit:

• December to April (dry season) is an ideal time to visit, as is August and September.
• If you’re on holiday from May to July, expect a lot of rain, especially in the north of the country.

Summer Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Ivory Coast’s hot and humid climate.
• Shorts, T-shirts, and dresses are suitable for casual wear.
• Wind breakers are advisable.

Winter Clothing:

• Winter clothing is not necessary in Côte d’Ivoire.

General:

• Ivorians are relatively relaxed about dress codes, but women should keep their shoulders covered and wear a skirt below the knees in the predominantly Muslim north

Internet Availability:

• Internet access is widely available in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in urban areas.
• Many hotels, lodges, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

• The standard voltage in Ghana is 220 volts.
• There are two associated plug types, types C and E.
• Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins.
• Plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin.